Audiences are howling with laughter over the Waterfront Playhouse production of Terrence McNally’s “It’s Only A Play.” Mr. McNally is one of our greatest contemporary playwrights (and part-time Key West resident), and his backstage comedy was a huge hit during the 2014/15 Broadway season starring a slew of stars, including Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.

“It’s Only A Play” is a Broadway comedy about the comedy of Broadway. There’s nothing quite so entertaining (or hilarious) as theater people after the curtain goes down and the real show begins. And there’s nothing quite as fraught as a Broadway opening night with its high stakes of careers, big egos, money and reputations. “It’s Only A Play” proves that the biggest laughs often happen offstage.

Now a spectacular production of “It’s Only A Play” has opened at the Waterfront and runs until January 7th. Directed by Murphy Davis, the production features a cast of top notch comic actors who nail Mr. McNally’s sizzling lines. David Black, Marjorie Paul-Shook, Maribeth Graham, Trey Gerrald, Barry Tarallo, J. B. McLendon and Matt Hollis Hulsey, as well as a surprise guest appearance are all perfectly cast.

Playwright Terrence McNally stated in an interview in “Florida Weekly,” “I’m always really happy with the Waterfront Playhouse’s productions of my plays. And this cast is the creme de la creme of Key West talent. I’m very confident that it will be an excellent production of the play that I hope will amuse and delight audiences.”

Even though this is a comedy about the theater, the play’s events are completely relatable. As Mr. McNally stated, “the fear of failure is a very universal emotion and people can identify with that….(the play) is essentially a love letter to the theater and the people who make it.”

A major part of the outstanding production is Michael Boyer’s dazzling set, which is the buzz of Key West. Audiences gasp in awe as the curtains open. Carmen Rodriguez has provided the stunningly elegant costumes, as well as the hilarious collection of the “coats of the stars” that are brought onstage throughout the play. John Jaworski lights the set effectively and Ben Pegg has done the effective soundscape. Stage Manager Trish Manley keeps everything moving smoothly.

Tickets are $45 and are available at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or at 305-294-5015. Memberships, subscriptions and gift certificates are available on our website. Also, check out our Friday Night Date Night deal, as well as other discounts on the website. The production is sponsored by Key TV, with season sponsors: Digital Island Media, Wodu Media and Royal Furniture.