The Waterfront Playhouse will kick-off their 74th season with the rollicking comedy, “Leading Ladies” by Ken Ludwig, author of “Lend Me A Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo.” Directed by the Waterfront’s artistic director, Danny Weathers, “Leading Ladies” is the hilarious hybrid of “Some Like It Hot” crossed with Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” The Houston Press said “Ludwig’s comedy is so funny, it will make sophisticated men and women cackle till their faces hurt!”

“Leading Ladies” will play at the Waterfront from December 19 to January 11, with low-priced previews December 17 & 18. All performances are at 8 PM. The opening night of December 19 will feature a gala post-performance party sponsored and catered by Jim Hall, Billy Cartledge and Lee Garrison. The production is sponsored by Conch Color. Season sponsors for the 2013/14 season are Digital Island Media, Royal Furniture and Key West Web Design.

“Leading Ladies” is 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 beloved relatives just long enough to receive their inheritance. The fireworks start when they suddenly discover that the relatives aren’t nephews, but nieces. Undaunted, the guys accept the challenge by donning wigs, heels and frocks in the desperate hope of grabbing that fortune. The results are mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, naughty innuendoes and hysterical drag.

Playing the two British actors will be 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 fiancé, 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 Michael Boyer will create the stately home of Florence. Leigh Hooten will design the period and quick-changing costumes. David Bird will create the lighting. Carmen Rodriguez is the props mistress. Dave Bootle is the fight coordinator. Danny Weathers, along with Dan Simpson, will create the music and effects. Stage manager, Trish Manley, will make sure the production moves at a breathless pace.

For tickets call 305-294-5015 or go to WaterfrontPlayhouse.org for our online ticketing service. You may also call or go to the website to buy season subscriptions, memberships or individual tickets – all of which make great Christmas gifts. “Leading Ladies” is perfect for the whole family, and student rates are available