Lyric Theatre Presents The Spitfire Grill

Taylor University’s Lyric Theatre is presenting Fred Alley and James Valcq’s musical The Spitfire Grill this weekend in the Butz-Carruth Recital Hall. Performances will be at 7:30 pm on February 2 and 3, and 2 pm on February 4.

The Spitfire Grill tells the story of an outsider struggling to find her place in a rural Wisconsin town, as she and some townspeople find reconciliation and hope they did not know was possible.

“Each character must struggle to learn to look for grace, both to give and receive it,” said Dr. Conor Angell, director and professor of Music at Taylor. “They struggle with their tendencies to reject or withhold grace, and with others’ tendencies to reject or withhold grace.”

The musical explores the renewal and healing of individuals and their communities in the style of a folk tale elevated by Appalachian bluegrass music. It premiered Off-Broadway in 2001 and has been produced over 700 times around the world. The lush score by James Valcq is a mixture of country, bluegrass, and Broadway-style ballads.

Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase at the door or in advance at the Music Office by calling 765-998-5232.

The Lyric Theatre produces a musical every year at the beginning of spring semester as part of the Music, Theatre, and Dance Department. These shows feature students pursuing majors in Musical Theatre, Music, and Theatre Arts, working toward mastery in their performance skills.