King Tide

written by Michael Marrero

FRI APR 26 - BUY TICKETS
SAT APR 27 - SOLD OUT

Friday & Saturday, April 26-27, 8pm

Helmerich Theater

$35, $30 mbrs.

FIRST LOOK SERIES - THREE STAGED PLAYS, ONE SUBSCRIPTION PASS

In a future where the climate crisis has left their hometown perpetually flooded, residents Ash and Ezra navigate survival with a blend of dark humor and stark reality, as they grapple with the choice of leaving or fighting for their submerged existence.

The emotional conflict faced by Ash and Ezra as they contemplate abandoning their home or standing firm against rising waters strikes a chord in Key West, a place intimately familiar with the firsthand impacts of climate change.

“King Tide” entertains and prompts profound questions about our own community. Featuring a talented cast of local and visiting theater artists including Brandon Beach, Elena Devers, and Julio Trinidad, directed by Juliet Gray, the production is sure to stimulate meaningful conversations and leave a lasting impression.

sponsored by 7 Artists & Friends

Cast/Crew

Click on the images for bios

Marrero

Michael Marrero

gray

Juliet Gray

beach-brandon

Brandon Beach

devers

Elena Devers

julio

Julio Trinidad

Michael Marrero is a Key West born artist, playwright, and filmmaker. He is the author of several original plays and his word has been produced at Guild Hall Center (NY), Repetorio Español (NY), Teatro de Centre (Havana), Key West Theater, Red Barn Theater and The Studios of Key West. His original play, Locura, was part of a historical theatrical exchange between Cuba and the United States. Recently, his newest play, REPAIR, was showcased on Broadway World. His award winning short films, Buzzcut and Riley Was Here, have been showcased in over 100 festivals worldwide and his most recent film, Party Time, just had its premier at the Miami International Film Festival. His photo project, Orisha: The Lost Saints, was awarded a prestigious Knight Foundation Grant and was officially selected to be exhibited at the 2021 Havana Biannual. He was one of the founders of Key West Theater and currently serves as the Executive Director of Williams Hall.

Juliet Gray is an author, director, educator, performer, producer, writer, and many other things in alphabetical order. She has created and guided numerous projects from the page to the stage and screen, highlights of which include: Let Me Try That Again at 54 Below in NYC featuring Tony winners Gavin Creel and Ben Platt; the online jamboree Upstage Left with a rotating cast of Broadway performers; Bubba’s Fables with The Studios of Key West and Williams Hall and The Drama Club Cooking Show with Williams Hall, both of which received the prestigious Art Builds Community grant from the Florida Keys Council of the Arts; the original plays Locura and Eclipse, as part of the first theatrical exchange between the U.S. and Cuba in more than 50 years; the short film Frances Eaton: the Untold Story of a World Champion, which she also wrote, directed, and starred in; and the East Coast premiere of Throw Me on the Burnpile and Light Me Up by Oscar-nominee Lucy Alibar. Juliet was the founding Artistic Director of the Key West Theater for four seasons and has also worked creatively with the Red Barn Theater, TSKW, and the Tropic Cinema. In addition, Juliet created the KWHS Drama Club, which has been sponsored by Williams Hall since its inception. For more info on Juliet, visit julietgray.com.

Brandon Beach moved from his home in Texas to New York where he graduated from the Neighborhood Playhouse School of  Theatre.  He has performed in New York, Los Angeles, Colorado, Texas and Key West.  Recent performances in Key West include, John Williamson in Glengarry Glen Ross at The Waterfront Playhouse, the Red Barn’s Greetings! as Mickey/Lucius, The Rocky Horror Picture Show as Brad, Sherlock’s Secret Life as Sherlock Holmes, and, Reasons To Be Pretty as Kent. At the Waterfront Playhouse Black Comedy as Brindsley. In New York, at the Greenwich Street Theatre in Left Ventricle & Apostrophe as Morris, at The Rita Morgenthau Theatre in Reckless as Tom/Tom Jr., at the Creative Place Theatre in Betterland as Billy.  A brief stunt career in two movie based water-stunt-spectacular shows, one at Universal Studios Hollywood in Waterworld as the Mariner, and at Six Flags New Jersey in Lethal Weapon as Riggs. In Texas at the Jean Brown Theatre in Grapes of Wrath as Tom Joad.

