Footlights
The Florida Keys and Key West are home to a thriving performing arts community that stages world class theater, dance and concert productions from Key West to Key Largo. Historical luminaries including playwright Tennessee Williams, novelist, Ernest Hemingway and poet Robert Frost, created some of their best works here and that tradition continues today as more and more writers, artists, musicians, dancers and performers flock to our small piece of paradise from all over the world.
Please confirm details with event organizers or venues in case of changes or cancellations.
ONGOING
Randy Roberts Live!
Key West: Spotlighted on television’s hit series “America’s Got Talent,” Randy Roberts shines in this live, multi-media tribute to some of the world’s most beloved performers. His uncanny impersonations of Cher, Better Midler, and Mae West are spot-on, and he’ll have you rolling in the aisles when he performs a titillating strip-tease as the bawdy Gypsy Rose Lee. But nothing compares to “Consuela,” Roberts’ self-created character, which can only be described as Ann-Margaret, Liza Minnelli, and Joan Rivers, all rolled into one powerhouse performer. Catch this fantastic show at La Te Da’s Crystal Room Cabaret, 1125 Duval St, Key West. Tickets and in-fo: 305-296-6706; lateda.com.
Daily
The Birdcage Cabaret
Key West: Home of North America’s foremost female impressionist, Christopher Peterson and Key West’s famous drag queens, The Aquanettes and the Birdcage Cabaret are a great hang any time, day or night. Peterson’s lavish new show, backed by the Aquanettes, takes place every Tu – Sa at 8 pm. The Aquanettes perform separately on M and Tu at 9 pm with two shows on W – Su at 7 and 9 pm. You can catch the lively Drag King show on Sunday nights at 7:30 pm. The bar is open Su – Th from 2 pm – 2 am and F and Sa from 2 pm – 4 am. The all-day Happy Hour doesn’t stop until showtime. You can find the Birdcage Cabaret at 504 Angela St in the Aquaplex. Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
Nightly
The Aquanettes
Key West: Key West’s talented female impressionist troupe transforms into a bevy of beauties using elaborate costuming, makeup, and lip-sync. Renowned for its outrageous and comic numbers, this adult-oriented, interactive show is one of the hottest tickets in town. Takes place M – Tu at 9 pm and W – Su at 7 and 9 pm. See it at the Aquaplex, 711 Duval St. Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
Nightly
Cabaret @ D’Vine Wine Gallery
Key West: This is an excellent hang if you want to kick back with a fine glass of wine and settle in for an intimate cabaret performance by some of Key West’s favorite performers, like classical guitarist Matteo Jampol and pianist Bobby Green. Takes place from 5 – 7 pm at The Gardens Hotel and Cottages, 526 Angela St. Info: 305-294-2661; gardenshotel.com.
Nightly
Jazz at Tavern N’ Town
Key West: Some of Key West’s top talent, including “Island Chanteuse” Carmen Rodriquez and Michael Thomas perform nightly from 5 – 7 pm during Key West’s best Happy Hour. Takes place at Beachside Resort & Residences, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Info: 305-296-8100; tavernntown.com.
Every Tuesday
Glow Hours
Key West: This hip rooftop terrace offers the best views in town and is an ideal spot to catch the sunset and a drink with friends. The bar is open, admission is free, and everyone looks great in the golden twilight. Takes place from 6 – 8 pm at Hugh’s View on the rooftop located at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org
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Tuesday – Saturday
Christopher Peterson’s Birdcage Cabaret
Key West: Christopher Peterson is, without a doubt, one of North America’s foremost female impressionists — visually and vocally. Often compared to the legendary master of impersonations, Jim Bailey, Christopher’s new lavish 90-minute show is one of the hottest tickets in town. See him perform live, backed up by the outrageous Aquanettes Drag Queens, at his new digs every Tu – Sa at 8 pm. On stage at the Birdcage Cabaret, 504 Angela St, in the Aquaplex. Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
Every Wednesday
Renee Breslin
Key West: Performing modern covers and vintage hits, local favorite Renee Breslin always gets the crowd going! Takes place from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Birdcage Cabaret, 504 Angela St, in the Aquaplex. Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
Wednesday – Saturday
Cabaret in The Gardens
Key West: Key West’s Gardens Hotel is one of the most luxe boutique hotels on the island. Every W – Sa, from 5 – 7 pm, you can enjoy outstanding live piano music in the Hotel’s intimate Cabaret. Full bar and stellar wines are the coup de gras. Find the Gardens Hotel at 526 Angela St. Info: 305-294-2661;gardenshotel.com
Every Sunday
Jazz in the Gardens
Key West: Enjoy terrific jazz amidst lush flora and fauna during this free hang that draws Key West’s top jazz cognoscenti. Full bar, champagne, and fabulous wines. This popular Sunday happening takes place from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. Info: 305-294-2661; gardenshotel.com.
