Emerald Theatre presents ‘Emma’ in South King County

Published 4:04 pm Friday, August 7, 2026

Emerald Theatre is bringing Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel “Emma” to South King County.

Emerald Theatre’s parent organization, Northwest Theatre Productions (formerly Maple Valley Theatre Productions), began in 2012 and is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. The organization is dedicated to bringing community theater to everyone, regardless of income level.

Most of Northwest Theatre Production’s shows are free or pay-as-you-can so as many community members as possible can enjoy the theater experience, explains their mission statement.

Emerald Theatre’s current production is a retelling of the beloved tale of “Emma.” The show is a romantic comedy and tells the story of a young girl uninterested in finding herself a husband. Instead, she spends her time matchmaking her friends until she realizes that maybe the perfect match for herself is right in front of her.

Earlene DeLeon, president of Northwest Theatre Productions and director of the show, commented on the exciting adaptation from Kate Hammil.

“[She] modernized it to reach a whole new generation and yet did not lose the essence of the story. There are hilarious moments by recognizable characters even by today’s standards,” DeLeon said.

The show has traveled throughout the Greater Seattle area since July 25 and will continue through Aug. 16.

Recently, “Emma” was performed Aug. 1-2 at Soos Creek Botanical Garden in Auburn.

“Emerald Theatre productions are quality that you would find at bigger theatre houses in urban areas, such as Seattle. But our productions are local and nominally priced so that anyone can attend,” DeLeon said.

The production has two remaining shows, 6 p.m. Saturday Aug. 15 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16 at Covington Community Park, 17649 SE 240th St. in Covington.

These shows will be free and Emerald Theatre just asks that audience members RSVP online at its website ahead of time.

“I directed this production, and it has been a joy for me to watch the actors bring these characters to life,” DeLeon said. “I feel there is a little bit of all of us in these characters because they portray real human emotions, foibles, and disappointments that life gives to us.”