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Sunday, 03/06/05
'The Spitfire Grill' serves a helping of hope
Warm and funny drama comes to Cumberland playhouse There's much more on the menu at The Spitfire Grill than you'd find in most small-town meat-and-threes. For Percy Talbott, just released from prison, it might be just the spot to order up a new life.
The musical, which continues at Cumberland County Playhouse through June 4, is warm, funny and dramatic all at the same time, and the playhouse has enlisted some of its best-known performers to serve it up right. Among them: Carol Irvin, Patty Payne, Weslie Webster, Terry Schwab, Jason Ross and Britt Hancock, plus newcomer Casey Clark. Jim Crabtree, the playhouse's producing director, considers it the best new musical the organization has seen in years, with ''a story as rich and tasty as your mama's home cookin'.'' It opened off-Broadway just after Sept. 11, immediately earning a slew of awards. Of course, it didn't hurt that its message of hope and a fresh start struck a chord among audiences. And it's one that can still ring true today. — Fiona Soltes, For The Tennessean getting there The Spitfire Grill will play through June 4 at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, Tenn. Tickets ($20, $18 for ages 62 and up, $17 for groups of 20 or more, or $10 for ages 18 and under or full-time college students) are available by calling 1-931-484-5000. Show times vary, but usually include 2:30 p.m. matinees and 7:30 p.m. performances. For more information, visit www.ccplay house.com. The theater is at 221 Tennessee Ave.
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