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, multimedia tribute to some of the world’s most beloved performers. His uncanny impersonations of Cher, Bette Midler, and Mae West are spot-on. He’ll have you rolling in the aisles when he performs a titillating striptease as the bawdy Gypsy Rose Lee. Catch this fantastic show at La Te Da’s Crystal Room Cabaret, 1125 Duval St. Tickets and info: 305-296-6706; lateda.com.

The Aquanettes
Key West: The past, present, and future collide in this outrageous, and sometimes raunchy, live drag show that stars Key West’s world-famous troupe of female impersonators. The dynamic, high-energy group struts the stage, performing famous tunes and spot-on impersonations of some of the world’s most famous icons. FYI: Bring plenty of small bills for stuffing! Showtime: 9 pm at Aquaplex, 711 Duval St. Info & Reservations: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.

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.

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

Tuesday – Saturday
Christopher Peterson & The Aquanettes
Key West: Christopher Peterson is, without a doubt, one of North America’s foremost female impressionists — both visually and vocally. Often compared to the legendary master of impersonations, Jim Bailey, Peterson’s stunning, glitzy, and glamorous Vegas-style spectacle includes singing, dancing, and lots of wild camp. Backed up by the outrageous Aquanettes, it’s one of the hottest tickets in town. On stage Tu, Th, and Sa at 8 pm at the Birdcage Cabaret, 504 Angela St, in the Aqua-plex. Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.

Wednesday – Sunday
Comedy Magic Bar: The Magic of Frank Everhart
Key West: Key West comedian and magician Frank Everhart, never ceases to amaze. Renowned as one of the country’s top comedians and magicians, his regaled “Chicago-style, close-up magic show” not only showcases his awe-inspiring magic, it’s also absolutely hilarious. Takes place W – Su starting at 7 pm at the notorious Schooner What Bar, 202 William St in Key West’s Historic Seaport. Info: 305-292-9520; schoonerwharf.com.

Every Friday
The Fabulous Spectrelles
Key West: Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to party! Key West’s longest-running show is an immersive, rollicking ride down memory lane. This high-energy revue has been rocking the house for over four decades and tributes some of the world’s most renowned Motown and Doo-Wop groups from the 50’s and 60’s. Founder, Allison Mayer, aka,“Baby Tracy Spectrelle,” and her chart-topping revue have played with some of Motown’s biggest stars, including Chuck Berry, the Coasters, the Drifters, and other notables. It’s a journey through music history that you don’t want to miss! Showtime: 7 – 8 pm at the Key West EmPOURium at Kaya Island Eats, 618 Duval St. Info & tickets: 305-395-0213; empouriumkeywest.com.

Wednesday – Saturday
Cabaret in The Gardens
Key West: Not only is the Gardens Hotel one of the most luxurious boutique hotels on the island, but it’s also a favorite destination for outstanding live piano music. Full bar and stellar wines are the coup de gras. Takes place from 5 – 7 pm in the Gardens Hotel’s intimate Cabaret 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.

SPECIAL EVENTS

February 24 – March 21
On Stage: And The World Goes ‘Round — The Songs of Kander & Ebb
Key West:This intimate musical revue celebrates the extraordinary work of composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb, the award-winning songwriting team behind mega theatrical hits like “Chicago,” “Cabaret,” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” (among others), as well as the movie scores for “Funny Lady” and “New York, New York.”On stage Tu – Sa at 7:30 pm at the Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St. Info & tickets: 305-296-9911; redbarntheatre.com.

March 4 – 21
On Stage: Once —
The Broadway Musical
Key West: Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this deeply moving modern classic tells the story of a disillusioned Dublin street musician whose music — and life — are transformed by an unexpected encounter with a woman who believes in him. Showtime: 8 pm at the Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St in Mallory Square. Info & tickets: 305-294-5015; waterfrontplayhouse.org.

March 11 – 21
On Stage: Crimes of the Heart
Key West: Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play revolves around three eccentric sisters, a forgotten birthday, a failed career, and an attempted murder. Funny. Messy. Filled with southern comfort. Produced by Art House, Fringe. Showtime: 7 pm at the Armory, 600White St. Info & reserved tickets: 305-295-7676; keystix.com.

March 13
In Concert: May Phang — Music Rendezvous
Key West: Pianist May Phang takes you on a luminous musical journey across cultures and centuries. Expect an intimate, thought-provoking evening of color, expression, and connection through music. Showtime: 6:30 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.

March 15
Impromptu Concerts: Carr-Petrova Duo
Key West: Regaled as “ravishing” (Strad), “enlightened” (BBC), “explosive” (Virginia Gazette), and “irresistibly elegant” (Diario de Leon), violist Molly Carr and pianist Anna Petrova are renowned for their fiery musical expression and refined artistry. Showtime: 4 pm at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd.Info & tickets: 305-296-1520; keystix.com.

