Key West Events 2008 with ongoing year round events in Key West.

DEMOCRATS GATHER IN MARATHON--On Mon., Nov. 16, the Monroe County Democratic Executive Committee will meet at the Marathon Power Squadron in the Brady Building, 2011 Loggerhead Lane in Marathon. Monroe County Sheriff Bob Peryam will be the guest speaker at the social hour from 6-7pm, preceding the 7-8pm meeting. All Democrats are welcome. More info or to carpool, call DEC Chair Liz Lustberg at (305) 849-2109 or liz.lustberg@ gmail.com.

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FOR KEY WEST LIBRARY--The Key West Woman’s Club, the Friends of the Key West Library, and the Literacy Volunteers of Monroe County will host a reception this Sun., Nov. 15 at 6:30pm at the Woman’s Club, 319 Duval St. to celebrate the Monroe County May Hill Russell Library’s half-century milestone. Local historian Tom Hambright will give a brief presentation on the history of the library at 7pm. More info, call (305) 294-2039.

“ART OF BRUSH” WORKSHOP AT FKCC--The college ceramics department and its student club Mud-Pi will host a 3-day open house Nov. 27-29 on the main campu s in Key West. The weekend centers on the Art of Brush workshop on Nov. 27-28, 10am-4pm, led by returning master potter and brush maker Professor Glenn Grishkoff. The open house is free and open to the public. Participation in the “Art of the Brush” workshop costs $30 for materials. For more info: Jay Gogin at (305) 809-3223.

Upper Keys

History of Diving Museum, MM 83, Bayside, 82990 Overseas Hwy. 664-9737. www.divingmuseum.com

Theatre

Tennessee Williams Theatre    http://keystix.com

Ella Fitzgerald Tribute - 4/6/2008, 8:00 pm
Freda Payne, celebrated R&B and jazz vocalist, who shot to fame with her #1 Hit, “Band of Gold,” and “Bring the Boys Home,” pays tribute to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, as no one else can! Payne, the star of such Broadway shows as Jelly’s Last Jam, Sophisticated Ladies and Blues in the Night, “conjures the spirit of Ella” with her renditions of “A-Tisket, a-Tasket,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing.” and “Mack the Knife,” as well as many other Fitzgerald classics.

Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway - 4/11/2008, 8:00 pm
Anyone who loves Broadway musicals is in for a treat as this powerhouse group of Broadway veteran singers hits the stage for a tribute to a century of great tunes from the Great White Way. It's a jubilant revue of Broadway's biggest numbers presented in concert form by the actual stars of such shows as THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LES MISERABLES, AIDA, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and JEKYLL & HYDE. 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY spotlights Broadway's most beloved songs, including treasures from Jerome Kern, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

An Evening of Cole Porter - 4/13/2008, 8:00 pm
Starring soprano Kristi Davis and baritone John Rudolph, and accompanied by Vicky Rosenblatt, this intimate evening will feature the music of legendary composer Cole Porter.
    Musical Celebration of Shirley Bassey - 4/14/2008, 8:00 pm
A Celebration of song honoring fifty musical years of Shirley Bassey
Written by Kathleen Peace
Arranged by Larry Smith and Kathleen Peace
   From showstoppers to Bond, along with some of Shirley's personal favorites, this night of sassy and sultry music takes you through a turbulent and tenacious journey of Dame Shirley's career, as only Kathleen Peace can perform it. Kathleen will move you to poignant lows and highs with her striking style, and three-octave vocal range.
    In her Cabaret debut, Kathleen Peace takes the stage with Larry Smith on Grand Piano, and special guests Chicago based Geoffrey Lowe on Bass, Skipper Kripitz on percussion, Tim Mc Alpine on Guitar and from Berkley in Boston, Tim Mayer on Sax.

