Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...In the case of "The Spitfire Grill," the melodic, folksy, unapologetically hokey musical celebrating the denizens of a small-town diner in rural Wisconsin, the answer is that the work is far better and far richer than you have a right to expect from a small-scale, relatively low-budget musical in the Theatre Building."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...The cast delivers some fairly realistic performances and manages to shine despite the script's shortcomings. As Percy Talbott, Tempe Thomas belts out many songs while still appearing vulnerable."
Chicago Reader
- Not Recommended
"...In Tim Gregory's staging for the Provision Theater Company, Tempe Thomas as the woman is too fresh and unscarred for someone who's just spent five years in prison. And as the town busybody, Mierka Girten never rises above sitcom cartoonishness. But when a strong, usually flawless performer like Susan Moniz stumbles over her character's transformation from a mouse to a lion, it's time to blame the underlying material for a sleepy little show."
Windy City Times
- Recommended
"...Under the deft direction of Tim Gregory, a cast led by Tempe Thomas as the wary ex-con Percy, Iris Lieberman as the gruff Hannah and Susan Moñiz ( whose diminuendo on the poignant “When Hope Goes” could break your heart ) as the shy Shelby—with special commendation due Mierka Girten, who goes beyond stereotype to lend depth and humor to the shrewish Effy—radiate warmth and sparkle to set us cheering for them and the men they love almost at the first accordion- and fiddle-based chords from music director Valerie Maze’s off-stage orchestra."
Time Out Chicago
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Hope, redemption and the better angels of our nature are all on the specials board at The Spitfire Grill, but it’s fresh out of subtlety, character development and memorable songs...If affably affirming and bland are your taste, this Grill’s for you; if you’re looking for meatier fare, dine elsewhere."
ChicagoCritic
- Highly Recommended
"...The Spitfire Grill has a terrific book with worthy plot twists and empathetic characters. Everyone is struggling to let go of the past while they search for inspiration and personal redemption. Filled with small town angst and the wonder of living in a forested Wisconsin, The Spitfire Grill unfolds as a beautifully song show with sweet acoustical musical arrangements by Valerie Maze. The Spitfire Grill is a folksy, very human story with loads of heart and a fine book."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"..."The Spitfire Grill" is a show you'll want to put high on your priority list. How long might you have to wait to witness the unforgettable combination of touching music, story and acting as ideally realized as it has been by Provision Theater?"
