Take 5 with Spitfire Grill Director Ilyse Robbins

Ilyse Robbins is an Elliot Norton Award-winning Director and Choreographer who will be returning to The Umbrella this month with our new musical production, The Spitfire Grill. Robbins also directed and choreographed last season's rock musical, LIZZIE. 

Ilyse “took 5” with us during a busy holiday and rehearsal weekend to share her enthusiasm about the new show, which opens in previews April 25 and runs through May 18.

TUA: What's appealing to you about the narrative and emotional life of The Spitfire Grill?

I love that Spitfire is messy. Nobody is perfect. Everyone in the show has made mistakes. Everyone has room to grow. People learn to appreciate and respect themselves at the same time that they learn to care about and for others. As Janie said -- they are all pieces of an unfinished puzzle. And by the end, I'm not sure the puzzle is put together perfectly. But it is more whole than it was when we began. 

TUA:

At the heart of the musical is three women from different generations. In particular, our main character is one young woman new to a town that may not be welcoming to her. What does (the fictional town of) Gilead, Wisconsin signify to you?

Gilead represents hope and home for me. I think it is actually much more than those women helping Percy. Percy helps them. She helps Shelby find her strength in her marriage. She helps Hannah mend her relationship with her son. It is so reciprocal. 

TUA: Last time you brought the Umbrella a searing rock musical, Lizzie. How are you approaching this very different flavor of Americana musical?

This musical feels much more like a play than a musical. Each song is a scene that furthers the plot. We have done so much more table work, scene work, and character work during this process. Lizzie also had intense character work, but we were much more focused on the music. 

TUA: What is it about this musical that makes something audiences will appreciate seeing now?

I think we all need a little hope and redemption right now. This slice of life piece lets us see how these people navigate life in such a beautiful way. It is a reassurance of humanity. 

TUA: You have assembled a design dream team for this show! Tell us about what you want to achieve with the design.

Yes, these designers are incredible. We looked at making this somewhat realistic yet not. Unfinished. A little magical.

TUA: Who will love The Spitfire Grill?

Everyone. It's a piece to see with your family and the family that you have created. People you want to share hope and joy with. And for individuals who feel a little lost and need to find hope.

READ MORE ABOUT THE SPITFIRE GRILL

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