HCAC: Spitfire Grill

[Editor]

Rarely seen musical 'Spitfire Grill' opens in Hackensack Friday
October 29, 2014    Last updated: Wednesday, October 29, 2014, 1:21 AM
By JIM BECKERMAN
STAFF WRITER
The Record

WHAT: "Spitfire Grill."
WHEN: Friday to Nov. 16. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Hackensack Cultural Arts Center, 39 Broadway, Hackensack; 201-692-0200 or go-tnt.org.
HOW MUCH: $18; students and seniors $15.

A certain writer was once described as "very well known, to the people who know him."

"Spitfire Grill" is the theatrical equivalent.

This musical by Fred Alley (lyrics) and James Valcq (music), based on the cult 1996 film, may not be a household name like "Wicked." But the people who love it, like Maywood's Greg Liosi, are very, very passionate about it.

- See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/theater/how-to-sell-one-rundown-diner-1.1120621?page=all#sthash.XVJO46Il.dpuf

[itsmetoo]

How about hosting the Rocky Horror Picture show on occasion?

[Editor]

Review: Spitfire Grill at Teaneck New Theatre
http://www.newjerseystage.com/articles/getarticle.php?ID=4209
By Jon Ciccarelli

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Starting over is a pretty common theme in many staples of pop culture. The idea of having to pick up the pieces of your life after a tragedy or a dramatic event is one that every person can relate to. This process though can be overshadowed by lamenting over what the people involved have lost and not dealing with the trauma can stop them from moving on. Teaneck New Theatre's production of the musical "The Spitfire Grill" now running through November 16 at the Hackensack Arts Center delves into the theme of moving on from a nostalgic past and accepting yourself and your new life, warts and all.

...

Director Greg Liosi has assembled a cast that fits their characters very well and who also have tremendous chops when it comes to showcasing their various songs. Each member is really a stand out in their own part. Madison Washer and Kate Espada as Percy and Shelby were the funny and poignant heart and soul of the piece sharing their desires and regrets with both humor and gusto and it was equally countered by Laura Iacometta's Hannah who ranged from crabby boss to lamenting mother. Erica Kresch's Effy was hysterical as the town gossip and busy body but never making the character annoying or grating. Each woman's role is really drawn out and was a nice change from the stereotypical ingénues that live in many musicals showcasing a range of women of various ages but also making them very real. Not to be left out, I enjoyed Michael Sangregorio's Caleb who easily can be seen as unsympathetic in his antagonist role but who garners sympathy as he finds out the town's secrets. Jacob Haury as the sheriff was both fun and unexpected in his treatment of what can be a stock small town character.