Elena Devers has lived in Key West for over two decades. She’s been in many Key West shows over the years including Doubt, Lend Me a Tenor, Meteor Shower, and Enchanted April, to name a few. Most recently she appeared in The Thanksgiving Play at Red Barn. She has an MA in Performance Studies from Queen Mary, University of London, and has appeared in several short films. The most recent film in which she co-starred, Riley Was Here, was accepted to film festivals across the country, Canada, and the United Kingdom. She was a forensic actor for over a decade, working with the FBI and state law enforcement in scenario-based training interviews. Elena is also the Deputy Director at The Studios of Key West, where she oversees the artist residency program, marketing and brand communications, and assists with fundraising and special events.

Julio Cesar Trinidad was born and raised in Queens, New York, to Dominican parents. This CUNY valedictorian was the first student in New York City to receive the Irene Ryan award for- Best Actor’ from the Kennedy Center (KCACTF) regionals, along with the Mark Twain Scholarship for Best Comedic Actor in nationals. Acting training includes LAGCC, the conservatory at The Terry Schreiber Studios in NYC, and the LAByrinth Theatre Intensive Ensemble. His stage work includes Sorry at Juilliard (NY) and the Centre de Creation O Vertigo (CAN), A Sweet Life at the Samuel French Festival, Locura at Key West Theater/ Guild Hall/ Repetorio Espanol, and more. Julio’s film work has appeared at the Berlinale film festival, Tribeca film festival, Fantasia Festival, Fantastic Fest, and others. He has also guest starred on Blue Bloods, and FBI: Most Wanted on CBS.

The Papers

A musical staged reading

book, music & lyrics by Rob Baumgartner, Jr. & Nathan Dame

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 5-7, 8pm

Helmerich Theater

$35, $30 mbrs.

FIRST LOOK SERIES - THREE STAGED READINGS, ONE SUBSCRIPTION

A musical staged reading

Exploring the themes of obsession, manipulation, and the moral implications of pursuing artistic legacy at any cost, The Papers, a Musical, is a reimagining of Henry James’ classic novella, The Aspern Papers, set against the backdrop of contemporary Key West. Never more relevant than in our current times, The Studios of Key West is proud to bring this adaptation by New York-based theater artists Rob Baumgartner, Jr. and Nathan Dame to life in a staged reading.

An ambitious Jewish academic from New York travels to the island to unearth the papers of Jeffrey Aspern, a forgotten gay literary artist from the 1950s and ‘60s. Uncertain of the papers’ contents, he stakes his entire future and scholarly reputation on being the first to uncover and interpret them. When his research brings to light shocking revelations about Aspern’s life and character, the scholar is forced to grapple with his own notions of morality, creative genius, and legacy.

More than just a riveting musical with a splash of mystery, this piece asks how we contend with the art and accomplishments of flawed people. How do we appreciate the achievements of heroes who may also be villains?

