2024: Year in Review

As 2025 kicks off, we’re taking a moment to look back on a year filled with unforgettable memories and incredible talent. Whether you joined us as an audience member, a student, or one of our passionate supporters, you were part of the story this year. Let’s relive the magic, shall we?

MAINSTAGE

We kicked the year off right with OLIVER!, bringing Dickens’ timeless story to life in a bold and immersive experience that transformed the Adrienne Arsht Center into a Victorian London orphanage. Audiences became part of the story in a way only Area Stage can deliver.

Our summer production made a splash with Disney’s The Little Mermaid! A stunning partnership with Loxen Productions, this incredible production became a landmark moment for Area Stage, garnering significant recognition across the country. From packed houses to glowing reviews, we’re reminded of the power of storytelling to enchant audiences of all ages. This sensational production featured Delaney Benson as "Ariel", daughter of Jodie Benson, the original voice actress of Ariel, and Henry Thrasher returning to reprise the role of "Prince Eric" for this reimagined 90-minute musical spectacular.

In the fall, we were thrilled to debut Las Marcas Del Mar, a Spanish translation of Gardner McKay’s Sea Marks, beautifully crafted by our very own Executive Director, Maria Banda-Rodaz. This heartfelt production, starring award-winning actors Mariano Chiesa and Constanza Espejo, was part of our ongoing “eñe Project,” celebrating Latin voices and culture.

The year continued with whimsical brilliance as we tumbled down the rabbit hole with Alice and the Mad Tea Party, a truly immersive and interactive delight. This original workshop production, described by director Giancarlo Rodaz as "part party game, part escape room, part play," amazed audiences by pushing the boundaries of immersive theater to new heights. By making the audience an integral character in the story, the production earned rave reviews from notable sources, including the Miami New Times.

We closed the year with a tale as old as time. Back by popular demand for its third and final encore run, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast reminded us all why this classic holds such a special place in our hearts. Area Stage’s recent production reimagined the classic tale with immersive staging that brought audiences into the heart of the story. Featuring a talented cast, stunning costumes, and enchanting scenic design, the show captivated audiences. This production exemplified Area Stage’s commitment to redefining theater in Miami through bold storytelling and community engagement.

CONSERVATORY

2024 was an important year for Area Stage Conservatory, the heart and soul of our educational mission. Throughout the year, we offered classes in acting, musical theatre, voice, dance, and many other disciplines that gave students the opportunity to hone their craft under the guidance of passionate, professional instructors.

 
 

Our productions showcased the incredible talent of our Conservatory students. While Anastasia transported audiences to the grandeur of imperial Russia, Finding Nemo Jr. brought the undersea world to vibrant life, and Heathers: Teen Edition explored the complexities of high school. In the fall, Hadestown: Teen Edition captivated audiences with its epic, soulful retelling of ancient myths, and Annie Jr. charmed with its classic tale of optimism and resilience.

ITP’s Anastasia: Youth Edition was a particularly meaningful production. Starring our Inclusion Theatre Project actors, this talented neurodiverse cast delivered performances filled with heart and determination, embodying the spirit of our mission to make the arts accessible for everyone.

Rounding out the year, our Spring and Winter Showcases were perfect opportunities for our students to highlight what they had been learning throughout 2025. With a variety of performances, students celebrated their progress and shared their skills with friends and family.

Our community’s incredible support for Area Stage Conservatory programming took center stage last November during our Give Miami Day campaign in support of the Inclusion Theatre Project. Thanks to 214 generous donors, we surpassed our fundraising goal, raising an impressive $187,921. These funds will directly support more scholarships, program expansions, and new opportunities for creative expression and growth. Our mission is to sustain this vital program, continuing to provide a stage for actors of all abilities while inviting even more participants to join. The Inclusion Theatre Project is far more than a performing arts program for neurodivergent individuals—it’s a life-changing experience that celebrates talents and abilities too often overlooked. Thanks to this year’s donors, we’ve taken ACTion for all abilities, together!

The Inclusion Theatre Project took center stage this year as the recipient of the 2024 Arts and Accessibility Award, presented by Miami-Dade County's Arts and Business Council. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals or organizations creating programs and events for all abilities, while pioneering innovative outreach and engagement for differently-abled arts enthusiasts and artists.

 
 

Area Stage is proud to have received several prestigious awards and recognitions this year, including being named the Silver Winner of the Miami Herald's Miami-Dade Favorites in the Best Live Theatre category. The company was also honored with the Bill von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence by the Carbonell Awards Board of Directors. This award celebrates a theater company that exemplifies excellence across its programming, including productions, educational outreach, developmental initiatives, and the diverse audiences it serves. Additionally, our mainstage production of OLIVER! garnered critical acclaim, earning Carbonell nominations for Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Giancarlo Rodaz) and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Female Role in a Musical (Katie Duerr). Our Artistic Director, Giancarlo Rodaz, was further recognized at the 2024 Silver Palm Awards for Outstanding Direction for his exceptional work on OLIVER!. We closed out the year with several awards as part of the 2024 Miami Metro BroadwayWorld Awards, including wins in categories such as Best Musical, Best Direction of a Play, and many more!

