The Key West Players celebrate their 60th anniversary this year— and this year kicks off with the Players' annual Holiday On Stage Fundraising Gala, next Saturday, Nov. 27, 6 p.m., in the ballroom at Wyndham's Casa Marina Resort. The event will include delicious food, terrific auction items and outrageously fun entertainment.
Founded in 1940, the not-for-profit Key West Players are the island's longest-running theatre group.
"Sixty years of theatre history is nothing to sneeze at," says president George Gugleotti, adding that the group has many reasons to celebrate. "Right now we're at a pivotal point in this theatre organization's rich and colorful continuum."
For the first time, the Players are operating with a paid, professional theatre staff and the box office is newly computerized.
"We're thrilled, and we're inviting everybody to help us celebrate," says gala organizer Lori Katz, reminding folks not to wait until the last minute. "Last year's gala sold out, and this one looks to be even bigger."
Headlining the evening is a special presentation, The Best Of The Key West Classics, based on Gehrecke & Clements' popular variety show and emceed by local celebrity queen Ma Evans. Favorite Classics' entertainers Larry Harvey, Joe Leahy, Sally Lewis, Chuck Turner, Dottie Martin, Denys Fitzpatrick and others will grace the stage, performing songs, skits and comedy routines from this hilarious hometown show, which debuted in 1988.
Accompanied by Vincent Zito at the piano, cast members from the Players/Waterfront opening production Closer Than Ever— Melissa Tauche-Goins, Eric Davis, Jim Trainor and Frances Hedges— will join the program. Artistic director Scott Gilmore will direct the program.
The black-tie-optional event begins, of course, with cash-bar cocktails and the official start of the silent-bid auction. The three-course sit-down dinner offers a choice of chicken piccata with lemon-caper sauce or pan-roasted grouper Mediterranean, with wild-greensalad, grilled fresh vegetables, dessert, and soft drinks, coffee or tea.
Cost for the evening is $50 per person. Reservations must be made by Nov. 24. For info, reservations, call Lori Katz at 296-8269.
This is the weekend for Cayo Carnival, the event many locals call the "Party of the Year." The party starts at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, in the garden at East Martello Tower and continues `til midnight. Some say the highlight of Cayo Carnival is the continuous live music. Others say it's the food— from 32 of Key West's finest restaurants.
Featured bands are Strangeways, Inner Revolution, Key West Soul Party and Island Boy. There's also a Kids' Korner with special games and other activities for the kids.
And getting there is half the fun! Continuous free trolleys will run from Key West High School, Key West Welcome Center, Reef Relief and the Front Street Train Station, compliments of Conch Tour Train and Old Town Trolley. Admission to Cayo Carnival is $15 at the door; $10 in advance and for children under 12 years— free!
The Key West Symphony opens its second season tonight, Friday, Nov. 19, at the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center at 8 p.m. A second performance is scheduled tomorrow night. Under the musical direction of award-winning conductor and Key WEst native Sebrina Maria Alfonzo, the orchestra brings together more than 40 of the country's foremost classical musicians and soloists. The works of Mozart, Beethoven and Zwilich will be featured, along with a special performance by the famed Jerusalem Trio. Info: the TWFAC box office, Noon-6 p.m. weekdays, 296-1520.
Harpest De Luna is back at Cafe Europa for the season. She's playing for dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Cafe Europa is located in Duval Square. Info: 294-3443.