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TICKETS SOON TO BE ON SALE FOR THE SPITFIRE GRILL
A Heartwarming Musical About Redemption and Second Chances
In October, the Middlebury Community Players will present The Spitfire Grill, the acclaimed musical by James Valcq (music and book) and Fred Alley (book and lyrics) at the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.
This powerful and uplifting musical tells the story of Percy Talbott, a young woman seeking a fresh start after being released from prison. When she arrives in the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin, to work at Hannah Ferguson's Spitfire Grill, her presence sparks change that transforms the entire community. With its soaring folk-inspired score and deeply moving story of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of human kindness, The Spitfire Grill has captivated audiences across the country since its premiere.
"This beautiful story reminds us all of the transformative power of second chances and the importance of community," says Director Kristen Ginsburg. "Our talented cast brings extraordinary depth and emotion to these complex characters, and audiences will leave the theater both moved and inspired."
The production features an exceptional local cast including Alina Donaldson as Percy Talbott, Suzanna Miller as Hannah Ferguson, Eileen Sears as Shelby Thorpe, Jessica Allen as Effy Krayneck, Finn Yarbrough as Caleb Thorpe, Ethan DeWitt as Joe Sutter, and Tom McElhaney as The Visitor/Eli.
The creative team includes Kristen Ginsburg (Director), David Harcourt (Music Director), Samantha Ryan (Choreographer), Skylar Franklin (Stage Manager), Emily Thurber (Assistant Stage Manager), and Jon Fenner (Producer).
Based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff, The Spitfire Grill won the Richard Rodgers Production Award and received Best Musical nominations from the Outer Critics Circle and Drama League. The intimate musical features gorgeous melodies ranging from folk-inspired ballads to rousing ensemble numbers that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.
Tickets will be available through the Town Hall Theater Box Office soon.
THE SPITFIRE GRILL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
Keep an eye on the show page for upcoming photos and more details.
MCP Scholarships
We are pleased to announce that, once again in 2025, we have awarded a number of $1,000 scholarships to students who have graduated from high school within the last two years and who plan to attend college.
This year’s winners are:
MaryBeth Cosgrove
Vergennes Union High School, 2025
Russell Sage College
Anticipated Major: Theater
Ella Kozak
Middlebury Union High School, 2025
University of Toronto
Anticipated Major: Life Sciences
Benjamin Torres
Middlebury Union High School, 2024
Skidmore College
Anticipated Major: Theater
For a list of prior recipients, see the Scholarships page.
Our Most Recent Production
Morning’s at Seven, a Comedy by Paul Osborn.
The Middlebury Community Players’ production of Paul Osborn’s warm and heartfelt comedy Morning’s at Seven at Town Hall Theater took place at Middlebury’ Town Hall Theater February 20—23, 2025. This Tony Award-winning classic focuses on the four aging Gibbs sisters and their husbands living a stone’s throw away from each other in a small midwestern town in 1928 and the reactions within the family when 40-year-old Homer announces he’s finally going to marry his girlfriend of the last 12 years and move out. Long-simmering resentments, rivalries, betrayals, misunderstandings, and familial bickering ensue. A charming, heartfelt comedy by Paul Osborn
More details on the show page!
“Absolutely entrancing. See this lovely play!”
“An absolute charmer. You will laugh out loud!”
Photo by David Devine

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