Synopsis
Based on Lee David Zlotoff’s film of the same name, The Spitfire Grill is a story of hope set to a melodic and folk-inspired score. Percy, who has just been released from prison, arrives in the decaying town of Gilead looking for a fresh start. Hannah, owner of the eponymous Spitfire Grill, reluctantly gives Percy a job; the townspeople are even less willing to accept Percy into their community. When Hannah breaks her leg, however, Percy and a local woman – Shelby – manage the Grill. As a friendship kindles between the two women, they also devise a plan to help Hannah sell the Grill with an essay contest. Percy begins to soften the hardened hearts of Gilead, including Hannah, and her contest instills new life in them when essays begin pouring in from people longing to come to Gilead. The Spitfire Grill is a joyous celebration of rebirth and forgiveness.
Casting Breakdown: 4F, 3M, plus 3-4 ENSEMBLE
PERCY TALBOTT
Female, 21, Any Ethnicity – Strong folk/country belt to D5; some head voice required
Freshly paroled waitress at the Grill. Pretty, if a bit rough-edged, her face declares the strength of her youth and a sadness beyond her years. Her accent has a southern Appalachian cadence.
HANNAH FERGUSON
Female, Early 70s, Any Ethnicity – Mezzo/Alto with strong chest voice
Owner of the Spitfire Grill. A gray-haired flinty woman with a toughness that belies her years and a short, no-nonsense manner bordering on the bitter.
SHELBY THORPE
Female, Mid-30s, Any Ethnicity – Shimmering folk Soprano with a strong high belt to D5
Local Gilead woman. Plain, soft-faced with a shy, almost ethereal manner.
CALEB THORPE
Male, Early 40s, Any Ethnicity – Fervid, solid folk/rock voice to G4
Shelby’s husband. Out-of-work foreman of the stone quarry. Earnest but frustrated working man clinging to a past he’s unable to recreate.
SHERIFF JOE SUTTER
Male, Mid-Late-20s, Any Ethnicity – Strong folk Tenor to G4 (opt. A4)
A young small-town policeman with restless intensity and a deep undercurrent of regret for unfulfilled dreams. Also, Percy’s parole officer.
EFFY KRAYNECK
Female, 50s, Any Ethnicity – Solid Mezzo/Alto; carries close harmony
Postmistress and busybody. A woman whose prying eyes and sharp tongue serve as a protective shield for a lonely life.
THE VISITOR
Male, Mid-40s, Any Ethnicity – Does not sing onstage but may sing with Ensemble
A mysterious figure who never speaks. An actor with powerful eyes and very strong sense of his body. Doubles as Ensemble when possible.
ENSEMBLE
Mixed Genders, Mixed Ages, Any Ethnicities – Mixed Vocal Types
Various townspeople who live simple but worthwhile lives in Gilead. They appear in a few scenes, provide vocal support to some numbers, and may help with some set changes.
If you are unable to attend auditions in person, you may submit a filmed audition with the same song requirements.
For questions or more information, contact the director at stabor@edgewood.edu.
