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Emerald Coast Theatre Company Kicks Off Season 14

August 19, 2026 by SoWal Staff

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) opens its landmark fourteenth season with the critically acclaimed musical Come From Away. Celebrating compassion, community, and the triumph of the human spirit, this inspiring true story runs from September 10 through September 27, 2026, at ECTC’s theater in Grand Boulevard. Performances are held Thursday through Saturday at 7:00 PM, with matinees on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:00 PM

Based on the events following the September 11 attacks, Come From Away shares the remarkable story of 7,000 air passengers stranded in a small Canadian town, Gander, after US airspace was shut down. The local residents open their homes and hearts to strangers from all over the globe known as "come from aways," turning a tragedy into a display of kindness and unity.

“Opening our 14th season with Come From Away sets a powerful tone for what ECTC is all about: storytelling that unites, uplifts, and connects our community,” said Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director. “It’s a high-energy show with a foot-tapping score that reminds us of the profound impact that hospitality and human kindness can make.”

The talented cast features several returning favorites including Darla Briganti, who returns as Beulah, previously seen as Leona Silva in Mystic Pizza, Princess Dragomiroff in Murder on the Orient Express, Genie Klein (Carole King’s mother) in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Miss Hannigan in Annie. Joining her is Teresa Lombardi, who takes on the roles of Hannah/Margie after cracking audiences up with her Portuguese accent as Mrs. Araujo in Mystic Pizza. Rebeca Lake returns to the ECTC stage as Diane/Crystal, most recently seen on stage as Greta Ohlsson in Murder on the Orient Express. Adam Silorey returns as Kevin, following his standout performances as Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days, Zeus in Xanadu, as well as Aaron in First Date, and Zachary Ryan returns to the stage as Claude, having previously played Barry Mann in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Produced right here on the Emerald Coast, the creative team includes Nathanael Fisher as Director, Emily Bainbridge as Choreographer, Rebeca Lake as Scenic Designer, and Taylor Walker as Costume Designer. Tom Baroco returns as Music Director, joined by New York City based Lighting Designer Matt Morris. Baroco and Morris most recently collaborated on Season 13’s hit finale Mystic Pizza. Morris also designed the lighting for Murder on the Orient Express.

Performances will be held at Emerald Coast Theatre Company, located at 560 Grand Boulevard, Suite 200, Miramar Beach, FL.

ECTC’s 2026–2027 season is made possible with generous support from Grand Boulevard Town Center, St. Joe Community Foundation, Visit South Walton, Howard Group, and Jerry and Alice Zich.

To purchase tickets, make a tax-deductible donation, join as a VIP or sponsor to get the best of what Season 14 has to offer, or learn more about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, call (850) 684-0323 or visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org. Engage with ECTC on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional theatre founded in 2012 by Nathanael Fisher, MFA, and Anna Fisher, MA. Located in Miramar Beach, Florida, ECTC’s mission is to enrich and entertain the Emerald Coast community through professional productions, engaging educational programs, and a steadfast commitment to the arts. Educational outreach includes after-school and homeschool programs, touring and staged productions, summer camps, workshops, and classes that inspire creativity and connection for students of all ages.

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