By C.S. Gilbert

Heads Up!

Pay attention, culture lovers — a lot is happening on the arts scene tonight and this weekend.

First of all, tonight is opening night for “Leading Ladies” at the Waterfront. OMG! We caught the first preview, with almost a full house of folks actually screaming with laughter—ok, not non-stop, but this show has some of the funniest lines we’ve ever heard on stage, and the bad drag alone — well, Brandon Beach and Matt Hollis Hulsey are beyond brilliant. If anybody remembers my old rating system: this gets a record four Depends.

Those who don’t attend the opening night and its accompanying party might choose Walk on White, the first and still usually most varied of the neighborhood evenings of the arts. It’s 6 till 9 p.m. The Studios of Key West opens an intriguing member show titled La Vie en Noir, complementing the dark side promised by the upcoming Key West Literary Seminar. Harrison Gallery promises a lovely two-artist opening plus extra works from their family of artists and Stone Soup Gallery never fails to delight — in addition to a high-quality collection of eclectic art, owner Melissa Trader always wins the hors d’oeuvres contest hands down. CoffeeMill Dance Studio usually offers an 8 p.m. show.

 

Have you checked out the Love Lane Gang? This multi-generational, multi-genre, off-beat instrumental (I mean ukulele? washboard? really?) band produces the most purely fun music Key West has seen in maybe forever. Catch them Friday evenings at Irish Kevin’s on Duval and Sunday evenings at Salute on the beach. They’ve also won Schooner Wharf and Green Parrot gigs.

 

Last but certainly not least is the benefit production of “Jerry’s Girls,” a variety show spotlighting the work of Jerry Herman, on Sunday night at Tennessee Williams Theater. The show is a very special holiday gift presented by Vincent Zito and Dean Walters in support of three very worthy beneficiaries: the Keys Chorale, the Emily Lowe Music Fund and the Franco Richmond Music Fund (the latter two administered by our amazing Community Foundation of the Florida Keys). Walters tells us it’s probably our only chance to see him dance on stage. Tickets are available at keystix.com.

 

An array of wonderful fine art and theater and music are scheduled for the beginning of the new year, so stay tuned. And have a wonderful holiday season.

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