KELLY McGILLIS will star in the regional premiere of "Popcorn," opening next weekend at the Waterfront Playhouse. She and Scott Gilmore play the notorious Mall Killers, an impressionable but clever white-trash couple at the tail-end of a gory and sensational murder spree. "Popcorn" is a brutally funny black comedy, a satire on Hollywood violence. Info and reservations: 294-5015.
New Orleans bluesman Mem Shannon returns to the Green Parrot for two nights this coming week, Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 26-27, 10 p.m.-2. Mem's played a truckload of acclaimed gigs, including the Muddy Waters Tribute at the Kennedy Center, where he shared the stage with Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, John Hiatt and other legends.
Michael Locke and the Repeat Offenders brings the electric blues to the Schooner Wharf Bar tonight, Friday, Jan. 21, at 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. This red-hot trio has opened shows on both ends of the country for such artists as the Fabulous Thunderbirds, B.B. King, W.C. Clarke, Sonny Rhoades and Johnny Nitro. This Wednesday, Jan. 26, Big Jack Johnson & the Oilers invade the Wharf.
A special screening of "Buena Vista Social Club," followed by a party at Blue Heaven Restaurant this evening, Friday, Jan. 21, will benefit the Key West Film Society. The film will be shown at the San Carlos Institute at 8 p.m. Tickets" $25, including the party.
It's going to be a busy week at the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center.
The award-winning dance choreographer Paul Taylor and is new dance company, Paul Taylor 2, will be at TWFAC tonight and tomorrow night, Jan. 21-22, 8 p.m.
This Wednesday even-ing, Jan. 25, pianist Susan Sobolewski will be performing at 8 p.m. She is regarded as one of the finest pianists of her generation. Ticket info and reservations for both programs: 296-1520.
The 20th Anniversary of the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center will be celebrated this Thursday, Jan. 27, through Sunday, Jan. 30.
On Thursday, Jan. 27, Tennessee Williams' film, The Rose Tattoo, will be shown at the Atlantic Shores outdoor cinema, 8 p.m. The Rose Tattoo, filmed in Key West in 1955, stars Ana Magnani and Burt Lancaster. Tickets: $4. Popcorn and cash bar.
On Friday, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m. the event moves to the Florida Keys Community College Library, where there will be an exhibit of Tennessee Williams memorabilia. Free.
Later that evening, Joan McGillis will read from the works of Tennessee Williams at the Theatre. $7.
On Saturday, Jan. 29, at the theatre at 1 p.m., Tennessee Williams' film of his play, The Glass Menagerie," will be shown, followed by another film, "Tennessee Williams and How the South Influenced His Work." Donation: $5.
At 7 p.m. that evening, the 20th Anniversary Gala will be hosted at the former home of Williams' sister, Rose. Cocktails and New Orleans hors d'oeuvres by Mangoes. Music by the Paradise Swing Band. Tickets: $75. Info: 296-1520.
It is once again time for the Wrecker's Race Series, when local captains, crews and passengers race the seven miles to Sand Key on an annual quest for bragging rights on this small island.
The series kicks off tomorrow, Sat., Jan. 22, at noon when ships in six different classes will reenact the times in Key West history when wreckers would race to a disabled ship, rescue the crew and then lay claim to the cargo. There is nothing to rescue at Sand Key, except bruised egos from last year, but the anything-but-serious race is still on.
Will last year's overall winner, The Appledore, be dethroned by a competitor, or will Captain Kevin Foley continue to torment his rivals with the story of his success?
The five categories for the race series are: Classic, Schooner, Multi-hull, Monohull over 30 and Monohull under 30 feet. A category has been added for the January race to allow the boats in town for the yacht races to relax a bit and enjoy a more rambunctious race in true Key West style.
There will be an awards ceremony after the race at the Schooner Wharf. A videotape of the race will be shown. Entry Info: Evalena, 292-3773.
The second annual Half Shell Raw Bar Half-Marathon will be held on Jan. 30 at 7 a.m. and will be run through a flat, fast 13.1 mile course through old town Key WEst and past historic landmarks and the scenic waterfront.
Entry fee is $20 before Jan. 25 and $25 afterward. the first 200 entrants will receive a specially-designed T-shirt by local artist David Laughlin. Entry forms can be picked up at Half Shell rAw Bar and local fitness centers. The restaurant will hold a special pasta dinner for $5 on Jan. 29, starting at 5 p.m.
Also part of the festivities will be a slide show presented by Bart Yasso, promotions director for Running World Magazine. The show has 80 slides of adventure and trail runs highlighting the Badwater 146, the five-day Himalayan stage run, the Mount Everest Marathon and the famous bare buns run in Spokane where 1,000 runners race 70 percent naked. Yasso, who has completed more than 100 marathons around the world, has also completed the Badwater 146 in DEath Valley, considered the toughest run in the country.
The registration booth will be set up at the Half Shell Raw Bar at Lands End Marina from 3-8 p.m., Saturday. Race packets can be picked up at that time. The registration booth also will be open race day starting at 6 a.m.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Key West High School t4rack program and Clean Florida Keys, Inc.
Info: Barbara Wright, 296-7182.