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Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents “Mystic Pizza” April 30 - May 17

March 31, 2026 by SoWal Staff

Friendship, love, and small-town dreams take center stage as Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) closes its thirteenth season with Mystic Pizza. The beloved coming-of-age story runs from April 30 through May 17, with performances scheduled Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and matinees on Wednesdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at ECTC’s theater in Grand Boulevard at Miramar Beach.

Based on the beloved classic film, Mystic Pizza follows three young women navigating life, love, and the uncertainty of what comes next, all while working less-than-glamorous jobs at a local pizza shop in a coastal town. As they chase their dreams and discover who they are, their bond with one another is tested and strengthened in ways that are both heartfelt and relatable. With humor, nostalgia, and a vibrant soundtrack of 1980s and 1990s hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Addicted to Love,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” Mystic Pizza captures the magic of growing up and finding your place in the world.

“Mystic Pizza is a story about friendship, growing up, and the moments you look back on years later and realize changed everything,” said Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director. “It’s nostalgic, heartfelt, and full of music that audiences will instantly connect with.” 

The leading trio features Tennessee natives Shea Grande as Josephina “Jo/Jojo” Barboza and Presley Ann Calonge as Daisy Araujo, alongside Olivia Evans as Katherine “Kat” Araujo, coming to the ECTC stage from Lawrence, Kansas. Returning to the ECTC stage are several familiar faces, including Darla Briganti as Leona Silva, previously seen as Miss Hannigan in "Annie" and Genie Klein in "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical". She is joined by ensemble members Teresa Lombardi, last seen as Brooke Wyndham in "Legally Blonde"; Mikayla House Pilstrom, who portrayed Cynthia Weil in "Beautiful"; and Martha Wingfield, who appeared as Lily St. Regis in "Annie".

Performances will be held at Emerald Coast Theatre Company, located at 560 Grand Boulevard, Suite 200, Miramar Beach, FL. ECTC’s 2025–2026 season is made possible with generous support from Grand Boulevard Town Center, St. Joe Community Foundation, Visit South Walton, Howard Group, and Jerry and Alice Zich.

To purchase tickets, make a tax-deductible donation, join as a VIP or sponsor, or learn more about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, call (850) 684-0323 or visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org. 

Emerald Coast Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional theatre founded in 2012 by Nathanael Fisher, MFA, and Anna Fisher, MA. Located in Miramar Beach, Florida, ECTC’s mission is to enrich and entertain the Emerald Coast community through professional productions, engaging educational programs, and a steadfast commitment to the arts. Educational outreach includes after-school and homeschool programs, touring and staged productions, summer camps, workshops, and classes that inspire creativity and connection for students of all ages.

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