March 20 – 21
First Look Staged Reading Series:
Mom’s Best Friend
Key West: The special staged reading series gives you a “First Look” at new and cutting-edge American Plays and Musicals. Written by Don McCabe, “Mom’s Best Friend” follows the “best friend” relationship between a mother and her adult daughter. When daughter Christine abruptly cuts off all contact with a single, shocking email, her mother must confront life without her closest ally and reevaluate how she is perceived by others. Takes place at 8 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.

March 23
In Concert: Zoë Lewis
Key West: With songs, stories, humor, and multimedia magic, Zoë Lewis takes you on a high-energy, whimsical musical memoir: from her childhood in England to her adventures around the world. Showtime: 7 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.

March 24 – 25
In Concert: Ricky Skaggs & Sharon White
Key West: Bluegrass legends Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White unite for an unforgettable night of harmony, heart, and timeless tradition. Showtime: 7 pm on March 24, in the Helmerich Theater; and on W, March 15 on the rooftop at Hugh’s View — both located at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.

March 30
Spotlight Cabaret: Randy Roberts & Donna McKechnie
Key West: Curated by local showbiz icon Randy Roberts, this brand-new entertainment experience showcases a revolving lineup of top-notch performers and colorful storytelling. Joined by Broadway legend and Tony® Award winner, Donna McKechnie, Roberts delivers a night of pure theatrical joy with a powerful tribute to Broadway’s golden era. Showtime: 8 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.

March 31
And Tell Sad Stories of the Death of Queens… and OtherTennessee Wiliams Short Plays
Key West: Presented in partnership with the Tennessee Williams Festival, this staged reading of little-known short plays by Tennessee Williams explores sexuality, identity, and longing. Produced by Art House, Fringe. Showtime: 7 pm at Williams Hall, 729 Fleming St. Info & reserved tickets: 305-295-7676; keystix.com.

March 31 – April 25
On Stage: A Rock Sails By
Key West: When a UFO is sighted heading towards Earth, astrophysicist Dr Lynn Cummings grants an interview to a journalist who has misquoted her. She invites him to view the object with her as it comes closest to Earth. There is no telling what she will discover beyond the stars. On stage Tu – Sa at 7:30 pm at the Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St. Info & tickets: 305-296-9911; redbarntheatre.com.

April 3 – 4
First Look Staged Reading Series:
My Maria
Key West: The special staged reading series gives you a “First Look” at new and cutting-edge American Plays and Musicals. Written by Andrew Russell, “My Maria” is a bold and highly theatrical play set in a fictional southern Midwest town. Chuck, a sixty-year-old school resource officer, falls in love with a mysterious woman named Maria through country line dancing. When his actions during a mass shooting call his courage and his new love into question. Takes place at 8 pm in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.

April 4
Concert: Belle Jampol
Anne McKee Artist Fund Performance
Key West: Influenced by soul, jazz, and folk, rising star Belle Jampol brings a unique blend of musical flavors to her performances. Showtime: 7:30 pm at the Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Rd.Info & tickets: 305-296-1520; keystix.com.

April 8
On Stage: Tired Souls — King and The Montgomery Bus Boycott
Key West: Acclaimed actor and playwright Mike Wiley returns to Key West with two new one-man performances honoring pivotal figures in Black history. “Tired Souls” honors the unsung figures who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, on December 1, 1955 – the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man. Reception with food & cash bar at 6 pm; Showtime at 7 pm at the American Legion Post 168, 803 Emma St. Presented by The Studios of Key West. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.

April 9
On Stage: Breach of Peace
Key West: Acclaimed actor and playwright Mike Wiley’s one-man performances honoring pivotal figures in Black history. The show unfolds in Montgomery, Alabama, on May 24, 1961, when 19-year-old Jean Thompson, along with eleven other young Freedom Riders, boards a New Orleans-bound Trailways bus determined to make history. The powerful solo play draws from the true accounts of those who lived it, and honors the extraordinary courage of ordinary people who risked everything for justice and equality. Reception with food & cash bar at 6 pm; Showtime at 7 pm at the American Legion Post 168, 803 Emma St. Presented by The Studios of Key West. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.

April 9 – 18
On Stage: Accomplice
Key West: This deliciously twisted comic thriller by Tony Award winner Rupert Holmes is a fun “who-dunnit” that keeps you laughing and guessing with its brilliant mix of deception, misdirection, and theatrical surprises. Showtime: 8 pm at the Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St in Mallory Square.  Info & tickets 305-294-5015; waterfrontplayhouse.org.

