Continuing a beloved tradition that began in 1983, the Sterling Community Theatre Troupe turns up the heat - and the heart - with a summer production unlike any the town has seen before. The Spitfire Grill: The Musical will be presented as part of Sterling’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration with performances at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday and Saturday, July 3 and 5 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 6 at the Betsy Dutton Theatre at Sterling High School.

For most of the past 42 years, Sterling’s summer musical has been a cornerstone of the town’s Independence Day festivities. Recent Sterling summer shows have offered the razzle-dazzle of Gypsy, the madcap hilarity of Disaster! and the upbeat charm of Me and My Girl. The Spitfire Grill offers a refreshing and emotional shift. This year’s show trades high kicks and comedy for quiet power, rich storytelling, and a deeply human journey set to a hauntingly beautiful score.

“What truly sets The Spitfire Grill apart is its music,” explains director Dennis Dutton. The show’s folk- and bluegrass-infused soundscape - featuring an evocative blend of accordion, guitar, violin, cello, and keyboard - creates a sonic palette that’s earthy, intimate, and emotionally resonant. It’s not just accompaniment; it’s a heartbeat, pulsing with the spirit of small-town America and the redemptive power of hope.

The story follows Percy, a young woman just released from prison, who seeks a second chance in the quiet town of Gilead, Wisc. As she becomes entangled in the lives of the townspeople and the fate of the local diner, the Spitfire Grill, Percy’s journey becomes a stirring testament to healing, forgiveness, and finding family where you least expect it.

With a moving narrative and a distinctive instrumental ensemble featuring accordion, guitar, violin, cello, and keyboard, this production offers an immersive experience that’s both uplifting and unforgettable.

“This show is quieter than our usual fare, but more powerful in many ways,” Dutton says. “It’s about connection, hope, and the music of second chances - a perfect fit for the spirit of Sterling and our audiences.”

Tickets for the Sterling Community Theatre Troupe’s production of The Spitfire Grill are $15 for adults and $5 for students and will be available at the door before each performance.