Key West Art & Historical Society and the Tennessee Williams Museum will host a New Orleans-themed fundraiser in the garden of the museum’s founders, Dennis Beaver and Bert Whitt on Sunday, March 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. Drawing inspiration from Williams’ seminal work, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the party includes live jazz music, heavily passed hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, costume contest and raffles. Proceeds directly benefit the Tennessee Williams Museum.
Williams is widely regarded as one of the foremost American playwrights of the 20th century. His works — “The Glass Menagerie,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” — have become classics and have left an indelible mark on the American theatrical landscape. Williams received two Pulitzer Prizes, multiple Tony Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Williams lived in Key West from 1941 until his death in 1983. He wrote the final draft of “A Streetcar Named Desire” while staying at the La Concha Hotel in 1947. He was a significant piece of the island’s literary movement that resulted in Key West and the Keys being recognized as a cultural and historical hub.
“This annual fundraising party is the kickoff event for the March 2025 Tennessee Williams Key West Festival being organized by the society,” Beaver said. “Inspired by Williams’ influential work that was completed at the La Concha Hotel, this year’s gala is going to be an unforgettable celebration of the playwright’s legacy and our local museum as a tribute for his creative expression.”
In keeping with the “A Streetcar Named Desire” theme, guests are encouraged to dress in the style of any major character in the play such as Blanche DuBois, Stella Kowalski, Stanley Kowalski and Harold Mitchell. Judges will award prizes for the most creative interpretation.More information is at twfest.org or from Cori Convertito at cconvertito@kwahs.org or 305-295-6616 x507. The Tennessee Williams Museum, at 513 Truman Avenue, is open every day for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
