The Waterfront Playhouse announces its 2011/12 season, marking 72 years of bringing entertainment to the Florida Keys. The awardwinning lineup includes Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning plays and musicals, concerts and a world premiere mystery. Once again, the Waterfront was voted “The Best Professional Theater in Florida” by Florida Monthly Magazine, making this two years in a row. Season sponsors include Digital Island Media, AT&T, the Real Yellow Pages and Wodu Media. Here’s what’s in store:

“It Takes Two — An Evening of Duets” (Nov. 18 and 19). The season opening concert features more than 25 of Key West’s best singers, pairing up in duets with songs from Broadway, pop, standards and even disco. The concert on Nov. 18 will feature a gala opening night party sponsored by the Elwell family and the Iron Chefs. These concerts sell out, so don’t delay.

“August: Osage County” by Tracy Letts (Dec. 20 to Jan. 14). Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award for Best Play and every major theater award, “August” is a blisteringly dark comedy about one bitch of a family reunion. Explosive, riveting and wildly entertaining, “August” will be directed by Danny Weathers, featuring a powerhouse ensemble of 13 of Key West’s best actors. The New York Times called “August” “flat-out, without qualifications the most exciting new American play Broadway has seen in years.” Sponsored by KEY TV.

“Dead Man’s Cell Phone” by Sarah Ruhl (Jan. 31 to Feb. 18). This off-Broadway hit comedy starts with a woman sitting in a quiet café. A cell phone rings. And rings. When she confronts the owner of the cell phone, she discover that he’s … well, dead. Answering his phone, she becomes ensnared in the dead man’s chaotic life and
bizarre family that sends her on a wild journey of comedy, fantasy and film noir. Directed by Stefanie Sertich, “‘Cell Phone’ is a beguiling comedy … with surprising twists and turns” raved The New York Times. Sponsored by Conch Color.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Music/ lyrics by William Finn and book by Rachel Sheinken (March 6 to April 7). This Tony Award-winning musical is about a group of quirky young overachievers who compete in the spelling challenge of a lifetime. Overseen by grownups who have barely escaped childhood themselves, they learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. Directed by Danny Weathers with musical direction by Michael Fauss and choreography by Penny Leto. “H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S! Gold stars all around!”raved The New York Times. Sponsored by Small Chef At Large and Preferred Properties, Inc.

“The Key West Contemporary Dance Company” (April 12, 13 and 14; 3 p.m. matinee on April 14). Artistic Director Kyla Piscopink will bring her troupe of professional dancers to the WFPH stage in a program titled “1969: Get Back.” The music of the late ’60s will provide the soundscape for a program that will reflect the turbulent, yet hopeful spirit of that iconic era. This event is part of the mission of the Waterfront Playhouse to collaborate with local arts groups. The Key West Citizen said of KWCDC, “Hooray and hallelujah, honest-to-god professional dance in Key West.”

“Home Exchange” (May 3 to May 26). This world premiere mystery play is written by Hy Conrad, writer/producer of the Emmy award-winning TV series “Monk” and “White Collar.” What happens when you trade houses with total strangers and think you’ve discovered a murder plot? A producer of TV crime shows  exchanges her Manhattan apartment with a couple from England. Once in the English cottage, she and her traveling companion brother grow suspicious that something is about to happen to the British husband. A true suspense comedy, “Home Exchange” is directed by Bob Bowersox and sponsored by Fast Buck Freddie’s.

Special Events:

The Key West Burlesque Company brings its “Twirling Buoy Salacious Side Show” to the Waterfront stage for a special Fantasy Fest production (Oct. 22, 23 and 24).

Local song and dance man and all-around great performer, Denis Hyland, will present “Dancing Man” on Jan. 20.

Local diva Carmen Rodriguez will present “The Look of Love” a concert with the music of Burt Bacharach at the San Carlos on April 21.

Key West Mystery Fest (May 4 to May 13) will be 10 days of mystery plays and mystery events that will coincide with the premiere of “Home Exchange.”

Tickets, memberships, subscriptions and more information are available at www. waterfrontplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 305-294-5015. New this year will be two preview performances for each of the four mainstage productions that will have a discounted ticket price of $25. These general admission tickets may be purchased at the Waterfront’s website or by calling the box office.

Check the website for information and tickets to all the fabulous parties, including the annual gala on Jan. 29. Also, don’t forget the Friday Night Date special for reduced ticket prices. You can also follow the Players on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t miss a single performance or event of the 2011/12 season.