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!