Emerald Coast Theatre Company Launches 7th Season

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) announces its seventh annual season on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast.

ECTC is a non-profit professional theater company founded by Anna and Nathanael Fisher, MFA, in 2012 with a mission to enrich and entertain the Emerald Coast community through professional and educational theater.

“We are so excited that ECTC is expanding and growing because of the generous community support we have. This support is taking us into our seventh season with plans and goals to elevate our staff in such a way that we can serve our community with the excellence they deserve. From a better audience experience with risers and comfortable chairs, to upgrading our sound and lighting systems, to adding creative and intriguing sets to the already fantastic costume designs, our goal is for every audience member, young and old, to have a transformative experience at ECTC,” said ECTC co-founder and producing artistic director Nathanael Fisher.

After seven years, ECTC has clearly established itself as a professional theater company focused on staging thought-provoking productions and creative collaborations as well as a valued community resource for educational theatre, professional acting, and creative corporate team building.

ECTC’s professional main stage productions includes five offerings. The 2019-2020 season will include a classic Broadway musical, a comedy, a charming holiday play, a romantic comedy, and an adventure-filled play with unconventional gender casting. ECTC’s programming includes a Storytelling series and, by popular demand, additional evening performances of the Educational program productions.

“My excitement for this season cannot be contained. Every show has comedy, heart, and a thought provoking aspect to it. It is everything our ECTC fans have come to know and love us for. This season includes something for everyone and so much more,” Fisher said.

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

The main stage Professional Productions

“The Fantasticks,” Sept. 26-28 & Oct. 3-5 at 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 29 & Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.
“The Fantasticks” is longest running musical in the world and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry is a a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. “The Fantasticks” is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl and their two fathers, who try to keep them apart. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audiences to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. Book and Lyrics by Tom Jones. Music by Harvey Schmidt. For ages 13 and older.

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” December 12-14, 19-21 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 15 & 22 at 2 p.m.
This holiday tale — adapted for stage by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon — is a charming celebration of fan favorite characters from “Pride and Prejudice,” honoring the legacy of Jane Austen’s humor, playfulness and wit in a warm-spirited family holiday theatrical production. Mary Bennet, the bookish and oft-forgotten middle child, has her quest for independence sparked by an unlikely visitor. Will she be defeated...or become the heroine of her own story? Come join us to find out what lies ahead in Mary’s future as she explores the complexities of family and love. For all ages.

“Buyer & Cellar,” Jan. 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. & Jan. 26 at 2 p.m.
Buyer & Cellar is a one-man comedy by Jonathan Tolins about the price of fame, the oddest of all odd jobs and winner of the 2014–2015 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show. Jonathan Tolins has concocted an irresistible one-man play from the most peculiar of fictitious premises—an underemployed Los Angeles actor goes to work in Barbra Streisand’s Malibu, California basement. It’s a fantasy so delightful you wish it were true. For ages 13 and older.

“Maytag Virgin,” Feb. 20-22, 27-29 at 7:30 p.m. & March 1 at 2 p.m.
Set in the small fictional town of Lenoraville, Alabama, Maytag Virgin by Audrey Cefaly tells the story of recently widowed Elizabeth Nash and her new next door neighbor, Jack Key. Lizzy grieves outwardly over the recent death of her husband, but her inner world is filled with deep regret and secret longing. Maytag Virgin is the perfect feel-good romantic dramatic comedy with heart. You will laugh, cry and applaud. For mature audiences.

“Treasure Island,” May 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. and May 17 at 2 p.m.
The feared black spot, a dead Billy Bones, and a treasure map to Captain Flint's gold.  Stow away on the Hispaniola with Long John SIlver and the crew as they hunt for hidden treaure on a remote Island.  Our young hero Emily finds mutiny, treason, and double dealings around every corner in this reinvented classic tale that promises twists at every turn.

