BEN LOMOND — Mountain Community Theater will open its 44th season with the musical drama “The Spitfire Grill,” running March 6 through April 5, 2026, at historic Park Hall in Ben Lomond.
Featuring music and book by James Valcq and lyrics and book by Fred Alley, the production is based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff. The show is co-directed by Greg Fritsch and Cathy D. Warner, with music direction by Don Atkins.
Set in the forests of Wisconsin, “The Spitfire Grill” tells the story of Percy Talbott, a convicted murderer on parole who arrives in the struggling mining town of Gilead seeking a fresh start. She takes a job at the town’s only diner, owned by the guarded and strong-willed Hannah Ferguson. As Percy attempts to rebuild her life in a community that initially rejects her, long-buried secrets emerge and an unlikely plan begins to breathe new life into the diner — and the town itself.
The musical explores themes of perseverance, redemption and belonging.
Performances will be held at Park Hall, 9400 Mill St., in Ben Lomond, with Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
The performance schedule is as follows:
- Friday, March 6 (Opening Night Reception to follow)
- Saturday, March 7 (Community Night — all tickets two for $40)
- Sunday, March 8
- March 13, 14 and 15
- March 20, 21 and 22 (Post-show “Talk-Back” on March 22)
- March 27, 28 and 29
- April 3, 4 and 5
Tickets are $40 for general admission and $30 for seniors and students. Subscriber guest ticket purchases open Jan. 30, and tickets go on sale to the general public Feb. 13.
The cast includes Emerson Kapture as Percy Talbott, Kathryn Adkins as Hannah Ferguson, Luna Lau as Shelby Thorpe, Brady Aiello as Caleb Thorpe, John Wasielewski as Sheriff Joe Sutter, Mindy Pedlar as Effy Krayneck and Scott Kravitz as The Visitor.
For more information or to order tickets, visit www.mctshows.org.