James Valcq News

Garry Marshall Theatre is presenting the off Broadway musical The Spitfire Grill, one of the most popular recent musicals with over 600 productions worldwide including in Germany, South Korea, Japan, Australia and London.

American Blues Theater announces casting for the Chicago revival of The Spitfire Grill, based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff, with book by James Valcq and Fred Alley, lyrics by Fred Alley and music by James Valeq. The Spitfire Grill, directed by Tammy Mader with music direction by Malcolm Ruhl, runs July 12 – August 17, 2019 at Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont Ave in Chicago.  

The 1996 Film The Spitfire Grill was a big winner at Sundance and other festivals. It is a drama about a small New England town called Gillead where one restaurant The Spitfire Grill has been up and running for 40 years. Since then a musical was created by Fred Alley and James Valq and little is changed. Characters and most of the plotline are the same as in the movie, with the addition of music, of course. The Spitfire Grill is a small restaurant business for a small community. Its owner Hannah Ferguson (Sarah Saviano) cooks three meals a day and runs the place by herself.  Bold and stubborn as a mule, Hannah keeps a dark secret about a close relation. It takes a stranger to Gillead to uncover the secret, to cause further complication and ... to gradually set things right. Now onstage at the Garry Marshall Theatre through August 11, The Spitfire Grill  is a winning production that will entertain you and simultaneously tug at your heart strings.

Garry Marshall Theatre presents the off Broadway musical The Spitfire Grill, one of the most popular recent musicals with over 600 productions worldwide including in Germany, South Korea, Japan, Australia and London.

THE SPITFIRE GRILL begins its previews July 10, 2019 at the Garry Marshall Theatre under the direction of its artistic director Dimitri Toscas. This musical (by James Valcq and Fred Alley) takes place in the rural town of Gilead, Wisconsin during a simpler era. I had the opportunity to interview a stunning vocalist I have seen on various Los Angeles stages, Ashley Argota, who will be imbuing her powerful vocals to the role of Shelby Thorpe, a pivotal part of the Gilead community.

In support of their continued commitment to new play development through their Foundry Stage Series, First Stage, one of the nation's leading theaters for young people and families, is proud to announce their Playwrights-in-Residence: Alice Austen, James DeVita, John Maclay and Alvaro Saar Rios.

Garry Marshall Theatre presents the off Broadway musical The Spitfire Grill, one of the most popular recent musicals with over 600 productions worldwide including in Germany, South Korea, Japan, Australia and London.

The musical The Spitfire Grill was first produced Off-Broadway at the Duke Theatre in 2001. Written by James Valcq and Fred Alley, the musical is based on the 1996 film. The show presents us with a moment in the life of Percy Talbot, a young woman recently released from prison, and the residents of Gilead, where the Spitfire Grill is up for sale. The Spitfire Grill is a beautiful show that requires a strong cast and creative direction to truly come alive. Under the direction of Laurie Riffe, the cast and crew at DreamWrights Center for Community Arts deliver an authentic, heartwarming production of The Spitfire Grill.

Dear Readers, you may have never heard of the 1996 indie film "The Spitfire Grill". If so then it stands to reason you've never heard of the musical of the same name. Well, Showtunes Theatre Company is here to rectify one of those gaps in your knowledge as they've resurrected the not often done musical and are giving it their usual amazing concert treatment. And with this lovely story and the incredible talent they bring together, the result is a stirring show filled with heart, laughter, and tears and a wonderful little musical that begs to be seen.

Showtunes Theatre Company will continue its new partnership this season with The Cornish Playhouse as they feature a concert production of The Spitfire Grill, with music by James Valcq, lyrics by Fred Alley, and a book by both artists. The Spitfire Grill continues Showtunes' theme for its 19th season, "Underestimated - Stories about Redefining the Rules," and will feature some of Seattle's amazing actresses in this powerful, intimate story of healing and hope. Directed by Jessica Spencer and with music direction by RJ Tancioco, the show will have four performances only: Saturday, May 4 at 8pm, Sunday, May 5 at 2pm, Saturday, May 11 at 8pm, and Sunday, May 12 at 2pm.

Oooh la la, the good folks at Imagination Stage have a Parisian musical spectacular in store for you with the non- cheesy story about a couple of mice out to save the cheeses of Paris. Anatole: Mouse Magnifique features a dynamic and fun score by James Valcq (Music), book and lyrics by John MacLay and Lee Becker, and a terrific no-holes-like-a-piece of-Swiss-cheese-staging from Tom Story.

Up until March 10th, you have a chance to catch a supremely unique piece of theatre on at the Meadow Brook Theatre on Oakland University's campus. Playing to this intimate theatre, the former off-Broadway musical The Spitfire Grill feels right at home.

Palm Beach Dramaworks does not disappoint with their decision to add a musical to their regular subscription season. "The Spitfire Grill" by James Valcq (Book and Music) ?and Fred Alley (Book and Lyrics) and based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff, in short, is a hit. Fitting in perfectly with their mission of 'Theatre To Think About', this realistic and grounded show is so engaging that it's impossible to keep your own emotions in check.

Through March 10th, you can catch the musical adaptation of the 1996 movie The Spitfire Grill at Oakland University's Meadow Brook Theatre. Though it never played on large stages such as Broadway or the West End, this tale of redemption and growth in small town U.S.A. has been produced by hundreds of theatres around the world and has been translated into multiple languages. In anticipation of this unique piece of theatre coming to Metro Detroit, BroadwayWorld Detroit spoke to the director of the show, Travis Walter. You can read our interview below.

A newcomer has arrived in quiet Gilead. She raises her new neighbors' suspicions, as strangers in small towns do, but Percy is a breath of fresh air in the small, Wisconsin town. The musical The Spitfire Grill tells Percy's story, as well the Spitfire Grill's. The owner wants to sell, but there are no takers.

Palm Beach Dramaworks announces One Week Extension of The Spitfire Grill by James Valcq (Book and Music) and Fred Alley (Book and Lyrics) Based on the Film by Lee David Zlotoff Must Close on March 3

A newcomer has arrived in quiet Gilead. She raises her new neighbors' suspicions, as strangers in small towns do, but Percy is a breath of fresh air in the small, Wisconsin town. The musical The Spitfire Grill tells Percy's story, as well the Spitfire Grill's. The owner wants to sell, but there are no takers.

The Spitfire Grill, a warm and uplifting show by James Valcq (book and music) and Fred Alley (book and lyrics) about starting over and second chances, forgiveness and redemption, becomes the first musical to be produced by Palm Beach Dramaworks as part of its subscription season. This internationally beloved work opens on February 1 and runs through February 24, with specially priced previews on January 30 and 31. Bruce Linser directs.

Palm Beach Dramaworks, in collaboration with Compass Community Center, is proud to announce the launch of The Legacy Project, a compelling and powerful intergenerational digital storytelling initiative. LGBTQ elders share their personal histories with participants in the Compass Youth Program, who preserve their reminiscences on video using multimedia.

Palm Beach Dramaworks is pleased to announce that single tickets for the 2018-2019 season are now on sale