A Celebration and Scholarship Unveiling in Honor of Esteemed Broadway Producer Arthur Whitelaw (Miami's Community Newspapers)

Area Stage will hold a heartfelt life celebration honoring the late Broadway Producer Arthur Whitelaw who was also an esteemed Area Stage’s Board of Advisors member. The cocktail reception will take place on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, at Area Stage’s Black Box Theatre and will be followed by the unveiling of a new scholarship named after him. If you would like to attend, please use the following RSVP link here.

The Arthur Whitelaw Grant, is an annual grant that will sponsor college auditions for aspiring actors in the pursuit of a theatre degree. In lieu of flowers, the family warmly requests that guests consider making donations to support the grant fund. 

Following this tribute in Miami, a separate event in Mr. Whitelaw’s honor will be held on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, at Sardi’s in New York City.

MIAMI EVENT DATE: September 24th, 2025, 7 PM

LOCATION: Area Stage Black Box Theater, 5701 Sunset Dr Suite 286, South Miami, FL 33143

ABOUT ARTHUR WHITELAW

Arthur Whitelaw enjoyed a prolific 61-year career as a producer, director, writer, and actor, earning every major industry honor—including the Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Olivier, and Drama Desk Awards—and discovering stars such as Liza Minnelli and Christopher Walken in his first production, Best Foot Forward. His acclaimed works spanned the globe, with notable stage productions like You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Butterflies Are Free, Minnie’s Boys, Snoopy!!!, and Sweet Sue; Emmy-nominated and Emmy-winning television specials including You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (NBC) and Celebrating Gershwin (PBS/BBC); and films such as Butterflies Are Free, Tom Sawyer, and Huckleberry Finn. He completed his autobiography, Working for Peanuts, and last year donated his extensive theatre archives to the Library of Congress. A devoted champion of the arts, Whitelaw reconnected with John and Maria Rodaz of Area Stage, directing Snoopy!!! and co-writing the new musical Letters from Camp about the children of the Holocaust. His enduring wish was to see the professional arm of Area Stage flourish and for the community to support that vision.

ABOUT AREA STAGE 

Founded in 1989 by John and Maria Rodaz, Area Stage began as one of the pioneers of the Miami Beach arts community on Lincoln Road. Now celebrating 36 years of artistic excellence, this non-profit theater company has become one of South Florida’s most influential cultural institutions, dedicated to artistic innovation, education, and accessibility to the arts. In addition to its acclaimed Mainstage productions, Area Stage houses a world-class Conservatory, providing professional training to hundreds of young aspiring artists each year. The company is also home to the Inspire Theatre Project, which offers meaningful performance opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recently, Area Stage was recognized with the 2024 Miami Dade Favorites Silver Award and honored by Miami-Dade County with a Proclamation designating June 6, 2025, as Area Stage Inc. Day in celebration of the Inspire Theatre Project’s outstanding contributions to the community—a true testament to the company’s lasting impact. Committed to pushing artistic boundaries, Area Stage continues to provide extraordinary theatrical experiences to the Miami community and beyond.

Lady Miasma Takes a Final Bow: Area Stage’s Original Musical Closes After a Hit Run

Nicole Becker plays the role of Lady Almira Miasma.

If you wandered into Area Stage this spring, you may have felt the electric buzz of something new taking shape. And you would have been right — from March 9 to April 6, Area Stage Conservatory’s Student Professional Program brought to life Lady Miasma, an original play that turned classic fairytales on their head and captured audiences from the very first haunting note.

With sold-out opening and closing nights, Lady Miasma wasn’t just another show—it was an experience. Written and directed by Area Stage’s Artistic Director Giancarlo Rodaz, this chilling, whimsical new work invited audiences into the dark and mysterious world of Umbra, where a peasant boy named Bertram sets out to rescue a long-lost princess trapped in a tower... only to discover that the real danger wasn’t the tower at all, but the princess herself.

As the story twisted and turned, so did the talents of the young performers on stage. In fact, the students didn’t just perform Lady Miasma—they helped shape and inspire the characters. Throughout rehearsals, the cast worked closely with Rodaz, participating in an evolving script development process that allowed them to shape their characters and scenes in real-time. Every emotion, every line, and every eerie glance was crafted with care and collaboration.

Adding to the magic was an original score composed specifically for this production. Katie Duerr’s orchestrations paired seamlessly with Rodaz’s lyrics, creating a soundscape that was as otherworldly as the story itself. The students rose to the challenge, mastering intricate music and haunting harmonies that brought the dark fairy tale to life in ways that felt fresh, daring, and deeply human.

