By Nathanael Fisher
2022 has blossomed at Emerald Coast Theatre Company like a field full of wildflowers. It has been wonderful seeing full houses at our shows. Our wonderful VIP members, sponsors, winter visitors and local patrons alike have been living in the fullness of our season theme of “fun and funny.” In March, we have our last weekend of The Marvelous Wonderettes, the incomparable Shirley Simpson as Katherine Hepburn, A Taste of Jazz at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Songs by the Campfire with Bryan Kennedy and Forrest Williams is returning March 16, and April 1- Comedy on the Boulevard returns! Our field is full of wonderful entertainment ready to create a cultural bouquet for you.
The Marvelous Wonderettes is showing March 3-6. Wipe that lipstick off your collar and time travel to the 1958 Springfield Prom with us where you can be serenaded with all the classics like “Lollipop” and “Dream Lover.” Featuring over 30 classic ‘50s and ‘60s hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane! Great music, fine wine and a good time are central to this cabaret stage addition to our professional season.
Shirley Simpson as Katharine Hepburn in Katharine Hepburn finishes out our Storyteller Series this season. An unforgettable one-time event, our very own Shirley Simpson embodies wit, charm and fierce grit as Katharine Hepburn. Simpson gives a humorous and touching portrayal of the fiery and independent Hepburn throughout her career and the events and people who shaped her life. A fascinating story performed by a fascinating woman. This is one you will not want to miss! This show is March 1.
Join us for A Taste of Jazz at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse this spring for the tastiest fundraiser around! If you have attended this event in the past, you know that Tyler and the team at Ruth’s Chris Steak House lays out the most delicious offering of hors d’oeuvres to enjoy. In addition, local favorite Cheryl Jones and Company will be keeping the jazz theme alive, along with fantastic raffles and a wine pull to round out the evening. It’s all happening on March 10th so save the date because this night sold out last year!
It’s hard to describe how special a night it was this past fall when Bryan Kennedy and Forrest Williams brought their Songs by the Campfire show to ECTC. These two artists shared personal stories of their friendship, how a song they wrote was inspired, and sang with such honesty and authenticity that you truly felt like you were sitting by the campfire with them. They are coming back on March 16th with more songs and more stories. Don’t miss it!
Comedy on the Boulevard is back and guarantees more than a few laughs with these April fools! ECTC presents some of the Southeast’s most hilarious comedians hosted by resident funny guy Jason Hedden and featuring headliner Jenn Weeks. If you saw Jen Weeks and SummerPOP this past summer then you know the laughs will be plenty on April 1st.
Parents! Summer is coming and ECTC has a bouquet of camps ready to inspire, educate, and entertain your child. From the Mini Player camps for Kindergarten through 1st grade to our Musical and Non-Musical production camps for 2nd Grade to 5th grade and Musical Theatre Intensive and Non Musical Production camp for 6th through 12th grade, we have what you are looking for. One of the great things about our summer camps is that it provides an opportunity for children to try something new- and very often fall in love with it! It’s not just about summer camp, it’s also about the joy of live theatre and how it can teach children teamwork, empathy, and literary skills. Last year almost all of our camps sold out so please be sure to register early. Also, don’t let pricing be an issue, check out our scholarship for all the educational classes and camps! To find out more information and to register go to: emeraldcoasttheatre.org/summer-camps.
We look forward to seeing you at the theatre, where we do community through the art of theatre! More information, registration information, and ticket purchases can all happen at www.EmeraldCoastTheatre.org or call the box office at 850-684-0323.
Upcoming Schedule:
The Marvelous Wonderettes
Musical by Roger Bean, Cabaret Stage: Musical Revue
March 3 – 6, Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm
Katharine Hepburn by Shirley Simpson
March 1 at 7:30pm
A Taste of Jazz
Fundraiser at Ruth’s Chris Steak House
March 10 at 5:30pm
Songs by the Campfire with Bryan Kennedy and Forrest Williams
March 16 at 7:30pm
Comedy on the Boulevard
April 1 at 7:30pm