Every Sunday
Flip the Bird Jazz Cabaret
Key West: Billed as “a musical comedy show that doesn’t suck,” this original one-of-a-kind comedy show swirls together stand-up, sketch comedy, and live music into one big rumble of a night. Takes place from 7 – 9 pm at the Birdcage Cabaret, 504 Angela St, in the Aquaplex. Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
Special Events
November 7 – 9
Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight
Key West: Written by Olivier Award-nominated playwright John Kolvenbach, this love letter to the theatrical experience almost defies description. Showtime: 8 pm at the Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St in Mallory Square. Info & tickets: 305-294-5015; waterfrontplayhouse.org.
November 12
Midnight Mirage with Sarah Dahnke
Key West: Join Sarah Danke for a special reading of scenes from her screenplay, “Midnight Mirage.” This hyper-realistic film explores intense parties, teenage turmoil, and misunderstood religious traditions, all through the lens of a transracial adoptee’s journey. Takes place at 7 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
November 19 – 23
H*tler’s Tasters
Key West: Times change, but tyrants and teens don’t. This compelling production by
Michelle Kohlos Brooks turns a historical footnote into provocative theater. Produced by Art House, Fringe. Showtime: 7 pm at the Armory, 600 White Street. Info & tickets: 305-295-7676; keystix.com.
November 20 – December 14
Into the Woods
Key West: The original production of this musical on Broadway won ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book. The journeys of a young maiden, a sad young man, a baker, and his wife, combined with the genius of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, make for a brilliant holiday production. Takes place at the Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St in Mallory Square. Info & tickets: 305-294-5015; waterfrontplayhouse.org.
November 22
Gratitudes: A Thanksgiving Concert
with Libby York, Tom Vaitsas, & Jeff Dalton
Key West: Celebrate the season of gratitude and generosity with this special holiday jazz concert starring celebrated vocalist Libby York, with Tom Vaitsas on piano and Jeff Dalton on bass. Takes place at 8 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
December 5 – 8
December 13 – 15
Nutcracker Key West
Key West: Performed every other year, this Christmas spectacular is one of the largest, most elaborate stage productions ever to hit the Florida Keys and a perfect way to ring in the holidays. Set to the music of Tchaikovsky, this island interpretation of the fabled holiday ballet was written and originally produced by Key West arts patron Joyce Stahl. Various showtimes. Takes place at the Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Rd on Stock Island/Key West. Info & tickets: 305-295-7676; keystix.com.
December 9
Classic Holidays with a View:
with Irie Monte & Crispin Campbell
Key West: Let the music get you into the holiday spirit when Irie Monte is joined by Crispin Campbell on cello for an evening of beautiful string music on the roof. Takes place at 5:30 pm at Hugh’s View, on the rooftop of The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
December 10 – 14
Tony Konrath’s Christmas Carol
Key West: ‘Tis the season! Get into the holiday “Spirit” with this fresh take on the Charles Dickens ghost story of holiday transformation and redemption. Produced by Art House, Fringe. Showtime: 7 pm at the Armory, 600 White Street. Info & reserved tickets: 305-295-7676; keystix.com.
December 12 – January 11
The Foreigner
Key West: An American classic, this award-winning comedy is set in a rural Georgia fishing lodge, where a pathologically shy man adopts the persona of a Non-English speaking foreigner in an attempt to avoid conversation. Hilarity ensues as an outrageous group of characters reveal secrets and scandals. On stage Tu – Sa at 7:30 pm at the Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St. Info & tickets: 305-296-9911; redbarntheatre.com.
January 2 – 4
The Vagina Monologues
Key West: Cited in 1999 by the New York Times as “probably the most important piece of political theatre of the last decade,” and then reiterated in 2018 that “No recent hour of theatre has had a greater impact worldwide.” Not to be missed! Showtime: 8 pm at the Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St in Mallory Square. Info & tickets: 305-294-5015; waterfrontplayhouse.org.
January 7 – 8
Old Town New Folk:
Susan Werner & Jonathan Brooke In Concert
Key West: Acclaimed folk rock artists Susan Werner and Jonathan Brooke team up for a night of innovative songwriting, captivating harmonies, and masterful musicianship. Takes place on Tu, Jan 7, in the Helmerich Theater at 7 pm and on W, Jan 8 at 6 pm on Hugh’s Rooftop — both located at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
January 12
Impromptu Concerts:
Thomas Mesa & Greg Zelek
Key West: One of the most charismatic, innovative, and engaging performers of his generation, Thomas Mesa is the recipient of the Sphinx Organization’s 2023 Medal of Excellence, its highest honor. Greg Zelek is the principal organist of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Curator of the Overture Concert Organ, where he regularly performs and oversees all the MSO’s organ programming. Showtime 4 pm at St. Paul’s Church, 401 Duval St. Info: keywestimpromptu.org.
