Who are the 75-year-old Key West Players?

Happy 75th Birthday to the Key West Players, born Feb. 2, 1940 with seven core members. Don’t recognize the name? Key West Players, aka the Waterfront Playhouse, is Florida’s oldest continuously operating professional theater and they are celebrating this remarkable anniversary this Feb. 8 from 5 until 8 p.m. with a gala sunset party aboard the USCGC Ingham at the Truman Waterfront. Come and help celebrate!

In the early days the then-amateur troup performed in various venues, including the U.S.S. Gilmore and the Harris School. In 1944, the Players converted the former carriage house behind the Key West Woman’s Club on Duval Street into a playhouse — the building now acclaimed as the island’s Red Barn Theatre. It wasn’t until 1961 that the Players moved into their lasting home: an old warehouse adjacent to what is now known as Mallory Square, hence the name Waterfront Playhouse.

For this year’s birthday celebration, the Key West Players have joined with the USCGC Ingham Memorial Museum for a sunset party aboard ship. The Ingham, built in 1936, also has a long history. In 1940 she was assigned to patrol the Atlantic and defended our nation’s shores during WW II. Together, they bring you 154 years of history and a birthday celebration of historic proportions.

Come and enjoy the unique casual atmosphere of being aboard a military ship. Imagine what it must have been like in the early days of the theatre when the Key West Players performed for the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Gilmore. A small history exhibit with pictures of the U.S.S. Gilmore will be available for viewing at the party. Most of all enjoy a beautiful view of the Key West sunset from the deck of the ship. The Ingham is permanently tied up at the Truman Waterfront harbor, where there is plenty of free parking.

Tickets are only $40 and include: an open bar with quality spirits, beer and wine; a buffet with cold cut sandwiches, light cocktail party snacks and birthday cake; and, last but certainly not least, music by the very popular steel drum band, Niceness, led by Bongo D. After sunset, relax or dance under the stars. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase; take a chance to win exciting prizes to top off this tropical evening. Purchase tickets online or call the box office: https://www.waterfrontplayhouse.org/ or 305-294-501

 

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