Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Mystery-Comedy “The 39 Steps” October 15–25, 2026

 Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) continues its landmark fourteenth season with The 39 Steps, a fast-paced comedy and thrilling parody of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy film. Running October 15 through October 25, 2026, at ECTC’s theater in Grand Boulevard, The 39 Steps combines a murder mystery with romance, suspense and plenty of laughs as four actors take on more than 100 characters in a wildly entertaining theatrical adventure.

Based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film, the play follows Richard Hannay, an ordinary man who becomes caught up in an extraordinary mystery after a chance encounter with an equally dashing and mysterious woman. Accused of murder and pursued by authorities, Hannay must race across the British Isles to uncover the truth. Packed with quick changes, comedy, clever wordplay and Hitchcock references, the production puts a hilarious theatrical spin on the classic thriller.

The cast features Hayes Mercure as Richard Hannay, returning to the ECTC stage after his memorable performances as American businessman, Samuel Ratchett, in Murder on the Orient Express, The UPS Man in Legally Blonde, and Inspector Carter in The Play That Goes Wrong. Joining him is Arianna Chanell Ellis, who returns following her performances in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Legally Blonde. Ellie Boykin, currently the theatre professor at Northwest Florida State College, is back at ECTC after her performances in A Christmas Carol and Crimes of the Heart. Charlie Meeks, who audiences may remember as Michel in Murder on the Orient Express, returns to ECTC as guest director.

“The 39 Steps is the kind of show that reminds us just how much fun live theatre can be,” said Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director. “It’s clever, active, fast-paced and completely unpredictable. Watching four great actors transform into over a hundred characters is a theatrical experience you won’t want to miss.”

The 39 Steps runs October 15–25, 2026, with performances at Emerald Coast Theatre Company, located at 560 Grand Boulevard, Suite 200, Miramar Beach, FL.

ECTC’s 2026–2027 season is made possible with generous support from Grand Boulevard Town Center, St. Joe Community Foundation, Visit South Walton, Howard Group, Dugas Family Foundation, as well as Jerry and Alice Zich.

To purchase tickets, make a tax-deductible donation, join as a VIP or sponsor to get the best of what Season 14 has to offer, or learn more about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, call (850) 684-0323 or visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org. Engage with ECTC on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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.