Returning this year is ECTC’s StoryTeller Series, featuring professional actors presenting compelling stories and dramatic works. The performances will be in January on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 9, An Evening With Gileah Taylor: A Life Lived in Song
Her family and home life in Destin serve as primary muses for her melodic, reflective lyrics.

Jan. 16, “Winston Churchill: Through the Storm” performed by Bruce Collier
Over brandy and cigars Churchill reminisces about his personal and public life, the war, and the possible future. Moving back and forth from past to present, Churchill recalls his worst and finest hours.

Jan. 30, “Resurrecting van Gogh,” written and performed by Jason Hedden, is a play based on the life, work and writings of Andy Martin, a medical student and oncology patient at Tulane University, who conducted groundbreaking research on Sino nasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC), an extremely rare form of cancer that eventually took his life.

Feb 6, “Dinner with Booker T:” On the 16th of October 1901, Booker T. Washington became the first Negro to dine at the White House. Written and performed one night only by Broadway artist Darryl Reuben Hall, through song and dance, multiple characters are portrayed in this solo show in which Mr. Washington recalls the joys and racial aftermath of this infamous dinner.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s Professional Theatre for Young Audiences showcases professional actors performing productions especially selected for young audience members.

“Pinkalicious: The Musical” Oct. 25-26 at 7 p.m., Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.
You’ll be “tickled pink” with this tale of Pinkalicious who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Based on the popular children’s book Pinkalicious, “Pinkalicious the Musical” is about learning the power of self-control and the importance of moderation, important life lessons to learn by all ages. Based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann with Music by John Gregor and Lyrics by Victoria Kann, Elizabeth Kann and John Gregor.

ECTC’s educational outreach programs includes Field Trips to the theater. School Groups are invited to book field trips to these shows:

“Pinkalicious the Musical:” Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley:” December 13, 18 and 19 at 10 a.m.

“Treasure Island:” May 13, 14 and 15 at 10 a.m.

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. .

“Elf Jr: The Musical” Nov. 15, 7 p.m.; Nov. 16, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and gets transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With permission from Santa, he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his true identity. Based on the cherished hit, “Elf Jr.” features songs by Tony Award-nominees, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. The book is by Tony Award-winners, Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. Come follow his adventure to experience the true meaning of Christmas.

“Disney’s High School Musical 2 Jr.”. April 17, 7 p.m.; April 18, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Music Adapted, Arranged and Produced by Bryan Louiselle. Based on the Disney Channel original movie written by Peter Barsocchini. The gang is back for an action-packed summer extravaganza as Troy, Gabriella and the rest of the Wildcats finish junior year and blast onto the summer scene in the adaptation of Disney’s “High School Musical 2 Jr.” Based on Disney Channel’s blockbuster TV movie from book by David Simpatico with songs by Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, David N Lawrence, Faye Greenberg, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Jamie Houston, Andy Dodd and Adam Watts.

Ticket pricing is as follows.

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). Professional productions non-musicals $32 per person for adults; $30 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; $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).

Tickets for Educational Program shows are as follows: ECTC Kids Program tickets are $12 in advanced and $15 at the door; ECTC Teen Program tickets are $15 in advanced and $18 at the door. Ages 4 and under are free, must sit on an adult's lap.

Ticket prices for StoryTeller series, ECTC fundraisers, and special events will vary.

ECTC VIP Memberships are on sale now. VIP memberships are $300 per person and include: VIP badge of honor, one ticket to all Professional productions, TYA productions; VIP reserved seating (advanced reservations required); access to the ECTC VIP lounge and one complimentary beverage (per person/per production). Purchase VIP memberships online at www.emeraldcoastthreatre.org/tickets.

Major sponsors for this season are Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Howard Hospitality. Professional Theatre sponsors include Silver Sands Premium Outlets and ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals. Theatre for Young Audiences is made possible with support from The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, St. Joe Community Foundation, Wells Vision and Laser Eye Center, Grayton Beer, RSVP Events and Progress Bank. For more 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.