It wasn’t just the story or the music that set Lady Miasma apart, it was the undeniable energy of young artists stepping into the spotlight with confidence and heart. These Student Professionals didn’t just meet the moment—they defined it. They demonstrated not only their technical skills but also their passion, creativity, and commitment to bringing a brand-new work to life.

(Left) Halsey Gruber, Alexander Montero, and Nicole Becker, play the roles of Edme Miasma, Bertram Windmoore and Lady Almira Miasma,.

For Area Stage Conservatory, Lady Miasma represents everything we believe in: original storytelling, fearless artistry, and empowering the next generation of performers to take bold creative risks. Watching these students build an entire world from scratch—and seeing audiences respond with standing ovations—was nothing short of inspiring.

Though the final curtain has fallen on this particular journey, the spirit of Lady Miasma lingers in the halls of Area Stage, a reminder of the magic that happens when young artists are given the space to dream, create, and dare.

Up Next at Area Stage
We’re keeping the momentum going with more exciting productions just around the corner!
Join us as our Conservatory students take the stage in Seussical Jr., opening May 16 — a whimsical adventure through the beloved world of Dr. Seuss. And don’t miss the Inspire Theatre Project’s vibrant production of Seussical, opening June 6, showcasing the incredible talents of our neurodiverse performers. Stay tuned for more magic, music, and unforgettable stories!

Area Stage Shines Bright at the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Miami Metro Awards!

We are thrilled to share some incredible news: Area Stage has once again taken center stage, earning multiple accolades at the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Miami Metro Awards! These prestigious honors celebrate the exceptional talent and creativity of our team, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who made this achievement possible.

Our Award-Winning Productions
This year, two of our recent productions were recognized for their outstanding artistic contributions, cementing Area Stage's reputation as a leading force in Miami's theatre scene.

For our magical production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, we took home:

• Best Musical

• Best Ensemble

• Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance, Michael Day

• Best Lighting Design of a Play or Musical, Joe Naftal

• Best Scenic Design for a Play or Musical, Frank J. Oliva

• Best Sound Design of a Play or Musical, Abraham Oleksnianski

In addition, Las Marcas Del Mar (Sea Marks) by Gardner McKay was honored with:

• Best Direction of a Play, awarded to our very own Maria Banda-Rodaz

• Best Performer in a Play, Constanza Espejo

A Legacy of Excellence
These awards are a testament to Area Stage's unwavering commitment to delivering innovative, inclusive, and world-class theatre. For over 35 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to create productions that resonate with audiences, from large-scale musicals to intimate plays that spark thought and conversation.

Our success would not be possible without the steadfast support of our community. You—our patrons, donors, and partners—are the heart of everything we do. It’s because of your belief in our mission that we’re able to produce award-winning productions and achieve milestones like this.

What’s Next?
The curtain may have closed on 2024, but we’re already hard at work on an exciting lineup for 2025! From immersive productions to community events, Area Stage is gearing up to continue pushing the boundaries of theatre while providing a platform for local talent to shine. Thank you for celebrating this moment with us and for being part of the Area Stage journey. Together, we’ll continue to bring exceptional theatre to life for many years to come.

Connect with Us
Follow us on our social media for the latest news and stay tuned for updates on our upcoming Mainstage production, Lady Miasma, a workshop horror fantasy musical written and directed by Artistic Director, Giancarlo Rodaz.

Area Stage Wins 2024 Miami-Dade Favorites Silver Award for Best Live Theatre

Area Stage , a beloved cornerstone of South Florida's theater scene, has achieved another milestone by winning the 2024 Miami-Dade Favorites Silver Award for Best Live Theatre. This prestigious honor recognizes the company’s unwavering commitment to artistic innovation and its significant contributions to the cultural vibrancy of the Miami-Dade arts community.

Founded in 1989 by John and Maria Rodaz, Area Stage has consistently pushed boundaries in regional theater with bold, immersive, and critically acclaimed productions. The company’s dedication to excellence has earned it a reputation as one of Miami’s premier cultural institutions.

What Makes Area Stage a Favorite?
Area Stage’s success is attributed to its ability to captivate audiences with unique and transformative theatrical experiences. Productions like its immersive rendition of Disney's Beauty and the Beast—a multiple Carbonell Award-winning show—demonstrate the company’s innovative approach to storytelling. Audiences were invited to step inside the world of Belle and the Beast through a fully immersive staging that blurred the line between performers and attendees.

This creative vision led by Artistic Director Giancarlo Rodaz, combined with world-class talent, has helped Area Stage stand out among Miami’s vibrant arts scene, securing its place as a community favorite year after year.

