70th Anniversary Season At The Waterfront Playhouse

            The Platinum 2009/10 season marks 70 years that the Waterfront Playhouse has been presenting vibrant theater to the Keys community. Here's what's in store:

(Photo by Al Sachs)

            The season begins with "Twelve Angry Men" by Reginald Rose (Dec. 17 to Jan. 9), one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever written. Directed by Danny Weathers, it will feature a cast of Key West's finest actors. This gripping play examines a group of citizens deciding the guilt or innocence of a 16 year old boy who's accused of killing his father and will have you on The Edge of your seat. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play in 2004. "Crackling...theatrically irresistible. Sends a chill up the spine."  The Washington Post. The production sponsor is Rudy Molinet and Marquis Properties Realty.

            Next up is "No Child..." (Jan. 26 to Feb. 6) by Nilaja Sun. Directed by Rich Simone, the play stars Lela Elam, who wowed audiences in last season's "Doubt." This exploration of our public school system is insightful, hilarious and touching. Ms. Elam creates 16 different characters in her tour-de-force performance for which she received ecstatic reviews last season. "No Child..." brilliantly captures the power of theater in this gem of a show. "Marvelous...touching and funny!"  The New York Times. "No Child..." is sponsored by Jennifer Cornell and Small Chef At Large.

            The Broadway hit, "The Full Monty" (Feb. 25 to March 20), has a book by part-time Key West resident, Terrence McNally with music and lyrics by David Yazbek. Directed by Danny Weathers,  musical direction by Michael Fauss and choreography by Penny Leto, the show features a cast of 20. "The Full Monty" is about six unemployed steelworkers who decide to form their own act after seeing enthusiastic reactions to a Chippendales company. The results are hilarious, heart-warming and revealing.  "Exhilarating, sweet and lively. The timing couldn't be more apt." - The NY Time, 2009. The production is sponsored by Tom Oosterhoudt and Conch Color. 

            Back by popular demand is "BitchSlap!" (March 30 to April 10) written and directed by Darrin Hagen and starring Vanessa McCaffrey, Christopher Peterson & RAndy Roberts. "BitchSlap!" sold out every performance during the '09 production and returns for 10 performances. This dishy, funny and ultimately touching play is about the relationship between screen legends, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, with Hedda Hopper stirring-up the diva shenanigans. "BitchSlap's" three larger-than-life stars charmingly captured the legendary divas." - Solares Hill. Sponsored by KeyTV.

            The season concludes with "Stepping Out" (May 6 to May 29) by Richard Harris. Directed & Choreographed by Cameron Murray, this touching comedy is a sure-fire winner. A group of would-be-hoofers struggle to conquer their inhibitions and awkwardness in a tap class. An ex-professional dancer tries to whip the motley but lovable crew into shape for an upcoming dance recital. The results are hilarious and moving, as the class overcomes fears, conflicts and left feet to eventually triumph. "You'll stand up and cheer." WABC. Sponsored by WKWM, 91.5

            The season also includes concerts by two Key West divas: blues-singing Vicki Roush in "Everybody's Girl (Jan. 15, sponsored by Digital Island Media) and Broadway star, Terri White in "Terri In Paradise" (April 23, sponsored by The Keys, A Key West Piano Bar). Finally, the New Plays In May series (dates tbd) will feature staged readings of original plays by South Florida playwrights.

            Memberships, season subscriptions and individual tickets may be purchased by calling 305-294-5015 or by going to WaterfrontPlayhouse.org for online ticketing service. For a season brochure, call the box office. 

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