MS
McKenzie Smith
  • communication studies
  • Columbia City, IN

McKenzie Smith of Columbia City stars in Olivet's production of "The Spitfire Grill"

2015 Feb 11

McKenzie Smith, a resident of Columbia City, stars as Effy Krayneck in Olivet Nazarene University's upcoming production of "The Spitfire Grill." She is a junior majoring in communication studies at Olivet.

Directed by Jerry Cohagan, professor of theatre at Olivet, this musical theatre production weaves student talent with the compelling story of personal redemption and a folk/bluegrass musical score. Dr. Neal Woodruff, music professor, is the music director. Olivet's School of Music provides the orchestral accompaniment.

Show times are Thursday and Friday, February 26 and 27, 7 p.m.; and Saturday, February 28, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. All shows are at Kresge Auditorium in Larsen Fine Arts Center on Olivet's campus. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students and senior adults over age 65. Tickets and information are available at 815-939-5110.

First a film released in 1996, "The Spitfire Grill" was performed off-Broadway in 2001, just after the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center. The musical depicts the journey of a young woman just released from prison and ready to restart her life in Gilead, a rural Wisconsin town that represents a redemptive hideaway.