The Waterfront Playhouse announces its 2012/13 season, marking 73 years of bringing entertainment to the Florida Keys. Artistic director, Danny Weathers says, “I think this is one of our most exciting seasons ever. Each show is a winner. We have Broadway hits, star turns, an American premiere and a big, splashy musical. The entire season is a testament to the joyous power of theater.

“A new addition to the Playhouse this season is a hearing loop system that will make our productions even more accessible to our patrons and visitors with hearing challenges. Thanks to the generosity of Judith and Stanley Zabar, the Waterfront is the first theater in South Florida to have this state-of-the art system, making the Playhouse fully ADA compliant.”

The Waterfront was voted “The Best Professional Theatre in Florida” by Florida Monthly Magazine two years in a row. Season sponsors include Digital Island Media, Royal Furniture and Wodu Media. Here’s what’s in store:

“S’Wonderful — An Evening of Gershwin” (Nov. 16 and 17). This elegant evening promises to be much more than a concert — it will be an event. Complimentary champagne, gals in gowns, guys in tuxes and the timeless music of the Gershwins. Key West’s best vocalists will showcase the romantic, witty and gorgeous Gershwin catalogue. Nov. 16 will feature a post-performance gala party, as only the Waterfront can deliver. The party is sponsored by the Elwell family with catering by Jennifer Cornell of Small Chef At Large.

“The 39 Steps” by John Buchnan “Dec. 20 to Jan. 12; Previews: Dec. 18 and 19). This giddy display of theatrical invention is Broadway’s longest-running comedy. Four actors create more than 150 characters to portray Hitchcock’s masterpiece. Directed by Danny Weathers, “The 39 Steps” will leave you breathless with laughter. The New York Post calls it “inventively astonishing, riotous and marvelous.” Sponsored by Conch Color, with the opening night party sponsored by Michael’s Restaurant in memory of Henry Woods.

“Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” by Richard Alfieri (Jan. 31 to Feb. 16; Previews: Jan. 29 and 30). Joy Hawkins stars as a formidable retired widow who hires an ex-Broadway chorus boy (co-star Denis Hyland) to give her private dance lessons, but it’s hate at first sight. Directed by Carbonell Award-winning director Stuart Meltzer, Six Dance Lessons is part comedy, part drama and part cha-cha-cha. “Thoughtful, razor sharp, charming, funny and genuinely moving,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” by Bob Martin and Don McKellar (March 7 to March 30; Previews: March 5 and 6). This large-scale Broadway musical features a stellar cast of 18, 20 set changes and more than 250 period costumes all wrapped up in one hilarious musical comedy. Mayhem, mix-ups and a gay wedding (in the old sense of the word) mark the hijinks of this Tony Award-winning charmer. Directed by Danny Weathers, with choreography by Penny Leto, “Drowsy” will have you dancing in your seat. The New York Observer raved: “Smashing, witty and brilliant … I loved every mad minute of it!” Sponsored by Preferred Properties Coastal Realty.

“Typhoon Judy” by Christopher Peterson and Darrin Hagen, who also directs (April 5 to April 13; there are no previews). Starring the incomparable Christopher Peterson as Judy Garland, “Typhoon Judy” is part comedy, part drama and a whole lot of concert. After a suicide attempt, Judy is lost in a hallucination where she enters a rehearsal hall and meets a lone piano player (Charles Lindberg) and begins to regale him with tales and songs from her life. BroadwayWorld.com said “Mr. Peterson amazes his audience as he channels Judy Garland. Sponsored by Christopher

Designs.

“Deathtrap” by Ira Levin. (May 2 to May 18; previews: April 30 and May 1). Broadway’s longest-running comedy thriller, “Deathtrap” is chock full of twists and turns and heart-stopping shocks. It’s about a successful writer of Broadway mysteries who is struggling to overcome a ‘dry’ spell, and he’ll do just about anything to be back on top. Directed by Bob Bowersox, “Deathtrap” will have audiences on the edge of their seats. Time said, “If you care to assassinate yourself with laughter and thrills, try Deathtrap.”

Special events: Fiona Molloy will present “All Kinds of Everything,” an evening of world and Irish folk music, featuring the gorgeous vocals of Molloy with guest star Bobby Nesbitt (Jan. 16). June 6, 7 and 8, the Waterfront will host The Kinsey Sicks, America’s favorite dragapella beauty shop quartet in their hilarious concert, “Electile Dysfunction” (not part of subscription package.) Key West legend, Howard Livingston will close out the season with a concert on Monday, June 10, at the Playhouse with an island concert that will have the Playhouse rocking.

All performances begin at 8 p.m.

Tickets, memberships, subscriptions and more information are available at www. waterfrontplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 305-294-5015. Preview tickets are $25 and may be purchased online. Check the website for information and tickets to all of the Playhouse parties, including the annual gala on Jan. 20. Also, don’t forget the Friday Night Date special for reduced ticket prices. You can also follow the Playhouse on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.