The Waterfront Playhouse kicks off the 2016/17 season with “WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW: An Evening of Burt Bacharach.” This two night concert will feature music from the legendary composer who has penned dozens of hits made famous by everyone from Dionne Warwick to Elvis Costello. The iconic music of Mr. Bacharach will be performed by a cast of 16 of Key West’s best musical theater talent.

The concerts will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 18th and 19th. The evening of the 18th includes a post-performance party sponsored by the Iron Chefs and the Elwell family. Tickets are $70 for this gala evening. The concert on the 19th will be $50 and features the same great concert but no after-party.

The theme of the evening will be that of a swinging 60’s cocktail party (think “Mad Men”) with the cast dressing appropriately for the evening. The audience is encouraged to come in your grooviest 60’s elegance.

Burt Bacharach’s prolific songwriting career has spanned over six decades. His association with Hal David produced some of pop music’s greatest hits. He also wrote many tunes with his former wife, Carole Bayer-Sager, Elvis Costello and others. He wrote the music for the Broadway hit “Promises, Promises,” as well as music for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”He’s the winner of 6 Grammy Awards and 3 Oscars.

Some of the songs in the concert will include “One Less Bell To Answer,” “A House Is Not A Home,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Walk On By,” “There Is Always Something There To Remind Me,” Wishin’ and Hopin’,” “The Look of Love,” “What’s New Pussy Cat,” “Alfie” and of course, “What The World Needs Now,” in addition to many more.

The concert has been coordinated by Danny Weathers, Bobby Nesbitt and Jim Rice, and will star Dave Bootle, Jodyrae Campbell, Mary Falconer, Maribeth Graham, Joy Hawkins, Denis Hyland, J. B. McLendon, Bobby Nesbitt, Christopher Peterson, Traci Reynolds, Randy Roberts, Carmen Rodriguez, Gordon Ross, Vicki Roush, Marjorie Paul Shook, Barry Tarallo and Danny Weathers. Jim Rice will be the guest conductor and musical director, with Joe Dallas on bass and Skipper Kripitz on percussion.

For tickets call 305-294-5015 or go to WaterfrontPlayhouse.org for our online ticketing service. These concerts often sellout, so call soon.

You may also call or go to the website to request a season brochure or to buy season subscriptions, memberships or individual tickets. Memberships start at only $100, which includes discounts to some of Key West’s best restaurants. Don’t forget, theater tickets and memberships make great Christmas gifts!