Back after a five-year hiatus, “Conch Republic — The Musical: A Decade of Music & Mayhem” returns to Key West in time for the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, this year’s production also returns to the original eight-actor format.
In a special nod to 10 years of retelling this Key West, true-to-life story onstage, the 2023 cast features only actors who have been cast in previous productions of the show. Notably, four original cast members have returned to reprise their roles: Michael Aaglan, Billy Cartledge, Tony Konrath and Annie Miners. The other four actors were cast in canceled productions that had been slated for 2016 and 2020: Don Bearden, Trey Forsyth, Camille Toler and Wayne LaRue Smith.
This year’s production is presented by Seaglass Theatrical and directed by Gayla Morgan and Lauren Thompson, with lighting design by Aramis Ikatu, and poster design by JT Thompson/Design Group Key West that features a new, original illustration created for the show by Jack McDonald.
The musical was written by Monnie King (book) and Gayla Morgan (music/lyrics) while they were both locals in Key West. Originally commissioned by the Fringe Theater, the show premiered in April 2013 at Kelly’s Upstairs. The Fringe produced a total of five iterations of the show at three different venues: Kelly’s, San Carlos Institute and The Studios of Key West.
This year, Fringe handed the reins to Morgan’s producing company, Seaglass Theatrical, which also produced her show, “A Dog Story” Off Broadway (written with the late Eric Weinberger, who was also a part-time Key West resident until his passing, and which had its premiere at the Waterfront Playhouse).
“Conch Republic — The Musical” is an official event of Conch Republic Days 2023.
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