EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY LAUNCHES 6th SEASON WITH EXPANDED OFFERINGS FOR ADULTS, TEENS AND KIDS
- Nathanael Fisher
- May 22, 2018
- 8 min read
ECTC’s 2017-18 Season Expands to Five Professional Main Stage Productions,
a New Storyteller Series, Three Professional Theatre for Young Audiences Productions and
Four Educational Theatre Productions with More to Come
Miramar Beach, Fla. (May 21, 2018) — Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) announces its sixth 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 thankful for the community’s commitment to ECTC. Because of this support, we are able to expand our professional season to five mainstage productions and look forward to offering three wonderful shows through the Theatre for Young Audiences series for school field trip opportunities and family engagement. We are so honored to be a part of the growing art scene in Northwest Florida and look forward to our best year yet” said ECTC producing artistic director Nathanael Fisher.
After six years, ECTC has clearly established itself as a professional theater company focused on staging thought-provoking productions, festivals and creative collaborations as well as a valued community resource for professional acting, improv workshops and creative corporate team building.
ECTC has expanded its professional main stage productions to five offerings. The 2018-19 season will include a musical comedy, a hilarious one-woman show, a live radio play, a romantic comedy and an adventure-filled classic play. ECTC’s expanded programming includes a new Storytelling series and, by popular demand, additional evening performances of the Educational program productions.
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 are as follows:
“The Spitfire Grill,” September 20-October 7
A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah's Spitfire Grill. It is for sale but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow full and things are definitely cookin' at the Spitfire Grill. Music and book by James Valcq, with lyrics and book by Fred Alley, based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff. Running Time: 90 minutes. For ages 13 and older.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” December 6-23
This beloved American holiday classic by Joe Landry comes to captivating life as a live 1940’s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings dozens of characters to the stage, and live, on-stage sound effects, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers a world in which he’d never been born one fateful Christmas Eve.Running Time 90 minutes. For all ages.
“Dancing Lessons,” January 17-February 3 (Sunday, Jan, 20 at 6 p.m.)
This charming play by Mark St. Germain tells the story of Ever, a young man with Asperger’s syndrome, who seeks the instruction of a Broadway dancer to learn enough dancing to survive an awards dinner. The dancer, Senga, however, is recovering from an injury that may stop her dancing career permanently. As their relationship unfolds, they’re both caught off-guard by the discoveries — both hilarious and heartwarming — that they make about each other and about themselves. Running Time 95 minutes. For ages 13 and older.
“Bad Dates” starring Jennifer Steele, March 7-10 (one weekend only)
Restaurant manager and shoe connoisseur Haley Walker is finally ready to re-enter the dating world. From the privacy of her bedroom, she relates a series of hilarious tales while preparing for, and recovering from, one dreadful date after another. One of the most popular shows in Huntington history, this 15th anniversary production of Theresa Rebeck’s sweet and sharp comedy will be the hottest date night in town and a triumphant night out for women of all ages.
Running Time 90 minutes. For Mature Audiences.
“Around the World in 80 Days,” March 28-April 7
It's not the destination, it's the journey. Jules Verne's classic tale adapted by Mark Brown springs to life in this clever, fast-paced comedy for the whole family. Proper gentleman Phileas Fogg strikes a wager and sets off on a race that puts his fortune and life at risk. With his faithful servant at his side, he has just 80 days to circle the globe–an inconceivable feat in the year 1872! Fierce natives, furious typhoons, runaway trains, a damsel in distress and a dogged detective threaten to delay him at every step in this delightful, whirlwind odyssey that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to unexpected end. Running Time 120 minutes. For all ages.
New this year ECTC launches its StoryTeller Series, featuring professional actors presenting compelling stories and dramatic works. The performances will be in February on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. The line up is as follows:
Feb 6, Stories by actor Thom Gossom
Feb 13, “The Iliad” performed by 9 Muses Theatre
Feb 20, “Winston Churchill: Through the Storm” performed by Bruce Collier
Feb 27, TBD
Spring brings the third annual Northwest Florida Theatre Festival presented during South Walton ArtWeek, May 15-19, 2018. ECTC opens its doors for the unjuried theater festival to offer a stage for emerging and seasoned performers venturing from Pensacola to Panama City and beyond. This annual event will welcome dozens of artists who will present a range of unique and often original pieces including one-act plays, cabaret, magic, dance, comedy and more. Follow the conversation by using the hashtag #AStageForAll.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s Professional Theatre for Young Audiences showcases professional actors performing productions especially selected for young audience members.
