The story of the Waterfront Playhouse begins in 1939 when the original producing organization, the Key West Players, banded together. Including both locals and Navy personnel, The Players began putting on theatrical productions in whatever space they could find, including the U.S.S. Gilmore which was stationed in Key West right after WW II.
In 1960, with the help of Key West Player Tennessee Williams, The Players eventually found a permanent home at The Waterfront Playhouse, a crumbling ice warehouse that had been built in the 1880’s and was situated in historic Mallory Square. The warehouse was totally renovated and transformed into The Waterfront Playhouse (the term by which The Key West Players is most widely known today).
In the years since, major improvements have been supported by the generosity of many donors and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. In the past few years, we have made several major technical and structural upgrades – including a completely new HVAC system, new lighting, new sound, new electrical systems, a state-of-the-art assisted listening system, a new roof, a new lobby and a new stage. Further improvements are on the way.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support!
The latest happenings at The Waterfront Playhouse.
Waterfront Playhouse to produce a one-night-only staged reading of the seldom produced “Ten Blocks on the Camino Real” by Tennessee Williams on March 17th. Key West, February 29. The Waterfront Playhouse, as part of its On The Edge serie [...]
The award winning Waterfront Playhouse on Mallory Square has begun rehearsals for the next selection of their a [...]
Joan Rivers (a)LIVE will continue his celebration of the 90th birthday of the beloved performer with three show [...]
The Award winning Waterfront Playhouse on Mallory Square, is please to announce their On The Edge series. "With the theatre located On The Edge of the water as well as most productions chosen and designed to be performed On The Edge of the stage, it seemed like a winning title", said Managing Artistic Director Tom Thayer. Although a few productions, such as the upcoming musical The Rocky Horror Show will have more production value, the majority of productions, such as Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, The Informer, Bash, and Trunk Material 2 are created and designed to be performed simply.
Another difference in On The Edge productions is the time.
The Award winning Waterfront Playhouse on Mallory Square, is please to announce their Main Stage series. "With the theatre located Main Stage of the water as well as most productions chosen and designed to be performed Main Stage of the stage, it seemed like a winning title", said Managing Artistic Director Tom Thayer. Although a few productions, such as the upcoming musical The Rocky Horror Show will have more production value, the majority of productions, such as Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, The Informer, Bash, and Trunk Material 2 are created and designed to be performed simply.
Another difference in Main Stage productions is the time.