January 14 – 15
Old Town New Folk:
Dom Flemons In Concert
Key West: Grammy-winner Dom Flemons “The American Songster” revives forgotten folk songs with masterful storytelling and musicianship. Takes place on Tu, Jan 14, in the Helmerich Theater at 7 pm and on W, Jan 15 at 6 pm on Hugh’s Rooftop — both located at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
January 14 – 25
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Key West: This musical exploration of the epic truths and challenges of modern love and romance are both hilarious and insightful! Produced by Art House, Fringe. Showtime: 7 pm at the Armory, 600 White Street. Info & reserved tickets: 305-295-7676; keystix.com.
January 21
Menopause, The Musical
Key West: It’s impossible not to laugh at this hysterical musical that follows four mature women shopping for lingerie at a Bloomingdale’s sale. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics parody popular music from the baby boomer era to reflect symptoms of menopause. Showtime: 8 pm at The Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Rd, Stock Island/Key West. Info & tickets: 305-296-1520; keystix.com.
January 27
Puppy Pals, Live!
Key West: This action-packed show stars adopted and rescued dogs who perform spectacular canine stunts, breathtaking feats, and laugh-out-loud canine comedy! Showtime: 8 pm at The Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Rd, Stock Island/Key West. Info & tickets: 305-296-1520; keystix.com.
January 15
A Little Bit of Country, A Little Bit Rock N’ Roll
Key West: Christine Mild returns with a new knockout show featuring the women who sing Country and Rock n Roll. Showtime: 7:30 pm at the Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St. Info & tickets: 305-296-9911; redbarntheatre.com.
January 20 – February 22
Ms Holmes and Ms Watson, Apt 2B
Key West: A satirical take on the Sherlock Holmes series, Kate Hamill’s original screenplay cheerfully desecrates the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. On stage Tu – Sa at 7:30 pm at the Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St. Info & tickets: 305-296-9911; redbarntheatre.com.
January 26
Impromptu Concerts:
Simone Porter
Key West: An emerging artist of impassioned energy, interpretive integrity, and vibrant communication, Violinist Simone Porter has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Porter first made her professional solo debut at age 10 with the Seattle Symphony and her international debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London at age 13. Showtime 4 pm at St. Paul’s Church, 401 Duval St. Info: keywestimpromptu.org.
January 22 – February 8
The Angel Next Door
Key West: The Florida Premiere and only the fourth production of this recently published new farce, is sheer joy, sophistication, and wit of a1940’s screwball comedy. Brace yourself for what a critic called “a perfect storm of comedic chaos, irresistible charm, and rapid-fire banter.” Showtime: 8 pm with a 2 pm matinee on Sa. Feb 1. Takes place at the Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St in Mallory Square. Info & tickets: 305-294-5015; waterfrontplayhouse.org.
February 4 – 5
Old Town New Folk:
Will Kimbrough In Concert
Key West: A Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist and 2004’s ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ by the Americana Music Association, William Kimbrough has co-written songs with Jimmy Buffett and collaborated with Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Mark Knopfler. Takes place on Tu, Feb 4, in the Helmerich Theater at 7 pm and on W, Feb 5 at 6 pm on Hugh’s Rooftop — both located at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
February 8
A Blonde, Brunette & Some Duets
Key West: Eric McCormack, celebrated for his Emmy-winning TV career (Will and Grace), and Laura Bell Bundy, a Tony-nominated powerhouse, bring their magnetic chemistry from Broadway’s “The Cottage” to the stage. It’s an unforgettable night of Broadway hits, cinematic charm, and chart-topping tunes. Showtime: 8 pm at The Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Rd, Stock Island/Key West. Info & tickets: 305-296-1520; keystix.com.
February 9
Impromptu Concerts:
Dover Quartet
Key West: Named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Music Magazine, the two-time Grammy-nominated Dover Quartet is one of the world’s most in-demand chamber ensembles. Showtime 4 pm at St. Paul’s Church, 401 Duval St. Info: keywestimpromptu.org.
February 9 – 10
Vail Johnson Is BASSically Incorrect
Key West: Star Bassist Vail Johnson has performed with some of the top names in music for over 40 years, and he’s bringing a career full of behind-the-scenes stories and almost every note of the great music he’s had a hand in his new one-man show. It doesn’t matter what style of music or what particular artist you like. There’s a very good chance Vail Johnson will tell you a story about touring with them, or play something you’ve heard by them in his one-man show. Showtime: 7:30 pm at the Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St. Info & tickets: 305-296-9911; redbarntheatre.com.