The Waterfront Playhouse at Mallory Square in Key West kicks off its 74th season with the comedy “Leading Ladies” by Ken Ludwig, author of “Lend Me A Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo.”

Directed by Danny Weathers, “Leading Ladies” is a hybrid of “Some Like It Hot” and Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”

It’s the story of two British actors in 1958 who are so down on their luck, they’re performing Shakespeare in a Moose lodge in Shrewsbury, Pa. When they hear that an old lady is dying and plans to leave her fortune to her two long-lost English nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as her relatives just long enough to receive their inheritance.

The fireworks start when they suddenly discover the relatives aren’t nephews, but nieces. Undaunted, the guys accept the challenge by donning wigs, heels and frocks in desperate hopes of grabbing that fortune. The results are mistaken identities and romantic entanglements.

Playing the two British actors are Brandon Beach and Matt Hollis Hulsey. Elena Devers plays the old lady’s niece who dreams of escaping the confines of York to become an actress. David Black plays her fiance, a stuffy man of the cloth.

Carolyn Cooper plays Audrey, a saucy dish on roller skates. Robin Deck plays Florence, the crusty dowager. Billy Cartledge plays her feisty doctor and head of the Moose lodge. And Justin Ahearn plays Butch, Doc’s son who’s in love with Audrey.

Set designer is by Michael Boyer and costume design by Leigh Hooten. David Bird will create the lighting, Carmen Rodriguez is the props mistress, Dave Bootle is the fight coordinator and Trish Manley is the stage manager.

“Leading Ladies” plays Dec. 19 to Jan. 11, with previews Dec. 17 and 18. All performances are at 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $20 to $50, with discounts available for military members, seniors and others. Call 294-5015 or go to www.WaterfrontPlayhouse.org.