Waterfront Playhouse Announces 2006-7 Season

The Key West Players at the Waterfront Playhouse  announces their exciting 2006/07 season. Following the tremendous success of last year's season, the Waterfront has planned an ambitious, diversified and entertaining line-up of productions.

They kick things off with a bang - the world premiere of Carl Hiaasen's Lucky You (runs 12/20/06 to 1/13/07), a rollicking stage adaptation of Mr. Hiaasen's best-selling novel. Hiaasen's astute observations on the eccentricities of life in the Sunshine State have been adapted by Matthew Francis & Denis Calandra, who will also direct. Lucky You concerns JoLayne Lucks, a young woman who wins a $28 million Florida Lottery. She plans to use her winnings to save a rare piece of land from impending development. Just one problem: the other winning ticket is held by two bumbling militia wannabes. When they swipe JoLayne's ticket, a wild pursuit ensues. Nine actors will create the world of Lucky You, which The New York Times calls "Witty, colorful, entertaining."

The second production is the Pulitzer Prize winning Dinner With Friends, by Donald Margulies (runs 1/24 to 2/10). Directed by Rich Simone, the play is a bitingly funny look at contemporary relationships. It concerns two couples who have been best friends for many years. But one night when they gather over a superb meal, one of the wives announces that she and her husband are divorcing. The news sends tremors through the quartet as they renegotiate their relationships with each other. Poignant and deeply affecting, Dinner With Friends has been one of the most lauded pieces of theatrical writing in this new century. "Full of life, warmth, laughs and wisdom," according to The Daily News.          

Next up is the South Florida premiere of Urinetown, the Musical (runs 2/28 to 3/24) - one of the most uproariously funny musicals in recent years. Written by Greg Kotis and Mark Hollmann, Urinetown was hailed by critics as "Broadway's IT Musical!" It will be directed by Danny Weathers with musical direction by Michael Fauss (Naked Boys Singing!) and choreography by Penny Leto. This hilarious tale takes place after a 20-year drought, which has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, it won 3 - Best Book, Score and direction. Entertainment Weekly raves "Inspired, fresh, exuberant! You've got to go! Grade A!"

The fourth production will be The Times (runs 4/04 to 4/14), by local playwright, Mark Watson and will be directed by Vanessa McCaffrey. This original production is part of the Key West Player's continuing mission to support local playwrights. When The Times received its initial reading as part of the Player's 2006 New Plays In May series, the audience reaction was so favorable, that a full production was put into motion. The story concerns a group of New Yorkers whose lives are thrown into upheaval when a wedding announcement hits The New York Times. Following a story of first love and last regrets, The Times gives us a new punch-line to the oldest joke in the book…life. Highly entertaining and thought provoking, The Times impresses with its smart dialogue and surprising plot twists.

In the fifth spot, will be the charming Educating Rita (runs 5/9 to 5/26). This modern-day Pygmalion will star Claire Carroll, who made a splash in last year's hit, Lettice and Lovage. Made into a hit movie, it featured Oscar-nominated performances by Julie Walters and Michael Caine. Directed by Danny Weathers, it is the story of a disillusioned University lecturer, Frank, who has a passion for the classics and cabernet. His need for some extra income, forces him to agree to tutor an Open University student. Enter Rita - a brash, earthy hairdresser with a recently discovered yearning for an education. Rita's views on higher learning are hilariously original, challenging Frank's own attitudes toward education. The New York Times calls it "brilliantly engaging."

On November 30, The Key West Players will reprise their collaboration with the Red Barn with a staged reading of The Laramie Project. Donations at the door will go to AIDS Help Key West. At the end of the season will be New Plays In May - their spotlight on local playwrights. Chris Tittel is coordinating the project, with plays and times to be announced.

This year the Waterfront is introducing Flex-Pass Subscriptions in 5-show and 4-show options. The flex pass subscription means that you can pick the plays you want to see, when you want to see them and all at a sizeable savings. Call the box office at 305-294-5015 for details. Or choose their opening night subscription option, which guarantees that you'll be part of all five of their gala opening nights. Again, call the box office for information on subscription options or to purchase a subscription. 

If you have not received their colorful and informative season brochure, please call the box office at 305-294-5015, and one will be sent out promptly. Individual tickets may be purchased by calling the box office or go to the 24/7 online internet ticketing service at www.waterfrontplayhouse.com.  

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