The Miami-Dade Favorites Awards
The Miami-Dade Favorites Awards celebrate businesses and organizations that significantly enhance the local community. The "Best Live Theatre" category acknowledges venues that provide exceptional performances and unforgettable experiences to audiences. Area Stage’s recognition as the Silver Award winner is a testament to its ability to enrich lives through the power of live theater.

A Commitment to Inclusion and Education
Beyond its professional productions, Area Stage is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of performers and fostering inclusivity. Its Conservatory Program offers training in acting, singing, and dancing for students of all ages and abilities. Additionally, the Inclusion Theatre Project provides individuals with developmental disabilities the chance to perform and thrive in a creative, supportive environment. These programs embody Area Stage’s mission to make theater accessible and meaningful to everyone in the community.

---

Area Stage’s 2024 Miami-Dade Favorites Silver Award win is a shared triumph with its supporters, audiences, and community members. Thank you for making this achievement possible and for helping keep the magic of theater alive!

To learn more about Area Stage, explore upcoming events, or get involved, visit www.areastage.org.

Annie Jr. Wraps Up a Stellar Run at Area Stage Conservatory

After a string of nearly sold-out performances, Area Stage Conservatory’s production of Annie Jr. has officially taken its final bow. This heartwarming musical, brought to life by our talented young performers, captured the hearts of audiences throughout its run from December 6th - 15th, 2024.

About Annie Jr.

Based on the popular comic strip Little Orphan Annie, this junior adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical follows the inspiring story of Annie, a spunky orphan determined to find the family she’s always dreamed of. Set in 1930s New York City during the Great Depression, Annie’s journey takes her from the confines of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage to the lavish mansion of billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Along the way, she brings hope and optimism to everyone she meets with her signature song, “Tomorrow.” Filled with iconic tunes like “Hard Knock Life” and “Maybe,” Annie Jr. is a story of resilience, love, and the power of dreams.

Congratulations to both of our amazing casts of talented young stars who rocked the stage this past December!

Mykaela Acle, Lola Alvarez, Luna Amandi, Emily Barrow, Martin Bustos, Vera Ciocca, Lilyrose Victoria Cortez, Gemma Cosmao, Amara Dale-Wright, Nilria Dale-Wright, Arianna Davis, Camille Davis, Orly Etiel, Camilla Fernandez, Chloe Flynn-Corbin, Arianna Garcia, Sofia Goepel, Ronan Horth, Dasha Koster, Catalina Lesniak, Naomi Levy, Lucas Lowery, Bianca Martinez, Anna Mathew, Beatriz McGinn, Lucia McGinn, Mila Migliora, Juliana Lorenzo Morales, Ishmael Napoles, Alexis Olozaga, Isabel Parker-Yarnal, Kira Perez-Oizumi, Margot Petitto, Chloe Eramil Pierre, Bali Prats, Lucas Ramos, Olivia Rodriguez, Ryan Scurlock, Avery Selem, Giuliana Sidi, Clara Souza, Karina Urbinati, Mia Wade

What’s Next at Area Stage Conservatory?

While it’s bittersweet to bid farewell to Annie Jr., the excitement continues at Area Stage Conservatory! Up next, we are thrilled to present our 2024 Fall Showcase, where students will take the stage to share what they’ve been working on in their classes all semester. This showcase is a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate their growth and creativity, and for friends and family to celebrate their hard work and dedication.

This year’s Fall Showcase promises to be an inspiring evening filled with a variety of performances from December 17th-18th. Tickets are available now at areastageconservatory.org/whatsonnow

Looking Ahead: Spring Enrollment is Open!

Spring 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable semester at Area Stage Conservatory! Enrollment is now open for classes and our next junior conservatory production, Seussical Jr. This whimsical and imaginative musical combines beloved Dr. Seuss stories into one enchanting tale. Featuring Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and a cast of colorful characters, Seussical Jr. is perfect for students ready to take their creativity to the next level.

In addition to the production, our conservatory classes will continue to nurture the talents of young performers with a curriculum that includes acting, musical theatre, voice, and dance. Taught by industry professionals, our classes are designed to build confidence, foster teamwork, and inspire a love for the performing arts.

Join the Magic at Area Stage Conservatory

From sold-out productions like Annie Jr. to exciting new opportunities like the Fall Showcase and Seussical Jr., there’s always something special happening at Area Stage Conservatory. Whether your child dreams of the spotlight or wants to explore their creative potential, our conservatory is the perfect place to grow and shine.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Area Stage family! Visit areastageconservatory.org/enroll or call (305) 666-2078 to learn more about Spring Enrollment and upcoming productions.