The Spitfire Grill

Music and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley
Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff
Directed by Ilyse Robbins
Apr 25 - May 18
Main Stage Theater 144
A heartwarming musical that lifts up the beauty in second chances and the transformative nature of friendship.
Percy Talbott is a spirited young woman seeking redemption. But in the small town of Gilead, she finds so much more. Based on the beloved film that took home the Audience Award at The Sundance Film Festival, the musical's rich score is marked by Americana folk rhythms, soaring melodies, and irresistable charm. It reminds us all about the resilience of the human spirit, the magic of new beginnings, and the power of community.
"...soul-satisfying...freeing...penetrated by honesty and it glows." - The New York Times
"Soulful...the amiable country-flavored tunes and lyrics are rendered with the kind of conviction and expertise that make them transcendent...sheer nourishment." - New York Magazine
UPCOMING SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS
— Dinner And A Show Thursday Night Out Packages! - Thursdays in Concord are now a fun and easy entertainment Date Night thanks to optional pre-show dinners here at The Umbrella provided by Nosh restaurant and the Concord Market! Coming straight from work? Park free at The Umbrella, then take a load off and enjoy a delicious catered dinner, pick up beverage at concessions, and explore our free art galleries at your ease until it’s time for curtain! Available Thursday May 1, May 8, May 15 DINNER OPTIONS COMING SOON
— Friday, May 2 - Post-show Talkback
— Sunday, May 4, 2025 5:30PM - Kid-Care Performance - The Umbrella is pleased to offer our Kid-Care Show Program, giving parents and caregivers an opportunity to attend select performances while their child(ren) engage in art activities inspired by the production. This program aims to provide better access to arts and culture events and create a shared experience opportunity for families. Spaces are limited and can be reserved here at same time as making your ticket purchases.
— Thursday, May 8 - Post-show Talkback
About The Director
Ilyse Robbins is an award-winning Director and Choreographer whose recent projects include last season's Lizzie at The Umbrella; Assassins (Lyric Stage), Tell Me on a Sunday and Cabaret (Peterborough Players); Beehive and Little Women (GBSC); Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Front Porch, Nora @ CST, GBSC: Elliot Norton Award-Outstanding Musical Production). Ilyse directed/choreographed All is Calm at GBSC (Elliot Norton Award - Outstanding Musical Production). Her original choreography for the World Premiere of Swan Lake in Blue: A Jazz Ballet at GBSC won the Elliot Norton Award-Outstanding Choreography and she directed the award-winning Move on the Cha-Chas at United Solo Festival NYC. Ilyse is a teacher, coach, and writer. She holds a BS in Communication/Theater from Northwestern, theater certification from BADA and an Ed.M. from Harvard. Upcoming projects: Rocky Horror (Central Square), Mr. Popper’s Penguins (WFT). Ilyse is a proud Member of SDC. www.ilyserobbins.com
Cast
Percy Talbott...Liza Giangrande
Hannah Ferguson...Kerry A. Dowling*
Shelby Thorpe...Shonna McEachern*
Caleb Thorpe...Anthony Pires Jr.*
Sheriff Joe Sutter...Sean Donnelly
Effy Krayneck...Catherine Lee Christie
The Visitor (U/S Caleb)...Cristhian Mancinas-García
U/S Percy / Shelby...Kara Chu Nelson
U/S Sheriff and Visitor...John Breen
Staff
Producer...Brian Boruta
Director / Choreographer...Ilyse Robbins
Music Director...Lea Peterson
Stage Manager...Shauwna Dias Grillo*
Assistant Stage Manager...Leanna Niesen
Lighting Designer...Karen Perlow
Sound Designer...Alex Berg
Scenic Designer...Janie E. Howland
Costume Designer...Kelly Baker
Properties/Set Dressing Designer...Julia Wonkka
Stage Crew...Zoe Pepin
Audio Op...Chris Brousseau
Wardrobe Supervisor...Tree Brock
Scenic Design Assistant...Sarabeth Spector
Scenic Charge...Page Evett
Executive Director, The Umbrella Arts Center...Eileen Williston
EDI Consultant...Kira Troilo
EDI Assistant...Ariel Welch
Company Manager...Cathie Regan