Actors’ Playhouse is preparing to take audiences on a hike they won’t forget. From Wednesday, July 16 to August 10, the Coral Gables-based theater presents the U.S. premiere of Step by Step, a sharply funny, heartfelt comedy about grief, friendship, and the uphill climbs that define us by acclaimed playwright Peter Quilter. Best known for End of the Rainbow—the Broadway hit that inspired the Oscar-winning film Judy—Quilter brings his signature blend of pathos and wit to this three-woman play about loss, memory, and the absurdities of aging friendships.
Set on a remote hillside trail, Step by Step follows three middle-aged women on a two-day trek to honor a recently deceased friend. Each carries a stone etched with a final message, intended for a memorial at the summit. But what begins as a solemn journey quickly devolves into comic chaos, as clashing personalities, painful memories, and unresolved tensions bubble to the surface. The play is a fast-paced series of revelations, insults, reconciliations, and hard-earned laughter.
According to promotional material, the play is “a rollercoaster of memories, emotions, and personal revelations, showcasing comedic brilliance through witty dialogue and clever one-liners.” Forbes magazine has called it “one of Quilter’s most humorous and entertaining texts.”
The cast includes Anna Lise Jensen as Monica, Kareema Khouri as Paula, and Elizabeth Price as Sophie. Together, the trio forms a combustible mix of loyalty, exasperation, and vulnerability—three sharply drawn characters who must confront the weight of the past, literally and figuratively, one step at a time.
Though the premise touches on grief, Step by Step is ultimately about resilience. In true Quilter fashion, the emotional stakes are real, but the comedy is relentless. Audiences can expect sharp banter, unexpected twists, and the kind of raw honesty that emerges only when people are pushed out of their comfort zones—both physically and emotionally.
A Month of performances and special events
Step by Step runs for four weeks with a robust schedule of evening and matinee performances, including a range of special events designed to enhance the theatergoing experience.
On Thursday evenings (July 17, 24, 31 and August 7), ticket holders are invited to arrive early for a pre-show social hour from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. featuring gourmet crêpes from local favorite Crêpemaker and buy-one-get-one drink specials at the bar. These evenings provide a chance for patrons to mingle and ease into the show’s irreverent tone.
Gala night on Friday, July 18, already sold out, features a cocktail reception.
On Friday, July 25, audiences will have a chance to stay after the performance for a talk-back session with the director and cast, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the production and its creative process.
The August 3 matinee includes sign language interpretation and audio description, part of Actors’ Playhouse’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility for patrons with hearing or visual impairments. Accessible seating is available by calling the box office.
Performances take place at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile in downtown Coral Gables. The venue is a historic anchor of the city’s arts scene and home to Actors’ Playhouse, one of Florida’s premier professional theaters.
A Strong Season Continues
Step by Step continues a strong summer season for the company, following the youth-oriented Shrek the Musical TYA and leading into fall programming that includes musicals and original works. With its emotionally charged humor and relatable themes, Step by Step offers an appealing blend of entertainment and substance for mature audiences.
Tickets are available through the Actors’ Playhouse website, with prices and availability varying by performance. Advance booking is recommended for special events and weekend shows.
As Coral Gables continues to support live theater as a cornerstone of its cultural life, Step by Step offers a timely reminder: life’s steepest climbs often bring the greatest clarity—and the best stories.
