Review for The Spitfire Grill-
We finally made it to the Legacy Theatre to see The Spitfire Grill! No matter that it was the final performance on Sunday afternoon, it was as energetic and professional as any opening night.
Once again, Artistic Director Mark Smith, delivered a top-notch production of a little known musical that had a short run off Broadway and closed right after the events of September 11. Fortunately for the audience, Mark brought it South for its Regional Premier. It needs to be seen by audiences across the country!
The Spitfire Grill is a musical that reminds us of the power of love, grace and hope. It inspires us to remember the power that these offer to us in our daily lives. It does it with an entertaining musical score and book by Fred Alley and James Valcq. However, it's anything but "preachy." It is pure entertainment staged by yet another outstanding cast - the kind we have come to expect at every Legacy Theatre production.
I'm one that is intrigued by the imagination of set and lighting designers. Nate Tomscheck did an amazing job! From the revolving set that conveyed what it needed to without overpowering the actors to the creative lighting design that brought another level of professionalism to the Legacy, he demonstrated talent that would be the envy of any professional theater.
Speaking of talent, you can't do better than Amanda Bridgette who played the lead role of Percy Talbot. Amanda has had years of experience in theater and brought it home to us with an amazing performance. What a pleasure to listen to her tell a story through song!
Local resident Wendy Fulton-Adams in the role of the sometimes loud and abusive owner of The Spitfire Grill, Hannah Ferguson showed that she is a talented actor as well as a vocalist. By the end of the show, she let us know what love, hope and grace really means. Wendy carried the message of the show perfectly.
Mike Parker as Sheriff Joe Sutter was awesome! Another great voice that needs to be heard more.
Dustin Lewis is one of our favorite regulars in Legacy productions. I've yet to see him in a role that he didn't pull off totally. He brings over 15 years of professional experience to the Legacy and it shows every time he is on stage. His portrayal of Caleb was no exception.
Amy Bridges was a hoot as Effy Krayneck - the local busy-body and nosey neighbor. Amy had the job to bring some humor into what is essentially a musical that centers on the darker aspects in life. She did it beautifully!
Lamar Payne as The Visitor made his Legacy debut with this production. We've seen him at the Newnan Theatre Company in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. We hope he'll be back for another production. He is an outstanding actor and deserves to be seen.
Last, but far from least is Bethany Hayes-Smith. Bethany portrayed Shelby Thorpe in this show, a role with several great songs and some good dialogue, bur definitely not the lead. Over the past two seasons, Bethany has done an amazing job with the Legacy Theater. She is talented beyond her years and always gives 110% to everything she does. It's a testament to this outstanding theater that roles are assigned based on who can portray them the best. Bethany and Mark may have founded the Legacy, built it practically with their own hands, she may be married to the Artistic Director and he may be "the boss" in many ways - but they are truly a professional team who realizes that "the play's the thing." With those credentials one might by tempted to grab the lead in every production for themselves. Not Mark or Bethany - they have the integrity to keep the Legacy Theatre on track by bringing the very best actors they can find to every production.The Spitfire Grill was another one of those shows, one we have come to expect for sheer professionalism.
Our Legacy Theatre is worthy of our support as an audience, sponsor and especially as Season Ticket Holders. It doesn't get better than this!
By Andre DeLorenzo