Emerald Coast Theatre Company Launches 9th Season

With its ninth annual season Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents 14 (and counting) reasons to escape to the theater to have a laugh and be entertained.

ECTC’s professional 2021-2022 Professional productions includes six offerings: a zany musical comedy, a musical adventure, a charming holiday musical classic, two dramatic comedies and a retro musical revue. ECTC’s season lineup includes the return of the Storytelling series and the Professional Second Stage series featuring Cabaret Revue and Listening Lounge. The full line up of these offerings will be announced in full at a later date.

“Season nine marks a new era of growth for Emerald Coast Theatre Company,” says ECTC co-founder and producing artistic director Nathanael Fisher. “This past year we thrived because our community gathered around us and supported us. We are excited about offering children and adults even more opportunities to get engaged in our tribe and experience the comradery and joy of live theater.”

All professional production schedules are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. (unless noted otherwise). All ECTC productions will be staged at ECTC’s space located upstairs at 560 Grand Boulevard in Grand Boulevard Town Center, located in Miramar Beach, Florida.

Enjoy a sampling of the season and special subscription rates at Taste of the Season launch party with the ECTC tribe on Thursday, Sept 9th from 6:30pm - 8pm at ECTC’s performance space located at 560 Grand Boulevard in Grand Boulevard Town Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The Professional Main Stage & Second Stage productions are as follows:

“Nunsense”
September 17-October 3
A zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue presented by the Little Sisters of Hoboken, “Nunsense” is a heavenly delight. With book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, this comedic spoof follows the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Participating in the project are Mother Superior Sister Regina, a former circus performer who cannot resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world’s first ballerina nun; and wacky, childlike Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. This sinfully funny musical hit will have you shouting Ha-Ha-leluia!

“Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play”
December 9-19 (Note: Two shows on Sunday, Dec 19 at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, Dec.16, 10 a.m., Educational Matinee)   
Staged as a live radio play, this version of “Miracle on 34th Street” — adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast by Lance Arthur Smith with original songs and arrangements by Jon Lorenz — is the classic Christmas cup of cheer we all look forward to during the holiday season. When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court, and a little girl’s belief makes the difference in the ‘miracle.’ With live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols, “Miracle on 34th Street” is a beloved musical that will bring the whole family together.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” Cabaret Stage: Musical Revue
January 21-23, February 10-13, March 3-6
This smash Off-Broadway musical hit by Roger Bean takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” We hear about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Featuring over 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane.

“Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating & Marriage”
January 28-February 6
Let Miss Abigail take you back to a simpler time, before booty calls and speed-dating, back when the divorce rate wasn’t 50 percent and when "fidelity" was more than an investment firm. It’s Loveline meets Dr. Ruth as Miss Abigail shares her vast knowledge of every piece of relationship literature known to mankind. The audience participates in this hilarious variety show, and Miss Abigail’s strapping young assistant Paco is there to provide for her every need. This smash Off-Broadway hit By Ken Davenport and Sarah Saltzberg will keep you laughing all night long — that’s the Miss Abigail guarantee.

“2 Across”
February 18-27
In this dramatic comedy by Jerry Mayer, two strangers, a man and a woman, board a San Francisco BART train at 4:30 a.m. They and the audience embark on an 80-minute ride described by critics as "hilarious," "witty," "romantic," "poignant" and "wonderfully entertaining." Two opposites in an enclosed space, attacking each other's values but also being swayed and intrigued by them. They each have serious life problems that the other helps solve. Their trip is filled with unpredictable yet believable surprises. As the train ride ends, it's obvious each of them has been changed for the better.

“Xanadu”
May 13-22 (Note: Additional matinee performance Thursday, May 19)
This Tony Award-nominated, hilarious, roller skating, musical adventure about following your dreams despite the limitations others set for you, rolls along to the original hit score composed by pop-rock legends, Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, Xanadu is hilarity on wheels for anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s Professional Theatre for Young & Very Young Audiences showcases professional actors performing productions on ECTC’s Main Stage especially selected for young audience members.

“Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type”
Theatre for the Young
October 15-24 (Wednesday & Thursday 9 a.m., Fridays 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m.)The animals on Farmer Brown’s farm have had enough. They work all day to provide milk and eggs, but when their request for electric blankets to warm the drafty barn is ignored, action must be taken. Join the Cows, Hen, and Duck — and their trusty typewriter— as they engage in peaceful protest to improve their working conditions. “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type” is having its regional premier at Emerald Coast Theatre
Company.

“Wake Up Brother Bear”
Theatre for the Very Young: Interactive Theatre (ages 6 months to 5 years-old)
October 29, 30; November 19, 20 at 9 a.m.
Join Brother and Sister Bear as they experience a full year of glorious seasons. Together we see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish, and skate on an icy pond. Children are invited to participate in the action with a small bag of props that help create magical moments.  This interactive live show is performed with the youngest of audience members in mind. 

