Swamp Donkey Musical Theatre will have its audiences feeling every emotion during their upcoming fall musical production, The Spitfire Grill.
The story takes place in a small-town, run-down diner, following the tale of Percy Talbott who has been recently released from prison.
President of the theatre company, Trisha Gizen, said the production includes some lighthearted and humorous parts, but the cast also explores darker themes like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veterans, as well as domestic abuse.
“They'll laugh, I'll be shocked if they don't cry, they'll be angry, they'll be surprised,” Gizen said. “It's really an emotional rollercoaster, this one.”
There are some hard topics brought up on stage but Gizen stated they’re real topics that are addressed in a sensitive and respectful way.
With inspiration from a photo in a magazine she discovers in prison, the play’s Percy Talbott decides to move to a small town at the top of the production.
“The local police officer and parole officer doesn't really know what to do with her so he ends up convincing Hannah, who owns the grill, to employ her and let her stay at the grill,” Gizen said. “The main story line is really about the connections between these characters in a small town that's very run down.”
The story brings audiences along as Hannah attempts to sell the grill, without any takers, according to the theatre website. Percy then convinces Hannah to raffle it off for an entry fee and the best essay on why someone would want the grill.
Gizen said what makes this production special is the connections between the characters.
“They're real characters, not just caricatures,” Gizen said. “It's not a big spectacle like Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast with incredible costumes and big sets.”
This musical features a simple set and modest costumes, she said, which is brought to life by a musical score of which Gizen spoke highly.
She said the music can best be described as folk with an east coast feel to it.
“There is not one song in the entire musical that I don't love,” Gizen said. “I really think the audience will connect with what's happening on stage.”
Gizen is the only cast member who is from Bragg Creek, while the other cast members come from Springbank, Calgary, Cochrane, and even one from Canmore.
“We worked really hard to cultivate a community where people feel supported and respected and loved,” Gizen said.
The cast is made up of seven characters, played by actors Melanie Baux, Melissa Wang Jackson, Trevor Scott Milford, Dave Merkosky, Alyssa Lightfoot, Eric Lyster, and Gizen herself.
Gizen added that people keep coming back to the theatre company from far and away, something she is proud of.
The majority of the cast first performed with the group last year, while Gizen and Baux have been with the company for all of its six seasons, alongside several of the crew members.
The Spitfire Grill is directed by Juleta Baker Severson, who is currently the principal of the Calgary Arts Academy and also taught at the Mount Royal University Conservatory for around 20 years.
“She comes to us with a wealth of experience and has been an absolute godsend,” Gizen said. “Just a gem to work with.”
The company puts on five productions every year in Bragg Creek.
“We always run a mainstage performance and a youth performance,” Gizen explained.
This fall, the youth program is the production of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr.!
All youth registered in the program are cast in a role after mini auditions are held throughout the course.
Following the fall productions, Gizen and Baux have written a Christmas Musical for the third time. This year the musical is called Christmas at the Creekside Grill.
Then, in the spring, the company will host another youth course called Raise Your Voice.
At the end of the season, the theater company closes out with their last main stage production, Rodgers and Hammersteins's Oklahoma!
When asked what she’s most excited about this season, Gizen said the people who are part of the theatre company and arts community.
“Our community is really important,” she said. “I protect it quite fiercely. I'm really proud of and excited about the team and community that we're building.”
The Spitfire Grill had its first showing on Oct. 27 to 29 and again on Nov. 3 to 5.
Tickets are available on the Swamp Donkey Musical Theatre website, and the shows take place at the Swamp Donkey Theatre, 16 White Avenue, Bragg Creek.
