Theatrical Performances Light Up the Stage Across the Florida Keys

FLORIDA KEYS — The Florida Keys & Key West are known for their vibrant culture, including a first-rate performing arts community. During the season, audiences can enjoy musicals, comedies and award-winning performances throughout the island chain. Explore some upcoming 2017 highlights here:

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For more than 35 years, the Key Players community theater group in Key Largo has brought superior entertainment to residents and visitors.

Productions planned for this season include "Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical." Running Feb. 3-5 and 9-11, the musical comedy focuses on the frustrations and joys of growing older. Performances are to be staged at the Murray E. Nelson Government & Cultural Center at 102050 Overseas Highway.

Scheduled to debut in April is "The Game's Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays," an award-winning mystery thriller described as "murderously funny."

For more details and show times, visit thekeyplayers.org or call 305-942-4339.

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Started as a small community group in 1944, the Marathon Community Theatre has grown to perform many shows throughout the year, all showcasing a talented group of local residents.

February productions include "The Hallelujah Girls," a rollicking comedy running through Saturday, Feb. 4. Set for Feb. 17-18 is a gallery reading of "Last Train to Nibroc" by Arlene Hutton.

Noteworthy spring productions include the eight-time Tony Award-winning play, "Cabaret." Performances are scheduled between March 9 and April 8.

The 2017 season also will feature "Bathroom Humor," a play that brings the fun, gossip and shenanigans at a house party into the bathroom. The show runs May 4-20.

The theater is located at 5101 Overseas Highway in Marathon. For more information and a full schedule of productions, visit marathontheater.org or call 305-743-0994.

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Originally built as a carriage house in the 1800s, the building that is home to Key West's Red Barn Theatre has hosted modern-era performances since 1981.

This season's standouts include "Murder for Two," a musical comedy whodunit running through Feb. 12, and "I Do! I Do!" a heartwarming musical set for Feb. 21 through March 18. The hilarious Gerri Louise Gates is slated to star in a standup evening of comedy titled "Still the Old Class Clown, Just a Lot Older," running Feb. 26-27.

Spring productions include "Camping with Henry & Tom," a fictional story based on a 1921 camping trip taken by Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and President Warren G. Harding, running March 28 through April 15.

Back by popular demand, "Short Attention Span Theater," an evening of mini-plays, talent and laughter, is slated April 25 through May 13.

The theater is located at 319 Duval St., rear, in Key West. For information and a complete schedule of productions, visit redbarntheatre.com or call 305-296-9911.

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Thought to be one of the oldest continuously operated theater companies in Florida, the Key West Players present their shows at Waterfront Playhouse adjacent to the island's renowned Mallory Square.

The 2017 season includes "The Trip to Bountiful," a life-affirming classic about the universal pull of "home" that runs through Feb. 11.

Most noteworthy among the spring's scheduled performances is "Avenue Q," the winner of the Tony "Triple Crown" for best musical, best score and best book. Incorporating puppets as well as human actors, the play is set to run Feb. 28 through March 25.

Also slated for 2017 is the award-winning dark comedy "Good People," running April 12-29, and the beloved musical "Forever Plaid," scheduled May 10-27.

The Waterfront Playhouse is located at 310 Wall St. For more information, call 305-294-5015.

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Exploring the art of "immersion" theater, Fringe Theater Key West sets itself apart by performing in settings "anywhere there is an electrical outlet."

In early February, Fringe Theater presents a limited run of "Hate Mail," a show that takes audiences on a hilarious (and somewhat treacherous) journey of friendship, love, and loss. The play is scheduled to run Feb. 2-5 at the Little Room Jazz Club, 821 Duval.

The spring roster includes the intriguingly named "Cock Talk, a New Play," running Feb. 22-26 at the Sidebar at Aqua Nightclub, 504 Angela St., and "The Glass Menagerie," Tennessee Williams' semiautobiographical play, running March 15-18 and 22-25 at the Parish Hall behind St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St.

Back by popular demand is "Conch Republic, the Musical ... Re-visited!" Chronicling the Keys' rebirth as the independent Conch Republic, the tuneful comedy is scheduled April 20-23 at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St.

The 2017 season closes with "Shirley Valentine," a delightful celebration of life as an ongoing adventure, running May 17-20 and 24-27 at the Parish Hall behind St. Paul's Episcopal Church. For information, call 305-731-0581.

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Located on the campus of Florida Keys Community College at 5901 College Road, the Tennessee Williams Theatre presents exciting musical and theatrical entertainment. The winter/spring schedule includes the Twyla Tharp 50th Anniversary Dance Tour and hit Broadway musicals "Pippin" and "Annie." Popular concerts this season include those starring Art Garfunkel, Kansas, Travis Tritt and The Spinners. For information, call 305-295-7676.

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Situated at 512 Eaton St. is the Key West Theater, a performing arts center that presents original plays, musicals, films, concerts and more. Upcoming offerings include the Key West Burlesque 10 Year Anniversary Show set for Feb. 3 and 4, followed by comedian Shane Mauss Feb. 10.

Singer-songwriter Colin Hay is set to perform Feb. 11 and Southern rock legends The Outlaws will take the stage Feb 12. The 7-foot clown Puddles is set to perform Feb. 14 in "Puddles Pity Party."

Opening Feb. 17 and running until March 18, "129 Miles from Walmart," is an inspired evening of one-act plays including original works by island city playwrights. The month's remaining offering is a concert by Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, set to perform Feb. 21.

The following month brings shows by notables including actor Alan Cumming March 1-2; Marc Cohn, Grammy winner for the iconic ballad "Walking in Memphis" March 7; stand-up comedian Jim Breuer March 10; and singer/songwriter John Hiatt March 20.

A presentation of "The Sunday Ramble," a celebratory night of live music, is planned March 19.

The spring schedule also includes the interactive play "Oklahoma Smith: The Musical," running April 4-29, and an April 30 concert by legendary band America. For more information, call 305-985-0433.

Florida Keys cultural information: fla-keys.com/culture  

Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS

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