Fringe Theater Key West Announces Lineup for 16th Season

Fringe Theater presents the one-woman show Rose, by Martin Sherman, on Nov 1 and 2 at the Key West Armory. Photo Credit: Fringe Theater Key West

Fringe Theater Key West continues to think outside the box with its main stage 2024-25 season announcement which includes a contemporary dark comedy, a classic holiday drama, a beloved musical, a fresh off Broadway comedy, and original Key West stories!

“We think it’s our best – and most ambitious – season to date. And that’s saying something,” Fringe board president Jim Argoudelis chuckles. “Last season, most of our shows sold out their runs – some before the shows even opened. We’re hoping to create that kind of excitement again this year with great shows that showcase great local talent.”

This season begins with Rose, written by acclaimed playwright Martin Sherman. Rose is an 80-year-old Jewish woman sitting shiva and recounting her life as a child in a Russian village, a young mother in the Warsaw Ghetto, and a successful businesswoman in Miami Beach. It’s a true performance of a lifetime! Riveting and powerful in its relevance. Rose run November 1 & 2.

In counterpoint is H*tler’s Tasters, a dark comedy based on a little-known historical footnote of the young German women who were conscripted into becoming food tasters. H*tler’s Tasters, written by Mel Brooks daughter-in-law Michelle Kholos Brooks, won over the Fringe festival in Edinburgh with its anachronistic and startling story style. The show stars Morgan Fraga Pierson, Martha Hooten-Hattingh, Samantha Laskey, and Lela Griffin. It runs November 19-23.

In December, Christmas Carol by the late great Key West playwright Tony Konrath is sure to be a family holiday favorite. Four actors recount the Charles Dickens story in this playful and creative retelling of the classic ghost story of transformation. Tony Konrath’s Christmas Carol stars Ray West, Wende Shoer, Mariah Woessner, and Liz Cloud and runs December 10-14.

In January, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change starts the new year right with its hilarious and heartfelt look at dating, romance, marriage, and more. This series of musical vignettes is written by Joe DiPietro & Jimmy Roberts and stars Trey Forsyth, Danica Doctoche, John Swan, Karen Grant, Aramis Ikatu, Jessica Newman, Sara Goodwin, and Jim Speake. Musical Director and show pianist is Roberta Jacyshyn. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change runs January 10-20.

In February, Goodnight Oscar, by Doug Wright, explores the line between entertainment and exploitation when the brilliant Oscar Levant is checked out of the hospital to take center stage on the hottest late-night talk show on television. The cast includes Don Bearden, Ray West, Jim Argoudelis, Chris Massicotte, and Thomas Masat. Goodnight Oscar runs February 18-March 1.

In March, Michael Robinson leads us on a colorful journey from child prodigy to educator, and now island pianist with his one-man show Kaleidoscope. Composer, arranger, musical director, and accompanist, Michael has shared the Fringe journey for well over a decade. We’re delighted to bring him center stage so we can share his! Kaleidoscope runs March 12-14.

In April, Key West Characters: More True Stories celebrates the tales of real Key West folks. This show is presented in partnership with Williams Hall and includes crowd favorites from the sold-out 2024 production and new soon-to-become favorites. Local stories by local writers.  Key West Characters: More True Stories run April 23 and 24 at Williams Hall, located at 729 Fleming Street.

All Fringe shows are presented at 7pm in the Key West Armory, located at 600 White Street, unless otherwise stated. Tickets are on sale at www.keystix.com or by calling the KeysTix Box Office at 305-295-7676. To learn more about Fringe events, go to www.fringetheater.org or email Fringe’s Managing Artistic Director Rebecca Tomlinson at [email protected].

Fringe Theater Key West is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that inspires a love of theater by creating unique opportunities for people to see and do theater. Fringe’s 2024-25 show partners include Bravo Youth Theatre, Williams Hall, Key West Arts and Historical Society, and the Key West Business Guild.

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