MPT veteran Patricia Hetland returns to the stage as sharp-tongued grill owner Hannah in our season opener The Spitfire Grill.

How many years have you been performing with Middleton Players Theatre?

I worked on City of Angels in 1994. Thomas let me back in for 2013’s Les Miserables, and whether he likes it or not, I’ve been here since.

What first brought you to the Madison area?

I moved to the Oregon area in the summer of 1985 for work. I was born in Chicago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Go, Cubs!

What do you want audiences to know about your character?

Hannah’s pain — physical and emotional — runs deep.

What is your go-to order at the grill?

The Reuben Omelet with Yanks at Mickie’s Dairy Bar. Hi, Shea!

Don’t miss Patricia on stage in The Spitfire Grill June 16-25! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.