FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         Contact: Doug Hughes
                                                               408-476-2267
                                                               doug.hughes@southbaymt.com
 
SOUTH BAY MUSICAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES 
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR
THE SPITFIRE GRILL
a musical by Fred Alley and James Valcq
Based on the movie by Lee David Zlotoff

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 18, 2023
 
(December 21, 2022 – Saratoga, CA) South Bay Musical Theatre (SBMT) is pleased to announce the complete cast and creative team for The Spitfire Grill, with music by Fred Alley and James Valcq, based on the movie by Lee David Zlotoff. The Spitfire Grill is directed and choreographed by SBMT Executive Artistic Director Sara K. Dean, with music and vocal direction by Debra Lambert. Performances run January 28, 2023 - February 18, 2023 at the Saratoga Civic Theater (13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070), with a press opening on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Those attending opening night are invited to a champagne reception following the performance. Evening performances start at 8 p.m. while matinees (Sundays and the closing Saturday) start at 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $25 - $55. There are $2 discounts for seniors, 65 and older, and $25 tickets for students and children. Tickets may be purchased online at www.SouthBayMT.com or by calling 408-266-4734.

“The uplifting story of The Spitfire Grill is told seamlessly through music and dance, creating an emotional connection to lives onstage,” said Executive Artistic Director Sara K. Dean. “Spitfire celebrates the importance of friendships, connections, forgiveness, and healing. The show reminds us that we are not alone.”

The Spitfire Grill opened off-Broadway in 2001 and received the Richard Rodgers Award for new musicals. It premiered at Playwrights Horizons while the country was recovering from the 9/11 attacks and was praised for powerful messages of hope and acceptance. The story focuses on Percy Talbott, a troubled woman looking for a fresh start. She finds herself in rural Gilead, Wisconsin, working at The Spitfire Grill. Through determination, grit, and remaining open to possibilities, Percy revitalizes the grill and, in turn, the community. The soaring score features several unforgettable songs like “Come Alive Again,” “Colors of Paradise,” “Ice & Snow,” “Wild Bird,” and “Shine.”

This unique and rarely performed musical launches SBMT’s 60th Anniversary Season and will be paired with Singin’ in the Rain, which opens in May of 2023. Rounding out the 2023-2024 season will be SBMT’s anniversary concert, “Welcome to the Sixties” on April 22, 2023. 

The Spitfire Grill cast features Kate Matheson as “Percy,” Juliet Green as “Hannah,” Laura Barragán as “Shelby,” Charles Anthony as “Joe,” Zack Goller as “Caleb,” Tomás-Julian Eredia as “The Visitor,” and Mary Melnick as “Effy.”  Allyson Dudzinski, Corinna Laskin, Cordelia Larsen, Jackson Paddock, Carmela Catoc, Gloria Garcia Stanley, Hannah Cole, and Joseph Cloward will portray the ensemble and understudies.  

In addition to Ms. Dean and Ms. Lambert, the creative team for The Spitfire Grill includes:  Carla McCreight (Stage Manager), Christopher Morton (Production Manager), Lisa Rozman (Costume Designer), Melissa Jones (Hair & Makeup Designer), Ed Hunter (Lighting Designer), Michael Johnson and Jay Steele (Props Designers), Dan Singletary (Sound Designer), Richard Cartwright (Set Designer), Chris Beer (Technical Director), Lysander Abadia (Casting Consultant), Doug Hughes (Marketing Director), and Brett Carlson (Scenic Artist).

About South Bay Musical Theatre

South Bay Musical Theatre was founded in 1963 and is now in its 60th year of entertaining Bay Area audiences as a non-profit organization. For more information or to obtain tickets online, visit their website at www.SouthBayMT.com.	 		 			

IMPORTANT COVID SAFETY UPDATE				

At this moment, all patrons must wear masks at all times inside the venue and outside when in close proximity to others. For more information about SBMT’s protocols for keeping audiences, performers, and volunteers safe, please visit SouthBayMT.com/covid.

All performances and safety requirements are subject to change based on state and local health and safety mandates. Please visit SBMT’s website for up-to-date information.

ATTENTION EDITORS: Downloadable high-resolution publicity photos, suitable for publication, will be available on SBMT's "PRESS" page at www.SouthBayMT.com/about-sbmt/press/. All photos are by Dave Lepori.

FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:

WHAT: South Bay Musical Theatre presents The Spitfire Grill, an American musical by Fred Alley and James Valcq.

WHEN:  January 28 - February 18, 2023 (press opening on Sat. Jan 28 at 8 p.m.)  
Fridays and Saturdays (and Thursday, February 16) at 8 pm.; Sundays (and closing Saturday, February 18) at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070

RUNNING TIME: The Spitfire Grill runs 2 hours and 15 mins, including one intermission.
  
TICKETS:  ($25-$55) may be purchased online at www.SouthBayMT.com or by calling 408-266-4734.

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