Light the candles and blow up the balloons! Because on Wednesday, March 1 through Friday, March 31, Key West celebrates the birthday of iconic playwright, Tennessee Williams.
Hosted by the Key West Art & Historical Society, this special event pays homage to one of the world’s most popular literary giants with a series of art and cultural events that take place at various venues around the island.
Events honoring Williams often include a museum fundraiser, Plein Air painting, poetry and short story writing contests, lectures, museum tours, film showings, live theater events and a birthday party complete with cake and bubbly.
Born on March 26,1911, Williams visited and lived in Key West from1941 until he inhaled an eyedropper bottle cap in a freak accident and choked to death in 1983.
During his residence here, he completed “Summer and Smoke” and wrote “Night of the Iguana,” among other works. The Academy Award–winning film adaptation of his play, “The Rose Tattoo,” was filmed on the island in 1954. His award-winning classics like “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof,” earned him two Pulitzer Prizes and are still performed today.
In 2008, local resident Dennis Beaver began curating Tennessee Williams memorabilia and exhibiting a very small collection of artifacts. Throughout the years, his collection expanded and has now evolved into an impressive exhibit that includes photographs, artwork, first edition plays and books, rare newspaper and magazine articles, videos, a typewriter, and other fascinating artifacts. You can view this extraordinary exhibit at Key West’s Tennessee Williams Museum every Monday through Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm at 513 Truman Avenue.
See below for some of the upcoming celebratory events. For more info and a complete list, call 305-842-6616 or go to kwahs.org.
Now – March 11
Tennessee Williams Short Story & Poetry Contests
Key West: As part of Tennessee William’s upcoming 112th Birthday Celebration the Tennessee Williams Museum is staging a short story and poetry contest that is open to everyone. There is no specific theme for the 2023 competition; however, your short story or poem must in some way reference Tennessee Williams. Authors may choose to write a story referencing Williams, his family, one of his characters, or one of the actors/actresses who played a role in his plays or films. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org.
March 5
Tennessee Williams Garden Party & Fundraiser
Key West: This kick-off event and fundraiser for Key West’s Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration includes an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and an exciting silent auction. Cast members from the Waterfront Playhouse will also present an excerpt from the play “Suddenly, Last Summer” which takes to the stage at the Playhouse on March 12 and 13. Takes place from 5 – 7 pm at 1207 Whitehead St, residence of Dennis Beaver, Curator of the Museum, and Bert Whitt. Info & tickets: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org.
March 6
Tennessee Williams Film:
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Key West: This powerful, highly charged, moving story of a neurotic, dysfunctional Southern family with its rivalries, tensions, and avarice is being screened as part of Key West’s Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration. The provocative screenplay by Richard Brooks and James Poe was adapted from Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Takes place from 6:30 pm at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. Presented by the Key West Art & Historical Society. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org.
March 8
Tennessee Williams ’
Key West Walking Tour
Key West: Part of Key West’s Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration, this fun, 1-1/2 hour tour takes you to some of the most beloved spots that helped to make Tennessee America’s greatest playwright. You’ll get to visit theaters, bars and hangouts where he lived, worked and returned to throughout his adult life. Starts at 10 am in front of the Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St at Mallory Square. Presented by the Key West Art & Historical Society. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org.
March 9
Happy Hour with the Historian:
Tennessee Williams in Key West
Key West: Historian Cori Convertito Ph.D. gives you the fascinating backstory of Tennessee Williams: one of the most admired playwrights of the twentieth century. This fun historical lecture is part of Key West’s Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration and also includes a complimentary drink (beer, house wine or soft drink). Takes place daily from 5 – 6 pm at Comedy Key West, 218 Whitehead St #5. Presented by the Key West Art & Historical Society. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org.
March 10
Curator Tour of the Tennessee Williams Museum:
The Rose Tattoo
Key West: This fascinating curator-led tour by Museum Curator, Dennis Beaver is part of Key West’s Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration. The tour features a detailed look into the filming of William’s screenplay, “The Rose Tattoo” in Key West. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about the objects on display in the museum, and how they relate to Williams, his play and filming on the island. Takes place from
11am — noon at the Tennessee Williams Museum 513 Truman Ave. Info: 305-204-4527; kwahs.org.
March 11
15th Annual Plein Air Key West Competition
Key West: This annual non-juried event is open to artists in all media. Check-in and register at the Key West Art Center to get your paper or canvas stamped between 8:30 and 9:30 am. At 10 am you can head out to your favorite location and start painting. Finished work needs to be submitted at the Art Center by 1:30 pm. Show and reception take place from 5 – 7pm at the Key West Art Center, 301 Front St. Info: 305-294-1241; keywestartcenter.com.
March 13
Tennessee Williams Film:
Diamond
Key West: This new drama is based on a recently rediscovered original screenplay by legendary writer Tennessee Williams. Set in the Roaring Twenties in the town of Memphis, the film tells the story of Fisher Willow (Bryce Dallas Howard) a headstrong young heiress who chafes under the constraints of proper Southern society. Takes place from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. Presented by the Key West Art & Historical Society. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org.
March 20
Tennessee Williams Film:
This Property is Condemned
Key West: Directed by Sydney Pollack and boasting a star-studded cast, this 1966 American film was inspired by the 1946 one-act play by Tennessee Williams. The Depression-era story takes place in a fictional Mississippi town where the railroad company provides much of the town’s economic base. Actress Natalie Wood plays Alva Starr, a pretty flirt who finds herself stuck in the small town and decides to pursue the handsome young man who works for the railroad (Robert Redford). Takes place from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. Presented by the Key West Art & Historical Society. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org
March 23
The Smoke & Sizzle of Tennessee Williams
Key West: A collection of readers explores the more sensual writings of Tennessee Williams: the steamy and smokey; the demure and suggestive; and the shockingly graphic from Williams’ poetry, short stories, plays, and general writings. Presented by Fringe Theater. Takes place from 7 – 8 pm at the Armory Building, 600 White St. Info: 305-731-0581; fringetheater.org.
March 24
Curator Tour of the Tennessee Williams Museum:
The Glass Menagerie
Key West: This intriguing tour highlights William’s celebrated work, “The Glass Menagerie,” an interesting, dynamic play that has many parallels with the author’s own life. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about the objects on display in the museum, and how they relate to Williams, his play and filming on the island. Takes place from 10 – 11 am at the Tennessee Williams Museum, 513 Truman Ave. Info: 305-204-4527; kwahs.org.
March 26
Tennessee Williams Birthday Party
Key West: Champagne corks pop and birthday cake takes center stage at this special celebration that honors what would have been Tennessee Williams 112th birthday.
Takes place from 5 – 7 pm at the Tennessee Williams Museum 513 Truman Ave. Info: 305-204-4527; kwahs.org.
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