Lina Robles' Mother's Day Concert - 5/11/2008, 7:00 pm
Key West native Lina Robles will return from the University of Florida to present a Mother’s Day tribute in the Cabaret at Tennessee Williams Theatre. A seasoned performer, Robles’ sumptuous voice and charming presentation will be the perfect gift for the well-deserving ‘mom’.

Evening of Jerry Herman - 12/14/2008 - 12/15/2008   8:00 pm
The lyrics of Jerry Herman - starring Risa Wachsman and Bruce Moore.

SYLVIA
MARCH 18- April 12, 2008 http://www.redbarntheatre.org/
By A. R. Gurney Directed by Joy Hawkins
Dramatic literature is stuffed with memorable love scenes, but none is as delicious and dizzy as the one that begins this smash hit comedy. When middle-aged Gregg returns to his Upper West Side apartment accompanied by Sylvia, a frisky blonde he has just picked up in the park, he turns his life upside down. The trouble is the frisky blonde is an irresistible dog who is about to chew a hole in his 22-year old marriage. This show is a hilarious commentary on mid-life and the role pets play in our lives. Reprising her tour de force performance in one of the Barn’s most beloved tales is Marjorie Paul-Shook as the adorable pooch, along with Richard Grusin and Mimi McDonald from the original cast.
“Marjorie Paul-Shook sparkles, shines, bounces and flounces and acts altogether doggy.” -The Key West Citizen
“Forget Lassie and Rin-Tin-Tin. I’ve never seen a dog portrait in films or on the stage that quite matches the truth and wit of Sylvia.” -The New York Times

MAVIS AND THE THREE BEARS
Limited engagement, 2 weeks only ! April 22 - May 3, 2008 http://www.redbarntheatre.org/
A Musical Fable Book and Lyrics by Blake Hunter
Music by Franko Richmond Directed by Joy Hawkins
Living in a doublewide trailer, working in a cafeteria and putting up with a good for nothing boyfriend named Floyd can get a girl down but luck changes for Mavis Fluck when she dyes her hair blonde and meets the adorable Bear family. The incredible melodies of Franko Richmond and lyrics of Blake Hunter will tug at your heartstrings and tap on your funny bone with songs like Spunk and A Grin on My Face. However the surprise ending will ensure that this adult story is no ordinary fairy tale. The Red Barn is proud to present this original musical fable written by two of Key West’s most notable artists.

ROMPERS
Limited engagement, 2 weeks only ! May 13 - May 24 http://www.redbarntheatre.org/
A Collection of Shorts
Lots of Playwrights, Various Directors and All Kinds of Actors
Celebrating short attention span theatre, The Red Barn is proud to present a collection of short plays with an exciting mixture of playwrights, directors and actors. Included in the evening will be Libations written by Michael Marrero, the winner of this summer’s successful collaboration between The Red Barn Theatre and The Studios of Key West, One Night Stand – an original short play competition. This theatrical venture will make for a very memorable, high-energy evening—Key West style.

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES
Sunday/ Monday Series   http://www.redbarntheatre.org/
MAR 23, 24, 30, 31, Apr. 6, 7
By Eve Ensler   Directed by Carole MacCartee
Eve Ensler has put vaginas on the map. To be more accurate, she has put them all over the globe, from Sarajevo to Johannesburg, from Antarctica to Manila, and many places in between—over 800 productions have been staged in over 30 countries. The brilliance of the show is part stand-up routine, part consciousness-raising session, part political rally, part market research survey, part revival meeting, part group therapy, and part theatre. The Red Barn enjoyed a huge success with this show and is bringing it back to Key West. You won’t want to miss this roller coaster ride. Spread the word.
“ A bona fide phenomenon. Sex has never been funnier or more poignant.”   -The New York Times

"Carmen (the Singer, not the Opera)", starring Carmen Rodriguez

Date

04/26/2008

Time

8:30 p.m.

