KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Since 1999, the Key West Pops Orchestra has presented vibrant, diverse musical offerings ranging from Broadway favorites and holiday showcases to opera-oriented concerts. The highlight of the Pops’ 13th season is a two-night concert performance of “Kiss Me, Kate,” the Cole Porter classic from Broadway’s Golden Age.
The curtain is to rise on the production at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 24-25, at Key West’s Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road on the campus of Florida Keys Community College.
The Pops’ annual musical-in-concert features a cast of guest artists, led by noted soprano and former Miss America Susan Powell and Broadway veteran Richard White, paired with respected local talents. Directed by Tony Award nominee Lee Roy Reams with musical direction by Pops founder and artistic director Vincent Zito, it offers lively dance sequences and hit songs including “Too Darn Hot” and “So in Love.”
Since its beginnings, the Pops has been dedicated to providing high-caliber live orchestral and vocal music to audiences in Key West and the Florida Keys. Zito, a professionally trained conductor as well as an artistic director, carefully selects qualified local and regional musicians to support featured soloists.
Each season’s musical offerings run the gamut from Broadway’s best to light classical, light opera and Americana. The Pops has showcased soloists from Broadway and Metropolitan Opera House stages such as Barbara Conrad, Powell, Reams, Leslie Uggams and even “La Cage Aux Folles” composer and lyricist Jerry Herman — as well as a wide variety of Florida Keys performers.
Tickets for “Kiss Me, Kate” are available at www.keystix.com, with prices ranging from $30 to $100 per person based on seat location.
Event information: www.keywestpops.org
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • YouTube.com/FloridaKeysTV