None of this would have been possible without you- our audiences, donors, staff, students, and families who pour their hearts into making Area Stage a home for creativity and community.

Thank you for having been part of our journey in 2024, and we look forward to the many stories we’ll tell together in 2025.

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Area Stage’s Inclusion Theatre Project to Receive $20,000 Award from the National Endowment for the Arts

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South Miami, FL— Area Stage is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $20,000.

This grant will support Area Stage’s Inclusion Theatre Project, a one-of-a-kind performing arts program for children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The NEA will award 1,127 Grants for Arts Projects awards nationwide totaling more than $31.8 million as part of the recent announcement of fiscal year 2025 grants.

“The NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting the efforts of organizations and artists that help to shape our country’s vibrant arts sector and communities of all types across our nation,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “It is inspiring to see the wide range of creative projects taking place, including what the Inclusion Theatre Project has in store for its upcoming season.”

Founded in 2014 by Maria Banda-Rodaz, Area Stage’s Inclusion Theatre Project (ITP) is a one-of-a-kind program for aspiring theatre professionals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Led by Irma Becker, ITP serves ~175 participants a year, offering performing arts classes taught by specialized instructors onsite and at local partner schools, presenting a total of two musical productions and twelve outreach performances that reach about 10,000 people per year. As part of the program, Area Stage is also very proud to host the United States' first Royal Academy of Dance ballet curriculum for neurodiverse dancers. ITP provides a platform for neurodiverse artists to develop their talents and share them with the community. These inspiring performances prove just how much individuals with disabilities are capable of, embodying the vision of a more inclusive society where such individuals are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of everyday life.

“We are deeply honored to receive this outstanding grant, which empowers us to continue making a meaningful difference through the work we do every day at Area Stage,” says Maria Banda-Rodaz, Executive Director of Area Stage. “Our heartfelt thanks to the NEA for recognizing and supporting our mission to enrich and uplift our community.” 

For more information on other projects included in the NEA’s grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

PRESS CONTACT: Jennifer Gomez, jennifer@areastage.org 

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. 

REVIEW: ASC’s Third Beauty & The Beast Is Just As Fine As Earlier Ones (florida theatre on stage)


by Aaron Krause

Mere inches from you, the titular characters dance slowly and gracefully to the soothing title song in Area Stage Company’s (ASC) multi award-winning professional immersive and participatory production of Beauty and the Beast.

You can clearly see up close Belle’s dark hair and shining eyes and the Beast’s horns. In fact, during the reviewed performance, at least one small child in the audience pointed as if to say, “Look, mom, Belle is approaching me!”

The proximity of such characters to audience members is likely one reason why this roughly two-and-a-half-hour production, including an intermission, has sold out for two straight years. And now, through Dec. 21, ASC is offering South Florida audiences one last chance to experience the magic of this enchanting and touching production of the Disney classic. Among other things, it’s a great way to introduce little ones to the magic and power of live theater. But you may want to buy your tickets fast.

For the previous two productions, set designer Frank Oliva transformed the Adrienne Arsht Center’s intimate Carnival Studio into the Beast’s castle. But this time, the venue is a space within The Shops at Sunset Place in South Miami that Oliva has turned into the Beast’s castle.

It’s a dark, large room and hall with decorations such as lit candles, statues of armor, a throne, as well as long tables where audience members sit – and upon which the performers sometimes stand. There is no traditional stage separating audiences from the performers. Rather, the entire place serves as the playing space.

Katie Duerr, as Mrs. Potts, sweetly sings the title song, as though she were singing a lullaby to her young son, Chip (a sweet Antoinette Jane Mess), while the title characters (Yarden Barr and Tristan Caldwell) dance. A rich sounding live band accompanies performers as they sing the title song and other memorable numbers from Beauty and the Beast.

Audience members who have experienced this production have said they felt as though they were not seeing a show but participating in a Disney experience.

Speaking of audience involvement, this is not only an immersive production but a participatory one. Indeed, cast members hand out books to patrons during intermission. That is because, during a scene set in the castle’s library, audience members hold up books. It’s a simple yet clever way to suggest library shelves without having to design actual shelves. The production’s young, visionary director, ASC artistic director Giancarlo Rodaz, has become famous for his immersive, minimal, yet creative productions.

The decision to have audience members hold up books is one example of Rodaz’s smart and creative directorial choices. But the library scene is not the only chance for audiences to get in on the action. In addition, cast members hand out mugs of beer so that audiences can participate in toasting the villain, Gaston (a fine Frank Montoto). During this particular song, titled “Gaston,” you feel as though you’re seated with pals at a pub. And you may feel complicit for toasting a villain.

It’s important to note that Rodaz has kept the score and story from the beloved Disney musical classic intact. While this is a non-traditional production, it’s the same Beauty and the Beast that you and legions of others have come to love.

