Skylight Music Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for 25th Anniversary of THE SPITFIRE GRILL
- IT Admin
- 34 minutes ago
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Performances February 27 through March 15 in the beautiful Cabot Theatre
MILWAUKEE, WI (Feb. 2, 2026) – Skylight Music Theatre is honored to announce the cast, musicians, and creative team of the 25th anniversary production of The Spitfire Grill, directed by James Valcq. Valcq is the composer and co-book writer which promises a unique and authentic vision to this beloved Wisconsin-born tale. Performances run February 27 through March 15, 2026.
“I am delighted to see The Spitfire Grill return to its home state,” says director and Wisconsin-native Valcq. “My collaborator Fred Alley and I both grew up in Wisconsin. During its 25-year history, productions of this show have opened all over the world. Bringing the Grill back to the Cabot stage is both exhilarating and deeply meaningful. This chance to celebrate the work Fred and I have created alongside the exceptionally talented, Wisconsin-connected actors, musicians, and creative team is an extraordinary gift.”
This theatrical homecoming centers on the lead character Percy Talbot, recently released from prison, who seeks a fresh start in Gilead, Wisconsin, and finds solace and community at Hannah's struggling Spitfire Grill. When Hannah proposes a "write a letter, win the grill" contest, the town's secrets and dreams are stirred. This poignant musical, filled with folk-infused melodies from our 5-piece live band, explores themes of redemption, second chances, and the power of human connection. The cast features seven performers and features familiar talent that has been seen professionally across the Midwest, each connected to Wisconsin in their own unique way.
The production’s compelling group of strong female leads is comprised of Suzanne Graff (Hannah), Micah Friedman (Percy), and Rachael Zientek (Shelby). Graff is co-founder and former Executive Director of Door Shakespeare, whose off-Broadway credits include James Valcq’s Zombies from the Beyond and Twelfth Night, and who also toured with the National Shakespeare Company. Previous Skylight appearances include The Cradle Will Rock as Ella Hammer/Sister Mister and Dames at Sea as Joan.
Friedman is a University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point BFA Musical Theatre senior, whose credits range from Summit Players Theatre, Music Theatre of Madison, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. Zientek, currently onstage in Skylight’s Amadeus as Constanze Weber, holds credits from Next Act Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, First Stage, and more.
“Spitfire Grill holds a very special place in my heart,” says Skylight Artistic Director, Michael Unger. “My wife was in the original cast, and we found out she was pregnant during that run. It makes so much sense to have this show return to the Cabot stage for its 25th anniversary production as James Valcq has such a long and varied history with us. To say nothing of the magnificent storytelling, the gorgeous music, and a cast that continues our embarrassment of riches this season.”
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at SkylightMusicTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (414) 291-7800. Skylight’s 26-27 season will be announced March 16, 2026.
Meet the Cast:
Percy Talbott — Micah Friedman
Hannah Ferguson — Suzanne Graff*
Sherriff Joe Sutter — Frankie Breit
Effy Krayneck — Rhonda Rae Busch
Shelby Thorpe — Rachael Zientek
Caleb Thorpe — Nathan Marinan
The Stranger — Darren L. Green
Musicians:
Music Director/Keys — Janna Vinson
Accordion — Sacia Anne Jerome
Guitar/Mandolin — Fred Pike
Violin — Pamela Simmons
Cello — Ryan Fitzpatrick
Creative Team:
Directed by James Valcq
Music Direction by Janna Vinson
Scenic Designer — Jonathan Berg-Einhorn
Costume Designer — Michelle Therese Grimm
Lighting Designer — Alan Piotrowicz
Sound Designer — John Tanner
Production Stage Manager — Madeline M. Scott*
Assistant Stage Manager — Kian Arnold
Intimacy and Fight Director — Marcee Doherty
*Appearing through an agreement between Skylight Music Theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Performance Details:
Title: The Spitfire Grill
Dates: February 27 – March 15, 2026
Location: Skylight Music Theatre | 158 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Tickets and Information: www.skylightmusictheatre.org, (414) 291-7800
About Skylight Music Theatre:
Skylight Music Theatre is a professional theatre company that produces innovative, high-quality musical productions that entertain, educate, and inspire. Skylight is committed to providing a platform for local talent and showcasing the best of Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1959, Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional Equity music theatre company, the state's largest employer of Wisconsin actors, and a proud Cornerstone Member of the United Performing Arts Fund. Skylight Music Theatre marks its 66th season in 2025-2026.