REVIEW: The Spitfire Grill at Village Theatre KIDSTAGE

Last Saturday, I saw the matinee performance of the first student production that the Village Theatre in Issaquah has put on so far this summer. It was called The Spitfire Grill, and was presented as part of Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE's Summer Independent program. "Summer Independent" means that the entire show was produced, designed, and directed by young artists ages 20 and under. Professional mentorship was provided by Village Theatre artists and staff, including Kathryn Van Meter, R.J. Tancioco, Kristin Culp, Brian Healy, Jessi Wasson, Jim Henderson, and Skyline High School.

The Spitfire Grill is the story of a young woman named Percy, and her journey as she rejoins the human race after 5 years in prison. To start anew, she travels to the little town of Gilead, Wisconsin, and is employed at the only restaurant in the area: The Spitfire Grill. What ensues is a story of community, love, and renewal.

The cast was amazing. This production starred Eliza Palasz as Percy Talbott, Heather Nobis as Shelby Thorpe, Julia Bicknell as Hannah Ferguson, Danny Kam as Caleb Thorpe, Colin Hartman as Sheriff Joe Sutter, Rachael McLachlan as Effy Krayneck, and John McDevitt as The Visitor. The extremely strong ensemble included Daniel Arteaga, Rachel Beck, Jim Blackett, Sawyer Mittelstaedt, Kendyl Morris, Sarah Oates, Cassie Smith, and Ellen Washburn. Everyone was talented and committed on stage, but I'd like to give a special shout-out to Julia, Rachael, Kendyl, Cassie, and Sawyer, my fellow Last Exit castmembers!

I thought that Justine Stillwell did an excellent job of directing this piece, and I really loved the set. It was detailed enough that you could picture the Grill accurately, but not too elaborate - a very delicate balance when it came to this show. The music was soulful and hummable, and the storyline was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Overall, I had a very good time!

As you read this blog, if you live in the Issaquah/Sammamish/Seattle/Bellevue/Kirkland/Mercer Island/basically anywhere in that area, you should buy tickets NOW by calling the box office at (425) 392-2202. The last performances are THIS WEEK people, so make sure you get tickets for the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening shows, or the Saturday and Sunday matinees. You won't regret it, and it'll be the perfect addition to your summer! =D