April 11
Concert: Howard Livingston & Friends
Endless Summer Fundraiser
Key West: Local icon, Howard Livingston & his Mile Marker 24 Band rocks the house with a signature blend of Trop Rock, Reggae, and Caribbean-inspired melodies. Proceeds benefit Care Camps Foundation, a wonderful organization that helps send children battling cancer and their families to specialized oncology camps. Showtime: 7:30 pm at the Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Rd. Info & tickets: 305-296-1520; keystix.com.

April 15 – 25
On Stage: The Shark Is Broken
Key West: Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, this “bitingly” funny backstory takes you behind the scenes of the iconic movie, JAWS, and reveals the underbelly of the cinematic shoot that made history. Produced by Art House, Fringe. Showtime: 7 pm at the Armory, 600 White St. Info & reserved tickets: 305-295-7676; keystix.com.

May 1 – 3
A You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Key West: Based on the comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, with music and lyrics by Clark Gesnerand Andrew Lippa, this sweet and funny musical captures the essence of childhood and the heart of friendship. Showtime: 7 pm at the Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St. Info & tickets: 305-296-9911; redbarntheatre.com.

SOUTH MIAMI DADE

Now – February 15
On Stage: Sotto Voce
Coral Gables: Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz’s riveting meditation weaves the past with the present, as a young Jewish-Cuban researcher becomes obsessed with the 1939 tragedy that befell the SS St. Louis. It takes place at the Gable Stage Theater at the Miami Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave. Info & tickets: 305-445-1119; gablestage.org.

March 13
In Concert: Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band
Homestead: From the funky, “earthy” grooves to the sophisticated, complex lyrics and orchestrations, this Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute pays homage to one of the greatest bands of its era, bringing the magical R&B, funk, and Jazz sounds to life. Showtime: 8 pm at the Seminole Theater, 18 N Krome Ave. Info: 786-650-2073; seminoletheatre.org.

March 13 – 15
GroundUP Music Festival
Miami Beach: Cited by The New York Times as one of the “Top 10 Definitive Music Moments of the Decade,” this artist-centric event blends an eclectic mix of genres with a dynamic and diverse line-up of hard-to-define artists. This year’s festival features Grammy Award Winners Snarky Puppy and Ricki Lee Jones, as well as an impressive lineup of other big names. Takes place at the Miami Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave. Info & tickets 786-395-523

March 15
48th Annual Calle Ocho Music Festival
Little Havana: Regaled as a marquee event of Carnaval Miami, this energetic music extravaganza spans a whopping 15 blocks and is the largest Latin music festival in the country. The festival features multiple musical stages, international food, folkloric dances, entertainment, and more. Takes place from 11 am – 7 pm along 8th St between 12th & 27th Ave. Info: 305-644-8888; carnavalmiami.com.

March 20 – April 19
On Stage: Prayer for the French Republic
Coral Gables: Winner of the 2022 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, this thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, wickedly funny” show by celebrated playwright Joshua Harmon explores a century in the life of one Jewish family while folding in 1,000 years of Jewish history. Showtime: 7 pm at the Gable Stage Theater at the Miami Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave. Info & tickets: 305-445-1119; gablestage.org.

March 25 – 30
Miami Music Week
Miami: One of Miami’s most highly anticipated music events, this 5-day tsunami of sound showcases renowned DJs and electronic artists from around the world, as well as non-stop music, pool parties, and electrifying live performances. Info & tickets: miamimusicweek.com.

March 27 – 29
Ultra Music Festival
Miami: Miami transforms into the ultimate dance music hotspot as top DJs, producers, and fans flock to Miami for the world’s largest music festival. With over 200 events spanning EDM, house, techno, trance, drum ‘n’ bass, dubstep, and more, the annual iconic celebration takes over dozens of clubs, hotel pools, and venues throughout the area. Main event takes place on F from 4 pm – Midnight; on Sa from Noon – Midnight; and on Su from Noon – 10 pm at Bayfront Park, 301 N Biscayne Blvd. Info & tickets: 305-358-7550; ultramusicfestival.com.

March 28
In Concert: Classic Skynard Live
Homestead: This talented group delivers a high-energy show with spot-on, authentic renditions of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music. Showtime: 8 pm at the Seminole Theater, 18 N Krome Ave. Info: 786-650-2073; seminoletheatre.org.

April 3
Synchrony: A Miami Music Week Afterparty
Coral Gables: Electronic music meets human connection in an innovative performance that bridges acoustic traditions with cutting-edge technology. The hybrid performance by vocalist/electronic artist Susie Green and saxophonist Kyle Hutchins explores human connection through sound, visuals, and collaborative expression. Performance begins at 8 pm at the  Hormel Innovation Stage at the Knight Center for Innovation, 5513 San Amaro Dr. Info & tickets: 305-284-2211; events.miami.edu