For the uninitiated, the “tale as old as time” takes place in roughly 18th century France and revolves around a curse that an enchantress places upon a selfish, young prince and his castle. As part of the curse, Prince Adam transforms into a hideous beast. In addition, the human inhabitants of the castle transform into household items such as a clock. In order for the spell to break, the beast will need to love a young woman – and earn her love in return within a specified time period.

The show’s beloved numbers include the rousing show-stopping song, “Be Our Guest.” The castle’s inhabitants sing it to Belle as they treat her to dinner. But “Be Our Guest” is also a phrase that neatly summarizes Rodaz’s directorial approach. Undoubtedly, you are the characters’ guests as you sit at Belle’s table with the tale’s beloved characters surrounding you.

To their credit, the cast sings the animated “Be Our Guest” with the requisite energy and spirit. You may feel like clapping along. Actually, cast members emote well while performing each of the show’s songs. Composer Alan Menken and lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice’s score includes such memorable numbers as the tender “No Matter What,” the emotional “If I Can’t Love Her,” and the celebratory “Human Again.”

As an ensemble, this cast gels beautifully with strong chemistry between characters. But individually, the performers shine as well, creating distinct and colorful characters while also imbuing them with humanity.

Barr, who first captivated audiences during ASC’s inaugural production of Beauty and the Beast, returns as Belle, the titular “Beauty.” Barr imbues Belle with spirit, charm, and an infectious zest for life. In addition, Barr’s Belle is an assertive young woman who won’t let bullies such as Gaston push her around. He is the true “Beast” in this story.

This time, Barr and other performers speak and sing with French accents, lending the production an added authenticity. Barr demonstrates strong chemistry with Tico Chiriboga, who lends convincing nervous energy and sensitivity to Belle’s father, Maurice. Chiriboga also plays Madame der la Grande Bouche with appropriate over-the-top theatricality.

Caldwell, a newcomer to ASC, portrays the Beast. He is not nearly as ferocious as other performers I have seen in the role. You could view that as a knock on his performance. Indeed, he could act much angrier. However, Caldwell makes up for his lack of ferocity by lending the Beast a believable awkwardness and low self-esteem that suggests the creature is a shunned outsider. With his head sometimes down and his soft speech, it looks and sounds as though the Beast is ashamed of himself. Rest assured, though, that Caldwell showcases his booming voice when necessary, such as in the emotional first act closer, “If I Can’t Love Her.” We hear his emotional pain during the number. And a touching tenderness suffuses the creature toward the end.

Frank Montoto as Lumiere, who doubles as Gaston

Montoto plays Gaston with the requisite arrogance, boastfulness and bravery. Watch as, without hesitation, Montoto’s Gaston lifts Barr’s Belle as though she were a prized possession rather than a human being. Like other performers, Montoto plays more than one character. In addition to Gaston, he imbues Lumiere with credible uptightness.

As Gaston’s bumbling sidekick, Lefou, John Luis could act more comically inept, but he still delivers a solid performance.

Under Rodaz’s sensitive direction and smart staging, emotional moments truly touch us and the pacing is just right.

Costume designer Maria Banda-Rodaz, ASC’s executive director, has fashioned colorful and character-appropriate outfits for the actors, sometimes resplendent in robes. Performers who play humans transformed into household items don’t necessarily wear full and fanciful costumes, and that’s OK. For instance, the performing playing Cogsworth carries a clock. That is sufficient to identify him.

In this animated production, even the lighting instruments move and blink at times. Speaking of lighting, designer Joseph Naftal makes wise use of hues. In addition, he smartly varies the intensity of lighting according to the needs of a given scene.

Sound designer Abraham Oleksnianski produces realistic effects such as those suggesting thunder. And, for the most part, we can hear and understand the performers, although sometimes they could benefit by wearing microphones.

Beauty and the Beast leaves us wondering how we treated people in the past. For example, did we shun people such as the Beast? Perhaps the show reminds you to act kinder and be more accepting, which is certainly a welcome message during this divisive time.

Beauty and the Beast suggests that we look past people’s less-than desirable exteriors and find their inner beauty. At the same time, after seeing Beauty and the Beast, we might be more aware of the inner “beast” lurking within us. In addition, the musical imparts messages about sacrifice, true love, and being selfless instead of selfish.

For a show that conveys such timely and timeless lessons, Rodaz’s immersive and inclusive production makes sense. Indeed, at the end of the day, how much better might our world be if everyone at some point invited their neighbors to be their guest?

 Area Stage’s multi award-winning immersive and participatory professional production of Beauty and the Beast plays through Dec. 22. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Performin at The Shops at Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Drive in Miami. Go to ASC’s headquarters (Suite 286) and someone should be able to direct you to the Beast’s Castle. Runs roughly two and a half hours with an intermission. Tickets : $80 for adults, $40 for children, and student tickets are $40. For tickets, go to www.areastage.org or call (305) 666-2078.