Mystery, intrigue, and suspense take center stage as Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel, Murder on the Orient Express, running January 15 through February 1 at its theatre at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach.

A lavish train ride through Europe is derailed when a shocking murder is discovered onboard the famed Orient Express. With the train stranded by snow, legendary detective Hercule Poirot must uncover the truth before the killer strikes again. Featuring a cast of unforgettable, fan favorite characters, razor-sharp dialogue, and Christie’s signature twists, this iconic mystery will keep audiences trying to crack the case until the final reveal.

“Murder on the Orient Express is the perfect way to kick off the new year at ECTC,” said Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director. “It is suspenseful, atmospheric, and a richly layered experience that invites the audience to play detective alongside one of our fan favorite actors, Bruce Collier, as detective Poirot.”

The creative team for Murder on the Orient Express includes Director Scott Hayes, Dialect Coach Ginny Kopf, Managing Director Trenton Bainbridge, Scenic Designer Rebeca Lake, Lighting Designer Matteo Morris, Costume Designer Taylor Walker, Sound Engineer Gavin Young, Properties and Stage Manager Ora Wolfgram, Master Carpenter Carl Hendin, and Production Assistant Bella Fisher.

The talented cast features Emerald Coast Theatre Company fan favorites Bruce Collier (Annie, All Is Calm, Voices of Valor, and more) as Hercule Poirot, alongside Darla Briganti (Annie, Beautiful, Nunsense, and more) as Princess Dragomiroff. The ensemble also includes Jason Hedden (The Play That Goes Wrong, The Odd Couple, Popcorn Falls) as Monsieur Bouc, Hayes Mercure (Legally Blonde,The Play That Goes Wrong) as Colonel Arbuthnot, Kindra Steenerson (Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating, and Marriage) as Helen Hubbard, and Karly Johnson (Nunsense) as Countess Andrenyi. Also, returning to the ECTC stage, Cara Chesney (The Glass Menagerie) appears as Mary Debenham, joined by Tommy Bergeron (Million Dollar Quartet) as Hector MacQueen, Charlie Meeks (Baskerville) as Michel the Conductor, and Rebeca Lake (Baskerville, Little Shop of Horrors) as Greta Ohlsson.

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 make a tax-deductible donation, join as a VIP or sponsor, or to learn more about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, call (850) 684-0323 or visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org. Engage with ECTC on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

ABOUT EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY

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.

MEDIA CONTACT

Cameron Hughes

cameron@emeraldcoasttheatre.org

EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS AGATHA CHRISTIE’S “MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS” FROM JANUARY 15 – FEBRUARY 1, 2026