RED BARN KICKS OFF ITS LANDMARK 45TH SEASON OF PROFESSIONAL THEATRE IN KEY WEST

Few regional professional theaters get the chance to celebrate nearly a half a century of bringing top-notch shows and talent to their stage. Most just don’t last that long. But that claim will be made this year as Key West’s Red Barn Theatre kicks off its landmark 45th Season this fall with a solid line-up of drama and comedy starring the exceptional acting talent of our area.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been that long,” said Mimi McDonald, the Barn’s managing director. “It seems like just yesterday when we decided to get together to do some theater. Who knew we could keep things so alive and fun for so long?”

That vibrant energy such an accomplishment takes will be front and center with the Barn’s new season, which kicks off in December with a slate of strong, new plays, bolstered by some unique special events that promise to keep the Barn’s stage exciting. Subscriptions and single show tickets are now available at KeysTix.com, if you want to get a head start on the best seats.

First up is the “The Foreigner,” by Larry Shue, a hilarious tale of mistaken identity with a touch of sinister intrigue thrown in. Two gentlemen arrive at a run-down guest house in Florida only for one of them – extremely shy – to be introduced as a foreigner who speaks no English. A comedy of errors ensues which folds in local political strife in the form of white supremacists and a widow being swindled out of her inheritance.  The play, which won two Obie awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards, runs December 12 through January 11, 2025, and stars David Black, Marjorie Paul Shook, Cody Borah, Cassidy Timms, Thomas Masat, and Anthony Morales Escobar.

The first Special Event of the season follows for four days only, January 15 to 18.  Red Barn favorite Christine Mild (“Always, Patsy Cline”) returns with her new show, “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll”, which will feature Mild’s knockout voice on an eclectic mix of country and rock and roll favorites made famous by some of the iconic women of the two genres. Pianist/Musical Director Jim Rice and his band will provide the musical accompaniment.

Next up January 28 through February 22 is “Ms. Holmes, Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B”, a fast-paced and wildly entertaining new play by playwright Kate Hamill. It takes place in present-day Baker Street, where steampunk hipster Shirley Holmes and her spunky new roommate, Joan Watson, become entangled in a series of cases all related to the same supervillain, who always seems to be one step ahead of them. The play stars Key West favorites Susannah Wells, Mariah Woessner, Arthur Crocker, and Morgan Fraga Pierson, and will be directed by Mimi McDonald.

March 4 through 29 will feature the remarkable comic drama, “Brooklyn Laundry” by lauded playwright John Patrick Shanley (“Doubt”, “Moonstruck”). Shanley’s latest is about three sisters, a guy who runs a laundry in Brooklyn, and the sometimes savage tricks life plays on them. Tragic and funny by turns, this story will remind you what is important in life… and the sorrow and joy of fully embracing adulthood. Directed by Red Barn artistic director Joy Hawkins, the play will star Jessica Miano Kruel, Michael Castellano, Donna Stabile, and Lauren Thompson.

The final mainstage show of the new season will be updated version of a perennial favorite – “Short Attention Span Theatre, the 2025 Edition”. It runs April 8 to May 3 and features its always-intriguing blend of fresh, new, pertinent short plays. Stars are yet to be determined but will feature some of Key West’s top talent in over-the-top performances that always delight audiences.

Two other Special Events are planned for the new season. February 9 and 10 will feature an all-new “BASSically Incorrect” show by acclaimed bassist Vail Johnson. His previous shows at the Barn were complete sellouts. And February 16 and 17 will bring hilarious homegrown standup comedian Gerri Louise to the Barn stage with her new show, “Senior Moments or What the Hell Happened?”. Be ready to laugh ‘til it hurts.

Subscriptions and single show tickets are now on sale for all events at KeysTix.com. Be aware that for this new season, the Red Barn has set curtain time at 7:30 pm for all shows.

For more information, please visit redbarntheatre.com.

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