Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) recently announced that it will open its sixth annual season on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast with the musical ‘The Spitfire Grill’.

The performance runs Thursday, September 20 (opening night) through Sunday, October 7, and will be staged at located at 560 Grand Boulevard (Upstairs)

Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff, the story of ‘The Spitfire Grill’ centers around Percy a feisty parolee who 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. The diner 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.

“There’s a lot packed into this compelling story of universal truths including themes of redemption and forgiveness,” said ECTC producing artistic director Nathanael Fisher.

The musical also touches upon topics such as the economic problems of small towns, the plight of Vietnam War veterans and female empowerment.

Nathanael Fisher directs an ensemble cast that includes Larren Woodward (Percy Tallbott), Darla Briganti (Hannah Ferguson), Caitlin Artrip (Shelby Goddard), Michael McLendon (Caleb), Cameron Gray (Sherriff Joe), Destinee Steele (Effy) and Allen Walker (The Visitor ).

ECTC’s production of “The Spitfire Grill” includes musical direction by Mary Jeter with musical accompaniment by Chris Gardner. Costume design is by ECTC associate artistic director Anna Fisher. The production is stage managed by Bridgett Bryant with lighting and set design along with technical direction by Cory Tucker.

Music and book for “The Spitfire Grill” is by James Valcq and and lyrics and book are by Fred Alley, who first staged this gem Off Broadway in 2001. The Academy of Arts & Letters awarded “The Spitfire Grill” the Richard Rogers Production Award. The original production also received Best Musical nominations from the Outer Critics Circle and The Drama League.

Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. There will be no performance on Saturday, Sept. 29 and an additional performance at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. Running time is 90 minutes. Appropriate for ages 13 and older.

Tickets are $35 for adults; $32 for seniors (55 years old and up) students, and military. Purchase tickets online at emeraldcoastheatre.org/tickets or call 850-684-0323.

ECTC VIP memberships are $250 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 Isidro Dunbar Modern Interior VIP lounge and complimentary wine, beer and water.  For more information on memberships go to www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org/become-a-member

To learn more, visit Emerald Coast Theatre Company or call 850-684-0323.