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L to R: Sharon-Biermann as Artie, Rachel Nussbaum as Echo & Darla Briganti as Dorthea
Emerald Coast Theatre Company, a not-for-profit theater company based in Miramar Beach, presents the Northwest Florida premier of Eleemosynary by playwright Lee Blessing.
The play will run October 23 to 25 and be staged in a non-traditional space at 560 Grand Boulevard (former Coldwater Creek location) in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Performances are scheduled for October 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and October 25 at 2 p.m.
Eleemosynary is described as a “masterful play that examines the subtle and often perilous relationship between three remarkable women: a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother.”
The not-for-profit theater company is offering this uniquely staged presentation with simple platforms and props in keeping with Blessing’s vision for the show.
“This play will touch the heart and soul of any woman that attends. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to call your mom when it’s all over,” said Nathanael Fisher, the production’s director.
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The cast includes professional stage and screen actress Darla Briganti from Milton, playing Dorothea, the eccentric, free-spirited grandmother. She was last seen in ECTC’s A Dickens Christmas and other roles include Mama Rose from Gypsy and Patsy from Always Patsy Cline.
Local favorite Rachel Nussbaum of Santa Rosa Beach portrays Echo, the precocious spelling prodigy, and was most recently seen in Nancy Hasty’s No Limits Theatre Company’s production We Were Soldiers Too.
ECTC is also proud to welcome to the cast Chicago actress Sharon Biermann, playing the role of Artie, the brilliant and distant mother. Sharon’s most notable roles include Joan from Love Song and Yetne from Fiddler on the Roof.
Last March, ECTC’s production of Art played to sold-out crowds and set social media ablaze with positive reviews. Elisa Rowland proclaimed, “Loved this evening’s performance of Art! All the actors were brilliant! Thank you for a great evening.”
Ticket holders are invited to enjoy a pre-performance art exhibition featuring many of Northwest Florida’s talented female artists 60 minutes prior to each performance in the theater lobby space.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $12 for students. A 10 percent discount to active duty military is available with proper and valid ID.
It is recommended to get tickets early because of the intimate theatrical setting ECTC creates, which allows for limited seating. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets will only be sold at the venue on a space available basis.
Eleemosynary is the third professional offering that Emerald Coast Theatre Company has produced, and the first in the 2015-16 three-show season. It will be followed by an encore performance of A Dickens Christmas in December and the romantic comedy Almost, Maine in February.