Florida Keys Stages Come Alive With Theater Performances

FLORIDA KEYS — The 2024 performing arts season in the Florida Keys & Key West is set to captivate audiences with lively musicals, comedies, dramas and other top-notch performances. Here are some upcoming highlights.

Since 1978 The Key Players group has provided live community theater in the Upper Keys. The next production, “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville,” is slated to run April 18-22 and 25-28. This musical comedy is a jubilant tribute to Jimmy Buffett's timeless classics such as “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano” and others. Crafted by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia and Emmy nominee Mike O’Malley, the show promises a hilarious and heartwarming experience. Performances are to be staged at the Murray E. Nelson Government & Cultural Center at 102050 Overseas Highway in Key Largo. Visit thekeyplayers.org or call 305-942-4339.

Originally built in 1829 as a carriage house, the building that is home to Key West’s Red Barn Theatre at 319 Duval St., rear, has hosted modern-era performances since 1981. A standout this season is "The Lifespan of a Fact," scheduled to run through May 4, that explores the conflict between factual truth and literary deception. Curtain times are at 8 p.m. Visit redbarntheatre.com or call 305-296-9911.

Entertaining audiences for over 80 years at its 310 Wall St. location beside Key West’s renowned Mallory Square, the Waterfront Playhouse presents Neil Simon’s 1942 Brooklyn tale “Lost in Yonkers,” scheduled to run April 24 – May 11. Visit  waterfrontplayhouse.org  or call 305-294-5015.

Dedicated to art-house theater that showcases intimate settings and Key West talent, Fringe Theater Key West is to stage most of its upcoming performances at the Armory, 600 White St. Fringe presents "Death and the Maiden" by Ariel Dorfman, a gripping thriller about trust and deception scheduled April 17-27. Performances promise engaging stories and thought-provoking themes. Visit fringetheater.org or call the KeysTix box office at 305-295-7676.

Located on the Key West campus of the College of the Florida Keys at 5901 College Road, the Tennessee Williams Theatre is a nonprofit that presents Broadway national tours, performing artists and theatrical experiences. Highlights this season include April 25’s "Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.” The theater also supports the community through its Children Outreach Series that creates accessible opportunities for Florida Keys kids to experience live theater. Visit keystix.com or call 305-295-7676.

Comedy Key West, located at 218 Whitehead St., Unit 5, exclusively features local and visiting stand-up comedians including Comedy Central stars and nationally recognized performers. Amos Gill is set to perform April 3-6. Visit comedykeywest.com or call 305-985-7370.

The Studios of Key West, located at 533 Eaton St., supports artists, inspires creativity and builds community. The Studios present performances, workshops, concerts and exhibitions, while also featuring local studios and an artist residency program. An upcoming highlights is “King Tide” by Key West playwright Michael Marrero slated April 26-27. Visit tskw.org or call 305-296-0458.

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