The Spitfire Grill, now on stage at the Kanata Theatre, opens to an impressive two-storey set that immediately draws the audience in. With a six-piece live ensemble and a snow-dusted small-town backdrop, we’re transported to the remote hamlet of Gilead, Wisconsin. Where? You might ask. Exactly — the middle of nowhere.
Percy (Gillian Doiron) has just been released from prison after serving a five-year sentence. Seeking a fresh start, she arrives in Gilead and takes a job at the Spitfire Grill, working for its battle-worn owner, Hannah (Maureen Quinn McGovern), a woman with a chip on her shoulder and the people skills of a prison guard.
Hannah isn’t the only one with attitude in town. Her fiery spirit matches the symbolism of a Spitfire itself, while her nephew Caleb (Shawn Batten) harbours his own simmering resentment. Since losing his job when the local quarry closed, his pride has taken a hit, and his bitterness shows. He “helps” his aunt manage the struggling diner, though his heart clearly isn’t in it.
His wife Shelby (Shannon MacDonald) offers a gentle counterbalance — a sweet, capable young woman quietly yearning for dignity and self-worth within a controlling marriage. Adding comic spark and small-town gossip to the mix is Effy (Julie Heath), the local postmaster with her nose firmly planted in everyone’s business — a character who perfectly embodies the small-town tendency to resist change and cling to the familiar.
Rounding out the ensemble is Sheriff Joe Sutter (Ryan Mendoza), who brings a touch of folksy charm while grappling with the small-town reality of dwindling opportunities and a steady exodus of young people.
The acting throughout is strong, with genuine chemistry and believable relationships. But it’s the music, beautifully performed and full of feeling, that delivers the show’s most powerful punch. The songs reveal the hearts and histories of Gilead’s residents, a mix of longing, regret, and hope that resonates deeply.
ABOVE:(Left to right) Percy, Shelby, Sheriff Joe Sutter, and Hannah share a moment of newfound hope. RIGHT: Shelby and Hannah embody the spirit of renewal and positive change taking hold in both the town and their own lives. Photos: Maria Vartanova
Doiron’s vocals as Percy are exceptional — Broadway calibre — while McGovern’s gravelly tone, reminiscent of an ageing Johnny Cash, adds grit and authenticity to Hannah’s weary resilience. MacDonald, Heath, and Mendoza all deliver confident, well-rounded performances, and Batten impresses in his debut role.
Under the direction of Clare Flockton, with musical direction by John McGovern, The Spitfire Grill is performed with heart, soul, and a whole lot of talent. The inclusion of a live ensemble is a rare treat that elevates the entire production.
Set design by Dean Flockton is both charming and ingenious, cleverly maximizing the stage and delighting the audience with its thoughtful details.
Altogether, The Spitfire Grill is a thoroughly enjoyable, high-calibre community theatre production: heartfelt, uplifting, and beautifully staged. It runs Wednesdays through Sundays until Saturday, November 15, at the Ron Maslin Playhouse in Kanata.
Tickets are $30 for adults, with discounts for seniors and members of the armed forces. The best deal, though, is their four-play subscription at just $84.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit kanatatheatre.ca
ABOVE:(Left to right) Percy and Sheriff Joe during a quiet moment. RIGHT: Percy serves coffee to Effy and two other townsfolk who are less than welcoming toward the new help at the Spitfire Grill.