Three productions are slated for fall, winter and spring. The performance schedule is Fridays at 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. (the first weekend only). This year’s offerings are:
“Curious George: The Golden Meatball,” October 19-27
Join Curious George, the inquisitive, lovable monkey-star of books, movies and the award-winning PBS television show in a brand new musical.All You-Can-Eat Meatball Day came just once a year. George had been waiting all month for that day, a day almost bigger than his birthday. On Meatball Day, George helped his friend, Chef Pisghetti, cook some delicious meatballs and serve them to the hungry crowd. But this year, the crowd had vanished! Something was keeping people away... something pretty big. And that something was Phinneas T. Lightspeed and his speedy Meatballs-o-Matic machine. In despair, Chef Pisghetti vows to cook no more. Determined to help his friend, George goes on a mission to enter the Chef's meatballs in the world-famous Golden Meatball Contest in Rome.
“The Snowy Day and Other Stories,” February 15-23
Inspired by Ezra Jack Keats’ acclaimed children’s books — including the 1963 Caldecott Medal winner “The Snowy Day” — follow the adventures of young Peter as he explores the world around him. From the joys of a first snowfall and learning how to whistle to thrilling encounters delivering a precious invitation, the delightful moments of childhood are perfectly captured in this medley of simple, sweet stories. Running time: 45 minutes. For ages 3 and older.
“You Think It's Easy Being The Tooth Fairy?,” May 16-19
In this southeastern premiere musical based on the book by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt and illustrated by David Slonim, Dew Drop just landed her dream assignment: training to become the next Tooth Fairy. But after coming on board, she learns that there’s more to the job than simply being sparkly: it’s going to take guts, skill, and a whole lot of training to succeed. Working closely with her mentor — and a flashy flock of firefly assistants — Dew Drop must learn the rules of Command Central, master “Tooth-o-Finder” technology, and bench press mountains of quarters before she can fly on her own. Tackle a new challenge and learn what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced tooth collection industry with this world premiere musical based on the 2007 book by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt and David Slonim. Running time 60 minutes. For kids 5 and up.
Two of the 2018-2019 main stage productions will welcome local students as part of ECTC’s Educational Matinee series:
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” December 12, 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
“Around the World in 80 Days,” April 3, 2018 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
ECTC continues its popular Educational Programs with creative and engaging programs designed especially for young thespians from pre-school to high school.
The Fall Program will feature two offerings:
ECTC Kids
“Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Kids”
It's Princess Aurora's sixteenth birthday, and three fairies – Flora, Fauna and Merryweather – must use their magic to save her from the spell of the evil sorceress, Maleficent! The fairies ensure that Aurora only falls into a deep sleep that can be ended with a kiss from her betrothed, Prince Phillip. To prevent Phillip from rescuing Aurora, Maleficent kidnaps and imprisons him. The good fairies are the last hope to free Phillip so that he can awaken Aurora.
ECTC Teens
“Spamalot”
Loosely adapted from the classic film comedy "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," "Spamalot" retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of showgirls — not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people.
The Spring Program will feature two offerings:
ECTC Kids
“Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn”
Based on Mary Pope Osborne’s best-selling book series, Jack and Annie journey in their magical tree house to the middle ages and the time of chivalry. As they read a book about knights and the middle ages, they set off to learn more about the Black Knight and his quest, experiencing a grand medieval feast, escaping through secret tunnels and dancing with enchanted suits of armor, all in an effort to find their way back home.
ECTC Teens
“The Wizard of Oz”
In this charming film based on the popular L. Frank Baum stories, Dorothy and her dog Toto are caught in a tornado's path and somehow end up in the land of Oz. Here she meets some memorable friends and foes in her journey to meet the Wizard of Oz who everyone says can help her return home and possibly grant her new friends their goals of a brain, heart and courage.
The Summer Education Program offerings are TBD.
Pricing for Professional Productions, TYA productions and Educational Theatre offerings will be posted on ECTC’s website closer to the season opening.
ECTC VIP Memberships are on sale now. VIP memberships are $250 per person and include: VIP badge of honor, one ticket to all Professional roductions, TYA productions; VIP reserved seating (advanced reservations required); access to the Isidro Dunbar Modern Interior VIP lounge and complimentary wine, beer and water. Purchase VIP memberships online at www.emeraldcoastthreatre.org/tickets.
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.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Follow this link to graphic art for the 2018-2019 season.
ABOUT EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY
Emerald Coast Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2012 by Nathanael Fisher, MFA, and his wife, Anna Fisher. Based in Miramar Beach, Florida, ECTC’s mission is to enrich and entertain the Emerald Coast community through professional and educational theater. ECTC operates year-round with a two-fold mission to provide both educational and professional offerings to the Northwest Florida community. Educational outreach includes after school and home-school programs, touring and staged productions, summer camps, workshops and classes. The professional theater efforts are focused on thought provoking productions, festivals and collaborations as well as acting and improv workshops and classes for adults.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Zandra Wolfgram
zandra@wordplayink.com
(850) 218-8805
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