On this episode of The Arts Page we celebrate a landmark moment in Milwaukee theatre history! We go behind the scenes of Skylight Music Theatre’s 25th anniversary production of the blockbuster musical, The Spitfire Grill.

Host of The Arts Page, Sandy Maxx, interviews Milwaukee native and the show's director/co-writer, James Valcq, who returns to the theatre that he considers home. Originally premiering Off-Broadway in 2001, The Spitfire Grill has since become a global phenomenon with over 1,000 productions worldwide. Now, it returns to the Cabot Stage at Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee's Third Ward.

Set in the fictional town of Gilead, Wisconsin, the story follows Percy Talbott, a young woman fresh out of prison looking for a second chance. She finds it at the Spitfire Grill, where a "write a letter, win the grill" contest begins to heal the town's long-held secrets.

In this special feature James opens up about his life and career. He reflects on the people that influenced him to join the performing arts, his early productions at Skylight, his late friend and writing partner, and what makes Skylight the perfect place for the this monumental production.