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Now That’s Entertainment!

Editorial by: Tom Oosterhoudt

Already this season Key West has been treated to some of the best entertainment anywhere. Tennessee Williams Theatre has had an amazing array of talents and shows. Since January 1st, Frank Wood has brought us Lily Tomlin and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo last weekend. Sebrina Alfonso has established the Key West Symphony concerts as the most sophisticated musical endeavors in South Florida. Vincent Zito and the Key West Pops orchestra staged an unforgettable evening, taking the Pops to a whole new level, with “My Fair Lady”, under the direction of the amazing Donna Roll.

The lobby series at Tennessee Williams has established the setting as a whole new incredible venue for the exhibition of raw talent. It all started with our original Key West crooner, Bobby Nesbitt, and his innovative “Bobby In the Lobby” series that educates the audience with the real story behind the great American songbook. Already this year, the venue has expanded its offerings with cabaret concerts by Randy Roberts and Bruce Moore. And all of these concerts were sold out. It all goes to prove that local audiences know first class entertainment when they see it. And a heartfelt bravo goes out to Tennessee Williams director, Frank Woods, who has cautiously but steadfastly increased the level and pace of entertainment to where there’s rarely a week without some sort of exciting entertainment going on out there.

Congratulations also go out to both the Red Barn Theatre and Waterfront Playhouse. Both continue to provide venues for first class plays and musicals. The Lela Elam show, “No Child”, in its final week at the Waterfront Playhouse this week is one of the most cutting edge and exciting stage dramas seen anywhere in America today. “No Child” truly provokes your mind and leaves you thinking and talking about it long after leaving the theatre.

Now Fort Zachary Taylor has also become an exciting new venue. Cuba’s most exciting band, Los Van Van, started their American tour, right here in Key West, last week with an incredible concert at the historic landmark. Over a thousand people came out to see the cultural phenomena as music transcended politics. And the original Woodstock promoters were even in Key West recently to talk about staging an epic concert, right here, 40 years after the original became rock and roll history. Could there be a “Gaystock”? And the beat goes on....

Nora Revelin’s amazing Keys Kids have a new show for us, the high school production of “Guys And Dolls”, which opens on February 17th. If you were lucky enough to catch last year’s production of “High School Musical”, you’ll know this is serious. The students aren’t just fooling around. Our talented youngsters usually put on one helluva show.

The local art galleries are showcasing some of America’s best artists. Take a stroll down Duval and check out the significant creations offered by The Key West Gallery, Wyland, Gallery Rue Royale, Coco-Salem, and Gingerbread, to name a few. Over at the Gallery On Greene, Nance Frank always features Some of the top local artists as well.

Key West is sooo happening. There is always something going on in this little island we call home. If you are missing any of this, you could be missing the boat. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Tom Oosterhoudt
Editor & Publisher

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