The Waterfront Playhouse begins their 2016/17 season with the uproarious comedy “It’s Only A Play,” by renowned playwright (and hometown guy), Terrence McNally. A recent Broadway mega-hit, “It’s Only A Play” is Mr. McNally’s deliciously dishy valentine to the fickle nature of the theater and the fragile egos of theater people. The New York Times raved, “This show is without a doubt hilariously, sidesplittingly funny….These are among the funniest lines to roll off a stage in years…deserves only a rave.”

“It’s Only A Play” was one of those rare Broadway phenomenons – a hit non-musical play. The production ran for well over a year, thanks to the box office gold of Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, as well as Stockard Channing, Megan Mullaly, F. Murray Abraham, Rupert Grint and Micah Stock – a producer’s dream team. Fortunately, the Key West cast is up to the challenge of stepping into the glittery shoes of these stars. The Wall St. Journal called the play “Hilarious! The hottest ticket in town – and rightly so” and Variety called it “a mega-seller.”

“It’s Only A Play” takes place during the opening night party for ”The Golden Egg,” a new play on Broadway. All of the cast of characters have assembled at an elegant New York penthouse to nervously await the reviews of the play. There’s Peter, the anxious playwright (Barry Tarallo) who is hoping his new play will be a hit; James, his ‘best friend’ (David Black) who is now working in TV and secretly hopes the play tanks; Julia, the daffy novice producer (Maribeth Graham) who puts the ‘d’ in dilettante; Virginia, the diva-esque star of “The Golden Egg” (Marjorie Paul-Shook) who has a thing for illegal substances; Frank, the overwrought British director (Matt Hollis Hulsey) who yearns for a flop; Ira, the snarky critic (J. B. McLendon) who secretly longs to be a playwright and finally Gus, the innocent coat check guy (Trey Gerrald) who is hoping to make it in the biz of show. Mr. McNally places his volatile characters into the highly fraught situation of a Broadway opening night and lets the fireworks (and laughs) ignite.

Director Murphy Davis (last year’s “Casa Valentina,” “Mothers and Sons” & “Die, Mommie Die” at the Waterfront) is a close friend of Mr. McNally’s and is “thrilled” to be directing this wickedly funny play. “It’s always a treat to direct Terrence’s brilliant writing,” said Mr. Davis, “and working with this outstanding cast has been such a pleasure.”

The elegant penthouse bedroom is designed by the Waterfront’s acclaimed scenic designer, Michael Boyer. Carmen Rodriguez has costumed the cast in beautiful black tie and gowns. John Jaworski acts as lighting designer. Trish Manley acts as stage manager.

Opening night for “It’s Only A Play” is December 15th, with an elegant after party sponsored by Bunnie Smith, held in the Sculpture Garden. Low priced previews are December 13 & 14. All performances are 8 PM. There are also discounts, such as the Friday Night Date Night discount. See the website for details.

Tickets are $45 and are available at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or at 305-294-5015. The production is sponsored by Key TV, with season sponsors: Digital Island Media, Wodu Media and Royal Furniture.

Memberships, subscriptions and gift certificates (great Christmas gifts!) are available on our website. Also, check the website for discount information, including our Friday Night Date special.