ECTC Jr. Company Presents: “The Snow Queen”
Theatre for Young Audiences: Cabaret Stage Holiday Musical
December 3, 4, 10, 11 at 9 a.m.
Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fantastical coming-of-age adventure that inspired the hit Disney movie Frozen. Join Gerda on a dangerous and whimsical quest to save her best friend Kai before he is trapped forever in the Snow Queen’s palace. Dare to enter a world where flowers sing, animals talk, and riddles yearn to be solved. With an original pop-rock score, alluring ballads, urban steampunk flair, and the enigmatic Snow Queen, you'll soon see this is not your average bedtime story.

ECTC’s Jr. Company Presents: “Old MacDonald”
Theatre for the Very Young: Interactive Theatre (ages 6 months to 5 years-old)
April 1, 2, 15, 16 at 9 a.m.
An original piece created by our very own P.J. Padgett in collaboration with the ECE Jr. Company players, Old MacDonald brings his farm to life with sheep, dogs, lions, and maybe even a platypus! Come experience the joy and wonder of life on the farm with all of your favorite children’s songs like “B I N G O” and “You are My Sunshine.”  Complete with an animal orchestra, this interactive children’s show combines movement, touchable props, and music that will have you singing “E I E I O” all the way home.

ECTC continues its popular Educational Programs with creative and engaging programs (one in fall and one in spring) designed especially for young thespians from pre-school to high school.  The full schedule and registration information can be found at www.EmeraldCoastTheatre.org. The community is invited to attend and support these young thespians at their final performances.

ECTC Teen Players Present: “The Addams Family”
November 5 at 7:30 p.m.; November 6 at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
“The Addams Family,” a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

ECTC Mini, Little, and Big Players Present: “Disney’s Frozen Jr.”
Big Players November 12 & 13, 7 p.m.; Mini/Little Players November 13, noon & 2 p.m.
The enchanting modern classic from Disney is ready for your Broadway Junior stars. “Frozen Jr.” is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, “Frozen Jr.” expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, “Frozen Jr.” is sure to melt even the coldest heart.

ECTC Mini, Little, and Big Players Present: “Willy Wonka Jr.”
Big Players: April 8 & 9 at 7 p.m., Mini/Little Players: April 9, noon & 2 p.m.
Roald Dahl's “Willy Wonka Jr.” follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences.

ECTC Teen Players Present: “Crazy for You”
April 29, 7:30 p.m.; April 30, 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; May 1, 2:30 p.m.
A zany rich-boy-meets-hometown-girl romantic comedy, “Crazy For You” tells the story of young New York banker Bobby Child, who is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theatre. In Deadrock, Bobby falls for spunky Polly Baker, the theater owner’s daughter. But Polly takes an instant dislike to the city slicker, so Bobby vows — through cunning, razzmatazz, and a hilarious case of mistaken identity — to win Polly’s heart and save the theater. Memorable Gershwin tunes from the score include “I Got Rhythm,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “Embraceable You,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

The Summer 2022 Education Program offerings will be detailed in a future announcement.

Tickets for musicals are $36 per person for adults; $34 for seniors (55 years old and up) and military and $30 for students (must show ID). Non-musical professional productions are $34 per person for adults; $32 for seniors (55 years old and up) and military and $28 for students. Tickets for Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) productions are $18 per person for adults; $16 students, $12 for children (12 and under); ages three and younger are free. Tickets for Field Trips are $10 for students and chaperones; teachers are free (minimum 20 students). Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) productions are $15 for adults, $13 for students, $10 for children four through twelve, and free for three years old and younger.

Tickets for Educational Program shows are as follows: ECTC Kids Program tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for students, $8 for children 4 to 12, free for 0-3 years old and they must sit on an adults lap; ECTC Teen Program tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for students, $12 for children 4 to 12, free for 0-3 years old and they must sit on an adults lap.

ECTC VIP Memberships are on sale now. VIP memberships are $400 per person and up. They include: one ticket to each of the six Professional Productions, and four Flex Pass* tickets to use for any Theatre for Young Audiences, Theatre for the Very Young, or Educational Theatre production.  Other benefits include a VIP name tag, VIP reserved seats (advanced reservations required) to the productions, access to the VIP Lounge, eight complimentary drinks (wine, beer, or water) for the season, recognition on the ECTC website and in the printed programs, and 10 percent off all classes, camps, and additional tickets for shows. *Does not include tickets for the Storyteller Series, Cabarets, Special Events, and Fundraisers. www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org/support.

ECTC’s 2021-2022 season is made possible with support from Grand Boulevard Town Center, St. Joe Community Foundation, Howard Group, and the South Walton Tourist Development Council.

To purchase tickets or VIP Memberships call (850) 684-0323 or visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.

For information on sponsoring ECTC, call Nathanael Fisher at (850) 684-0323 or visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org/sponsorship.

To make a tax-deductible donation, volunteer or learn more about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, find them on Facebook, call (850) 684-0323 and visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.