sponsored by Jane Gardner Interiors

CAST & CREW

Click the images for more info

barsha-web

Debra Barsha

zachary

Zachary Franchini

Belle Jampol

Belle Jampol

lauren-cropped

Lauren Thompson

john-swann

John Swann

JackCummingsHeadshot

Jack Cummings III

Book, Music & Lyrics

Nathan Dame (left) is originally from Ogden, Utah. He lives in Brooklyn and makes his living as a playwright, screenwriter, and music director for theater. His musical based on Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, co-written with Rob Baumgartner, has been developed at Goodspeed Musicals and Bucks County Playhouse. He has had plays developed by Roundabout Theatre Company, Portland Center Stage (JAW Fest 2016), The New Group, and Barrow Street Theater. In 2024, his television series Gayle is being produced by H2L in Los Angeles and the UK, and his screenplay Human Behaviour is being produced by Agile Films in the UK and Pegasus Pictures in Iceland. He co-orchestrated the recent national tour of the new musical An Officer and a Gentleman. Some credits as Music Director include: Off-Broadway: Pretty Filthy (The Civilians, score by Michael Friedman, Original Cast Recording); Mr. Burns (associate music director, score by Michael Friedman, Playwrights Horizons); and regionally, Be More Chill (Two River Theater, Original Cast Recording). His work has been developed at Roundabout Theatre Company, The New Group, Arts Letters & Numbers, Barrow Street Theater, Good Company Theater, Bucks County Playhouse, among others. 

Rob Baumgartner, Jr. (right) is a DC native and New York based composer/lyricist and musical director. His original musicals include: The Jungle (Johnny Mercer Writers Colony, Roundabout Space Jam, Good Company Theatre), Adam Lives (Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals, Johnny Mercer Writers Colony, Baldwin Wallace First Takes, New York Theatre Barn, NAMT, Cap21),  Date of a Lifetime (Abingdon Theatre, NYMF, New Jersey Rep) Alone World (Lincoln Center Directors Lab, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, West Village Musical Theatre Festival-winner of Best Score), What the Moon Saw (Cap21), Under Construction (NYU), The Hole (St. Clements ’09), Radiant Ruby (Vital Theatre  Company ’05) and Lullabies.

Debra Barsha (Juliana) originated roles and was the music director for the original off-Broadway companies of both Tony ‘N’ Tina’s Wedding and Charles Busch’s Swingtime Canteen.  She created and performed her two one-person shows Go To Your Womb and A Womb With a View at Cap21 and the Cherry Lane Theatre in NYC.  Her new show, Conversations With Ourselves (co-written with Jo Lampert) was commissioned by the Longwharf Theatre, and was developed at The Ground Floor residency at Berkeley Rep.  Barsha won the Jonathan Larson Award for composing the score to Radiant Baby, (Public Theater) directed by George C. Wolfe. Her musical A Taste of Things to Come (co-written with Hollye Levin) was produced at The York Theatre, and is published by Concord Theatricals. Broadway: Associate conductor of Jersey Boys and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. Pianist for Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Upcoming: off-Broadway in Bedlam’s Music City, where Barsha will be originating a role as well as music directing.

Zach Franchini (Jason) hails from Albuquerque, NM, and has lived in Key West for 5 years. He starred in the one-man musical DIVA: Live From Hell with Fringe Theater in 2021, and joined Fringe again in 2024 as Dick in the Tennessee Williams short play The Parade. Zach recently completed his second musical season with the Waterfront Theater, puppeteering the infamous Audrey II body in Little Shop of Horrors, and performing as the Dialect Coach and Sid Philips in Singin’ In The Rain. Last season he played as Franz in Rock of Ages and as one of the drag-queen angels in Kinky Boots. Other Waterfront Playhouse roles include Dr. Einstein in Arsenic & Old Lace, as well as Mr. Body, the Chief of Police, and others in Clue.

As we tell this story today, I am deeply troubled by the current violence and dehumanizing rhetoric directed at Gaza. I use this moment to cry out against the destruction of an oppressed people, urging scrutiny of context and empathy for injustice. We must achieve peace. To my Richard, I love you.

Homegrown in Key West, (Go Conchs!), Belle Jampol (Paula) grew up dancing at The CoffeeMill Dance Studio, owned by mother, Penny Leto. She developed her passion for music from her mother and father, Mateo, who is a classical guitarist. Favorite roles at Waterfront Playhouse include: Inga in Young Frankenstein, Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, Dionne in Hair and Lina Lamont in Singing In The Rain. She has fronted numerous bands in Key West and will be releasing her own original works soon. Belle received her Bachelors of Science in advertising at the University of Florida. She loves exploring in nature, practicing yoga, dancing at music festivals and writing music. Belle is honored to be performing for her hometown that she loves dearly!