Contact

Waterfront Playhouse
294-5015

Additional Information

www.waterfrontplayhouse.com

Description

For one evening only, Key West's own cha-cha chanteuse will bring her amazing vocals to the Waterfront stage. Carmen will be doing selections from the musical theatre, the Great American Songbook, and sultry tunes with a picante Latin beat. Muy Caliente! A gala post-performance party will continue the celebration.
Starring Carmen Rodriguez and Carmen's Combo. Tickets $35.

Ganesha Dance Theatre

Date

April 3 - 5 and 9 - 12

Time

8:30 p.m.

Contact

Waterfront Playhouse 294-5015

Additional Information

www.waterfrontplayhouse.com

Description

The Waterfront Playhouse continues their smash 2007/08 season with their collaborative presentation of Ganesha Dance Theatre, Key West’s professional contemporary dance troupe. The company will premiere “Opening The Way” – a collection of twelve original works choreographed by each of the dancers. Artistic Director, Kyla Piscopink, and her company of dancers have put together a stunning program in a range of dance styles. The dancers include Ms. Piscopink, Andre Harper, Mary Kay Lee, Leigh Pujado and Denis Hyland, fresh from his star-turn in the Waterfront’s recent smash-hit, “Reefer Madness.”
Opening night is April 3 and will include a gala party sponsored by Keith Dempster and James Olson with catering by Great Events. Other performances will be April, 4th and 5th; the 9th through the 12th at 8:30 pm. There will also be a 3:00 pm matinee on Saturday, April 5th. Tickets for the matinee will be specially priced at $20.
The dance program will be a blend of contemporary dance, ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop Tickets $30

New Plays in May

Date

May 6 - 13 - 20

Contact

Waterfront Playhouse
294-5015

Additional Information

www.waterfrontplayhouse.com

Description

Fast becoming one of the most popular theatre events of the season, the Key West Players invite you to attend three Tuesday evenings of free readings of original plays by Key West playwrights. Past readings that have gone onto full productions are MOTHER'S GIFT by Mannie King, and last year's smash hit, THE TIMES, by Mark Watson. Watch for the play selection to be announced.
Tickets Free. Coordinated by Chris Tittle and the Key West Players.

Naked Boys Singing

Date

May 21 - June 14

Time

8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Contact

Waterfront Playhouse 294-5015

Additional Information

www.waterfrontplayhouse.com

Description

The international hit returns! The title says it all - caution and costumes are thrown to the wind in this outrageous musical revue. One of the Waterfront Playhouse's biggest hits ever! If you missed it, now's your chance! If you saw it, you must see it again. You can just never have too many naked boys!
Perfect for groups and "girls' night out" parties! Tickets $35

Me and My Girl

Date

March 6 – April 5, 2008
8 P.M. Every Thursday-Friday-Saturday & 3 P.M. Matinee Sunday March 16

Time

8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Contact

Marathon Community Theatre 743-0994

Additional Information

www.marathontheater.org

Description

"Me and My Girl"
Book by L. Arthur Rose & Douglas Furber
Music by Noel Gay
This 1987 Toni "Best Musical" award wining comedy takes place in Britain in the 1930s. The Duchess of Hereford is charged with finding the new Earl. The prior Earl of Hereford's only son turns out to be a Cockney from the London suburb of Lambeth. To the horror of all the Hereford gentry and servants, this "rough and crude" fellow will become the new Earl. The comedy lies in the vast disparity of the British upper class and this Cockney gent.

Cactus Flower

Date

May 8 – May 24, 2008 8 P.M. Every Thursday-Friday-Saturday

Time

8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Contact

Marathon Community Theatre 743-0994

Additional Information

www.marathontheater.org

Description

Cactus Flower
A comedy by Abe Burrows
Basaed on a play by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy

A successful Manhattan dentist & swinging confirmed bachelor pretends to be married in order to deceive his young girlfriend. When she tries to commit suicide, he promises to get a "divorce." Now the girlfriend wants to meet the "wife."
Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 Overseas Hwy, Marathon. Call box office for ticket price info.