When Percy Talbott arrives in the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin, hoping to leave her troubled past behind, she finds an unexpected opportunity at the local Spitfire Grill. What begins as a chance for a fresh start gradually transforms into a moving story of friendship, forgiveness, and second chances. Filled with heartfelt characters and an unforgettable folk-inspired score, The Spitfire Grill has become one of musical theatre’s most beloved contemporary works.
From July 10 to August 2, Cabrillo Playhouse brings this uplifting musical to life with a talented cast whose performances promise to capture both the humor and emotional depth that have made the show a favorite with audiences around the world.
Leading the cast is Mimi Franks as Percy Talbott, a young woman determined to build a new future despite the burdens of her past. Following an impressive Cabrillo debut as Julia in The Birds, Franks returns to the Playhouse after earning a BFA in Music Theatre from AMDA Los Angeles, bringing both warmth and vulnerability to the production.
Opposite Franks is Mary Grant as Hannah Ferguson, the resilient owner of the Spitfire Grill whose quiet strength becomes central to Percy’s journey. Grant returns to the Cabrillo stage after appearing as Esther Simowitz in last season’s Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, bringing both experience and heart to one of the musical’s most touching roles.
As Shelby Thorpe, Mikayla Thomas-Turner makes her Cabrillo Playhouse debut while pursuing a BFA in Music Theatre at UC Irvine. Shelby’s own search for purpose and independence intertwines with Percy’s arrival, creating one of the show’s most compelling friendships.
The town’s residents are brought vividly to life by an accomplished supporting cast. Sam Murie makes his Cabrillo debut as Caleb, following recent performances at Westminster Community Playhouse and a decade entertaining audiences as part of Turtle Talk with Crush at Disney California Adventure. Ramy Alhawari returns to Cabrillo as Joe after appearing as Henry in Next to Normal, while recent roles in Legally Blonde, Into the Woods, and Something Rotten showcase his versatility on stage.
Rounding out the company are Kathy Villanueva as the spirited Effy and Jae LaRosa as The Visitor. Villanueva returns for her third Cabrillo production following memorable performances in Company and Next to Normal, among many favorite roles throughout Southern California. LaRosa, a CSUF graduate in directing and playwriting, is already familiar to Cabrillo audiences through standout performances in The Birds, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Much Ado About Nothing.
Guiding the production is director Ella Wyatt, whose more than two decades of directing and teaching experience have made her a familiar name throughout Orange County theatre. Assisted by Sophie Matossian, who appeared at Cabrillo earlier this season with Company, Wyatt has assembled a cast she believes perfectly captures the heart of this remarkable musical.
For Wyatt, The Spitfire Grill is ultimately a story about grace. “At its core, The Spitfire Grill is a story of forgiveness, not only of others, but also of ourselves,” she says. “The characters in this show are real, flawed people… and throughout the course of the show, they learn that despite their pasts they still deserve happiness.” Combined with a beautiful live score and, as Wyatt describes it, “some of the most incredible voices I’ve heard in a long time,” audiences can expect an evening that is both emotionally moving and deeply uplifting.
Join us July 10 through August 2 and discover why The Spitfire Grill continues to touch audiences with its message of hope, healing, and the extraordinary power of community.