There is an historic house in Key West, La Terraza De Marti, which was the home of cigar manufacturer Teodoro Perez who was a symbol of Key West's strong ties to Cuba. On May 3, 1883 Perez welcomed Jose Marti, the man who was the symbol of Cuba's bid for independence from Spain to speak from his 2nd story balcony to thousands of Cuban sympathizers. Marti was an integral factor in freeing Cuba from Spanish rule.
On this same second floor which now houses The Crystal Room Cabaret at La te da restaurant, Randy Roberts, an electrifying entertainer has thrilled thousands of Key West visitors who have flocked to his shows at this intimate cabaret room.
If you couldn't get a ticket to the Cher show on Broadway or didn't catch her in Las Vegas, and if you didn't see Bette Midler in Hello Dolly..... you have a chance to see their magic recreated by Randy Roberts. He physically and vocally becomes those icons in an evening of great music, and comedy. Cuba is not free yet and I'm not sure the dictatorship would welcome Randy, but he sure gets welcomed with cheers and standing ovations after his performances 90 miles away in Key West, Florida.
BTW, someone who has very strong family ties to Cuba was in the audience last night. Superstar Lucie Arnaz and we celebrated her father's (Desi Arnaz) birthday!
Article & photos by: Stephen Sorokoff
Lucie Arnaz, Eda Sorokoff, RAndy Roberts, Ron Abel, Stephen Sorokoff
Videos