Grab your top hat, put on your fancy duds and head to the Waterfront Playhouse for the 2012/13 season opening concert, “S’Wonderful — An Evening of Gershwin.” This unofficial start to the Keys’ performing arts season will be an elegant evening featuring more than 16 of Key West’s best singers performing the timeless music of George and Ira Gershwin.

The concert’s setting is an elegant Manhattan party with the performers attired in black tie and gowns. For the Friday evening opening, we encourage the audience to join in the spirit by costuming for a dressy evening with the Gershwins — but of course, everyone will be welcomed for this celebration.

The concerts will be held on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16 and 17. The concert on Nov. 16 will be a gala evening that will include a post-performance party sponsored by the Elwell family and Royal Furniture, with catering by Jennifer Cornell of Small Chef At Large. Tickets are $70 for the evening. The concert on Nov. 17 is $50 and features the same great show but no party.

Scheduled to appear are some of Key West’s best performers: David Black, Laurie Breakwell, Joy Hawkins, Denis Hyland, J. B. McLendon, Gayla Morgan, Bobby Nesbitt, Christopher Peterson, Kyla Piscopink, Randy Roberts, Carmen Rodriguez, Gordon Ross, Vicki Roush, Marjorie Paul Shook and Danny Weathers. Guest conductor and musical director will be Charles Lindberg with Joe Dallas on bass and Skipper Kripitz on percussion.

The legendary Gershwin brothers wrote some of the most enduring classics of the American Songbook. Their music has been part of Broadway (“Girl Crazy,” “Strike Up the Band,” etc.), film history (“Shall We Dance”), opera (“Porgy and Bess”), as well as music for the concert and symphony stage. “S’Wonderful” will feature some of their best known songs, as well as rare gems. There will be such songs as “The Man I Love,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” “Swanee,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “A Foggy Day,” “Summertime” and a big production number of “Strike Up the Band.”

Conch Color raved, “The Waterfront Playhouse has produced an event that would knock the socks off even the most jaded theater devotee … These Opening Concerts have become an instant Key West show biz tradition. Bravo Waterfront Playhouse!”

For tickets call 305-294-5015 or go to WaterfrontPlayhouse. org for the online ticketing service. You may also call or go to the website to request a season brochure or to buy season subscriptions, memberships or individual tickets to all of the wonderful shows lined up for the 73rd Season.