Born and raised in Key West, Lauren Thompson (Lily) began her theatrical life in local elementary and high school productions and has since been involved with productions at the Waterfront, Fringe, and Red Barn Theaters. This is her third time performing at The Studios. Previous shows and roles include Young Frankenstein; Sheila Franklin in Hair; Sally Tally in Tally’s Folly; Marion and Diva in Priscilla Queen of the Dessert; Medea Redux in Bash; Blue Girl in Shout; Mrs. Wormwood and co-choreographer with the amazing Penny Leto in Matilda; and Beth in Hurricane Diane; Woman Two in See Jane Run and Narrator in The Dinner Party at The Studios last season. She has been involved with giving back to the children of this community through Camp Bravo! kids summer theatre program and the Key West High School Drama Club.

Originally from Maryland and now Key West, John Swann (Jeffrey Mann) is also known for back stage work and set design/build. Recent stage credits include Singing in the Rain, The Rocky Horror Show, Arsenic and Old Lace, Kinky Boots, and Escape to Margaritaville at the Waterfront Playhouse, and Short n Sketchy at the Fringe Theater. A firm believer that “Life is a musical,” when not on stage he can be found entertaining his patients and technicians at Publix pharmacy. “Special thanks to Jesse for tolerating my theatre obsession.”

Jack Cummings III (director) is the co-founder and artistic director of Transport Group Theatre Company, an Off-Broadway Theatre Company in New York City. Select Transport Group credits: Broadbend, Arkansas, The Trial of the Catonsville Nine, Summer and Smoke (co-production with Classic Stage Company), Renascence (co-directed with Dick Scanlan), Queen of the Mist, The Audience, Three Days To See, Marcy in the Galaxy, See Rock City & Other Destinations, Strange Interlude, Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance, I Remember Mama, Normal, Once Upon A Mattress, Picnic, The Boys in the Band, Almost, Maine, Our Town. Other NY credits: world premieres Terrence McNally’s And Away We Go (Pearl Theatre Company), 1,000 Words Come to Mind (Premieres Inner Voices), Arlington (Premieres Inner Voices), Jason Gotay’s Where You’ll Find Me (Amazon Audible), and Used Records (Wagner College). Regional: Benny & Joon (Old Globe Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse), I Remember Mama (Two River Theatre), A Streetcar Named Desire (Gretna Theatre). BA College of William & Mary, MFA University of Virginia. Married to Barbara Walsh.

Upstate

a play by Drew Larimore
staged reading directed by Stephen Kitsakos

Friday & Saturday, February 2-3, 8pm

Helmerich Theater

$35, $30 mbrs.

FIRST LOOK SERIES - THREE STAGED READINGS, ONE ALL-ACCESS TICKET

Larimore, a master at crafting funny, yet slightly devastating plays returns to present a staged reading of his new play “Upstate.” Seeking fulfillment after a move to upstate New York, Nathaniel and his husband Myles decide to adopt an infant daughter. The play opens on the day the couple has returned her to the adoption agency.

Produced in the U.S. and internationally, Drew Larimore is originally from the South with a focus on crafting strong, fallible, and complex female protagonists in seemingly unreal circumstances. His work has been highlighted in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Theatrius, This Week in New York, TheatreMania, Australian Stage, Aussie Theatre, and Theatre in the Now.

sponsored by Thirsty Mermaid

STARRING Miles G. Jackson and Brian Robinson (appearing courtesy Actors Equity Association); PLAY by Drew Larimore; DIRECTED by Stephen Kitsakos

Miles-G.-Jackson
Brian-Robinson
drew-larimore
STEPHEN-KITSAKOS---HEADSHOT-3