CORAL GABLES, Fla. – September 8, 2025 – Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is thrilled to kick off its 2025-2026 Season of Truth & Illusion with the 25th Anniversary Miami premiere of The Spitfire Grill. Based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff, with music and book by James Valcq and lyrics and book by Fred Alley, this award-winning musical will play October 8 – November 2, 2025, in the newly dedicated Dr. Lawrence and Barbara Stein Center for the Performing Arts.
Percy Talbot, fresh out of prison, seeks a fresh start in Gilead, Wisconsin, finding solace and community at Hannah’s struggling Spitfire Grill. When Percy 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, explores themes of redemption, second chances and the power of human connection.
Directed by Artistic Director David Arisco, the production features an exceptional cast, including Emily Van Vliet Perea as Percy Talbott, making her Actors’ Playhouse debut. Joining her are Jim Ballard as Caleb Thorpe, Kimberly Doreen Burns as Shelby Thorpe, Nate Promkul as Sheriff Joe Sutter, Heather Jane Rolff as Effy Krayneck, Laura Turnbull as Hannah Ferguson, and Tom Wahl as The Visitor.
“The Spitfire Grill is full of heart, humor and music that will stay with you long after the curtain falls,” said Director David Arisco. “It is a story about finding hope in unexpected places and discovering the strength within ourselves and each other. We are thrilled to present the first professional production of this show in Miami. From the silver screen to the New York stage, and now to the Miracle Theatre, it is a journey we are proud to share with our community.”
The creative team for The Spitfire Grill includes Nick Guerrero (Musical Director), Brandon M. Newton (Scenic Design), Eric Nelson (Lighting Design), Ellis Tillman (Costume Design), Reidar Sorensen (Sound Design), Carlos Correa (Technical Direction & Production Management), Naomi Zapata (Production Stage Manager) and Lilly Paez (Assistant Stage Manager).
This event is made possible with the support of Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, and the Miami Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners for Major Cultural Institutions, and is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, with support of the City of Coral Gables, and the following sponsors: Azamara, BACARDÍ U.S.A., Delta Air Lines, Lexus of Kendall, NBC 6 South Florida, Mega TV, Zeta 92.3 and South Florida PBS.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Ticket prices range from $40 to $100. Tickets can be purchased by calling (305) 444-9293, visiting www.ActorsPlayhouse.org, or at the Actors’ Playhouse Box Office (280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134). The theatre offers 10 percent off all weekday performances for seniors and $15 student rush tickets to any performance 15 minutes prior to curtain with identification. Group discounted rates are offered for ten patrons or more through the group sales department at (305) 444-9293 ext. 2 or on www.ActorsPlayhouse.org.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE & SPECIAL EVENTS:
Preview performances will take place on Wednesday, October 8 and Thursday, October 9. The production will open on Friday, October 10 and the final performance will take place on Sunday, November 2. Evening performances will be held Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees on Sundays at 3 p.m. A special weekday matinee will take place on Wednesday, October 15 at 2 p.m.
Actors’ Playhouse hosts a pre-show Happy Hour every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. featuring gourmet crepes from Crêpemaker and BOGO drink specials before the 8 p.m. performance.
Keep up with all updates on The Spitfire Grill and join the conversation by following Actors’ Playhouse on Facebook @actorsplayhouse, Instagram @apmiracletheatre and YouTube @actorsplayhousecg. #SpitfireGrillMiami
News Release Contact: Brooke Noble bnoble@actorsplayhouse.org
