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I made a journey across the river to Wisconsin last week. My destination was one I’d visited often in the past, the old Auditorium Theatre in St. Croix Falls. 

En route to St. Croix Falls, I recalled going to the Auditorium Theatre to see “The Ten Commandments” with my mother in 1956. I remember  climbing its steep stairways on dozens of movie dates during my teen years, and the memorable night I took my preteen son and his friends there to see Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, and MacKenzie Phillips step into stardom in “American Graffiti.”

But last week’s visit promised to be something special. 

As I arrived at the theatre, I could see the lights were on, and everyone was home. The historic building, steeped in memories, was brimming with energy and anticipation as St. Croix Festival Theatre Company proudly greeted its “homecoming” audience to the restored and remodeled facility for the opening night performance of “The Spitfire Grill.”  

Their pride was justified. It had been eight years since the 20-year-old, nonprofit theatre company last performed in this venerable structure now reborn with modern lighting and sound system, an elevator and everything a modern theatre needs, including a talented cast. 

Shakespeare said, “The play’s the thing,” and the musical “The Spitfire Grill” provides the perfect vehicle for a theatre company focused on the future in an old building made new again. 

“The Spitfire Grill” tells the story of a young woman named Percy, fresh out of five years in prison, who chooses to begin again in Gilead, Wis., a tiny town she found featured in an old travel book. She steps off the bus to take a job in Gilead’s lone restaurant, “The Spitfire Grill,” owned and operated by Hannah, a wise widow with a tough exterior, who is plagued by secrets of the past. 

Despite small town mistrust, Percy finds a friend in Shelby, a young housewife willing to help out when Hannah is injured.

Anyone who grew up in small town Minnesota or Wisconsin will immediately recognize Gilead and its residents…the widowed restaurant owner working night and day to make ends meet, the man who lost his job and continues to search for his self-esteem, the young housewife whose talents go unfulfilled and unrecognized, the loquacious town gossip, and a young law enforcement officer yearning for greener pastures. 

If you read the book or saw the 1996 movie “The Spitfire Grill,” be aware the musical version transports you to a different ending. The Festival Theatre production does this effectively, thanks to the outstanding performances of the three key players, Beth Siegling as Percy, Elizabeth Streiff as Hannah, and Lindsey Fry as Shelby, and a talented supporting cast that provides moments of both comedy and tragedy… and after all isn’t this what good theatre is all about? 

The simple set includes just enough chrome and red vinyl on two stools and one table to depict the aging cafe. Lighting effects supplemented by skillful use of shadows, both bold and subtle, enhance the production. Three musicians clad in plaid, flannel shirts sit behind the performers, stage right. A synthesizer sounding  strident at first and mellow by the end, plays its part. 

Music is the driving force of this production. The play has an operatic quality that seems to make it more than a musical but not quite a folk opera. The libretto carries the story forward. The lyrics of each compelling solo and duet are not only beautiful (and beautifully sung), but vital to audience’s understanding of the tale. Thanks to the theatre’s new sound system, even those with aging ears like mine can hear every word. 

Siegling (Percy), with a voice so powerful it could be heard on Broadway (and perhaps will be someday), and Streiff, whose award-worthy portrayal of Hannah stands solid and sincere, anchor this production with the charming addition of talented soprano Lindsey Fry (Shelby). Something about this trio of strong women evoked memories of “Fried Green Tomatoes” and  “Steel Magnolias.” A strong supporting cast completes this high calibre production where the players become real and believable from the moment they step on stage.

I have been remiss in not attending Festival Theatre in the past. I can now say with complete confidence, Festival Theatre has succeeded in its mission to bring the highest quality live theatre to the community. The current performance rivals plays I’ve seen as a former season ticket holder at the Guthrie, so if you’re looking for professional theatre close to home with free parking and reasonable ticket prices, you’ve found it. 

“The Spitfire Grill” runs through Sept. 1.  It is not recommended for children under age 13.

If you’re seeking something for the entire family, Festival Theatre offers ”Hodge Podge” for all ages Sept 20-22. Youth and community auditions for their Nov. 29 - Dec. 22 performance of “A Christmas Carol” will take place from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sept. 14 and 5 - 9 p.m. Sept. 16. 

Purchase tickets, and sign up for audition times at festivaltheatre.org. To learn more about the fascinating history of the old Auditorium, go to www.festivaltheatre.org/history.html    

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