February 17, 2025 – (KEY WEST, FL). Key West Art & Historical Society and the Tennessee Williams Museum are hosting a New Orleans themed fundraiser in the garden of the museum’s founders, Dennis Beaver and Bert Whitt on March 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 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 from the fundraiser directly benefit the Tennessee Williams Museum.
Tennessee Williams is widely regarded as one of the foremost American playwrights of the twentieth century. His esteemed works—including “The Glass Menagerie,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”—are celebrated classics that have left an indelible mark on the American theatrical landscape. During his illustrious career, he was honored with two Pulitzer Prizes, Tony Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Williams visited then resided 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 Key West in 1947. He was a significant piece of the island’s literary movement that resulted in Key West and the Florida Keys being recognized as the cultural and historical hub it is today.
“This annual fundraising party is the kick-off event for the March 2025 Tennessee Williams Key West Festival being organized by The Society,” says Beaver. “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 enduring 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.
Fundraiser tickets and a full schedule of events for the Tennessee Williams Key West Festival can be found on www.twfest.org. You can also contact Cori Convertito at [email protected] or 305-295-6616 x507. The Tennessee Williams Museum, at 513 Truman Avenue, is open every day for self-guided tours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
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IMAGE 1: Key West Art & Historical Society and the Tennessee Williams Museum are hosting “A Streetcar Named Desire” themed fundraiser in the garden of the museum’s founders, Dennis Beaver and Bert Whitt, on March 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit www.twfest.org. (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society).
