(WALNUT RIDGE, Ark.) – The Williams Baptist University Theatre program will close its 2025-26 season with the musical The Spitfire Grill. The play will be staged April 23-25 in WBU’s Startup Chapel.
The Spitfire Grill was written by James Valcq and Fred Alley. Based on the 1996 film, it tells the story of Percy Talbot, who seeks a new beginning in Gilead, Wisconsin, after being released from a five-year prison sentence for manslaughter. Finding solace at the struggling Spitfire Grill, Percy becomes immersed in the local community.
When Hannah Ferguson, owner of the grill, holds a contest to raffle off the failing business, contestants write essays on why they should be the new owners, and the town’s hidden dreams and secrets come to light.
The cast is led by three women: Percy, played by Kendal LeQuieu of Cabot; Hannah, played by Kaylee Leake of Wynne; and Shelby Thorpe, who helps out at the grill, played by Chloe Arwood of Paragould.
“These three ladies not only have amazing voices, they also have fantastic chemistry on stage,” said Melinda Williams, who is directing the production.
Other “townspeople” appearing in the musical include Pryce Arwood of Marion as Caleb Thorpe, Shelby’s husband; TJ Bedgood of Phoenix, Ariz., as Joe Sutter, the sheriff; Emma Strain of West Fork, who plays Effy Krayneck, the town gossip; while Isaiah Doty of Pocahontas and Riley Sipes of Dyersburg, Tenn., play visitors in the town.
“I fell in love with the story that centers on the theme of second chances and relationships, but also the folk-style music,” Williams said. “I have sat in rehearsals and gotten teary-eyed. I may be a basket case by opening night.”
The production is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening, and Saturday, April 25, beginning at 2:30 p.m. General admission will be $8 and admission for students and senior citizens will be $5.
Advance tickets are available online at:
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Thursday: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987346667380?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Friday: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987349683401?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Saturday: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987349740572?aff=oddtdtcreator
WBU is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge.
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