THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, SOLD OUT SENSATION RETURNS FOR AN ENCORE RUN
A reimagined and immersive Musical production of the Disney classic.
Directed by associate artistic director, Giancarlo rodaz
After a sold out run at the Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts, Area Stage is proud to bring back our critically acclaimed immersive production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Described by one critic as a “visionary, urgent deconstruction,” this unique reimagining of the Tony-nominated musical invites audiences to step firsthand into the play’s enchanted world. Once you decide to “be our guest” and join us in the Beast’s castle, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the action, which takes place throughout the theatre space rather than on a single stage.
Beauty and the Beast's classic story of love and transformation is more exciting and affecting than ever in this resonant retelling, which has delighted and amazed audience members of all ages. The production also earned 14 nominations at the Carbonell Awards, which celebrate excellence in South Florida theatre, and ultimately received four awards including the top honor of Outstanding Production of a Musical. So, don’t miss your only second chance to see this tale as old as time as you’ve never seen it before!
RUNS: FEBRUARY 7TH - 26TH 2023
TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS
VENUE: THE CARNIVAL STUDIO THEATER AT THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
LENGTH: 2 HOURS AND 25 MINUTES
RATING: ALL AGES
“Area Stage Company’s new immersive production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is, as the French would say, magnifique…the care that Area Stage Company has taken with its “Beauty and the Beast” is evident in so many aspects of the show. What Rodaz and Area Stage Company are bringing to the table is a different, involving way of storytelling, one that makes theatergoers of all ages look at a familiar piece with fresh eyes. And isn’t that what theater is all about?”
- CHRISTINE DOLEN, MIAMI ARTBURST
“I thought I was done with Beauty and the Beast…There is a reimagining, and then there is director Giancarlo Rodaz’s visionary, deeply moving new production…by involving us in the drama rather than positioning us as spectators of it, our emotional involvement increases tenfold. When we’re in the mix too, the passions are operatic, the humor is infectious, and the stakes have never seemed higher.”
- JOHN THOMASEN, FLORIDA THEATER ONSTAGE
“Like Belle reopening her own favorite fairy tale despite the fact that she’s memorized every page, I more or less expected that I’d enjoy another trip through this fantastical fable; but what I didn’t predict is that I would find myself awash in a sense of genuine wonder at the daring, fun, and spectacle of it all rather than simply waiting out the beats. Against all odds, it seems, something of that long-lost magic had been recaptured, and I, ostensibly the impartial critic, had actually found myself immersed.”
- ILANA JAEL, SOUTH FLORIDA THEATER MAGAZINE
Rachel Marie (Belle)
Rachel Marie (Belle) is a singer/actress based in NYC. This fall, she made her Off-Broadway debut at the American Theater of Actors. She also made her debuts at 54 Below and The Green Room 42 in NYC. Rachel was Area Stage Company’s “Christine” in their production of Be More Chill and is very excited to be back in Miami at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts as Belle! She is endlessly grateful to her team at Daniel Hoff Agency, The LINK Program and her incredible loved ones. @rachelmarie.me
Nelson Rodriguez (Beast)
Nelson Rodriguez is a recent graduate from New World School of the Arts, receiving a BFA in Theater. Professional credits include: In the Heights (Ensemble) and Cabaret (KitKat Boy) with Loxen productions, and the Miami production of The Polar Express Experience (Kia). He is thankful to be part of Area Stage and this incredible cast. Nelson would like to thank his friends and family for always supporting him in all of his endeavors.
Frank Montoto (Gaston, Lumiere)
Frank is a graduate of the University of Florida and New World School of the Arts with a Fine Arts degree in Theatre. Frank has been a part of Area Stage for many years, and assists in productions as a lighting tech and carpenter. Previous ASC credits include: Shrek the Musical (Shrek), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston/Lumiere), Annie (Warbucks), the radio production of The Ballad of Janis Matthews and the Dodo Scouts (Ken Walker), Be More Chill (Squip).
John Luis (Lefou, Cogsworth)
John is a local Miami actor and graduate of University of Florida and New World School of the Arts with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music Theatre. He is a proud Summa Cum Laude award recipient. Area Stage Company credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Lefou/Cogsworth), Shrek The Musical (Farquaad), and Annie (Rooster). He would like to thank his mother for her constant love, support and sacrifice.
Imran Hylton (Maurice, Madame De La Grand Bouche)
Imran is a BFA musical theater graduate and Summa Cum Laude award recipient from The University of Florida and New World School of the Arts. Past credits include: Annie (Miss Hannigan), Beauty and the Beast (Maurice/Madame), In The Heights (Main Featured Dancer), Frankenstein (Gustav/ Constable), A Wonderful World (Banjo Ben/Swing). He thanks his family for their constant love, sacrifice, and support. I love you Hyfamily! This one's for you Sammie!
Katie Duerr (Mrs. Potts)
Katie is a Miami-based actor and music director. She is a graduate of University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, and is certified in Vocal Pedagogy from Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Credits include: Beauty and the Beast ( Mrs. Potts) Shrek the Musical (Fiona), Matilda the Musical (Miss Honey), Annie (Grace), Be More Chill (Chloe), She Kills Monsters (Agnes), The Wizard of Oz (Wicked Witch), Cabaret (Frauline Kost), Peter x Wendy (Captain Hook).
Luke Surretsky (Chip)
Luke is a New Jersey native. Professional credits include: Be More Chill (Rich), This is Our Youth (Dennis), Beauty and the Beast (Chip), American Idiot (Asbury Park Theatre), Evil Lives Here (Investigation Discovery), Jazz At Lincoln Center, The New York Cabaret Convention, and Santa’s Sing-A-Long (Off-Broadway). He was the 2020 Perry Award winner for Outstanding Youth Actor in a Musical. He would like to thank Giancarlo Rodaz, and his family for their love and support.
Greta Hicks (Babette)
Greta is excited to return to Beauty And The Beast with Area Stage Company. Greta is a recent graduate of the BFA Musical Theatre Program at the University of Miami. Past credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Babette), I and You (Caroline), Godspell (Judas), and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Judy), as well as several professional short films. Greta thanks her parents for their endless encouragement.
Isis Palma (Fille De La Ville, Belle Understudy)
Isis is a recent BFA graduate from Oral Roberts University. Her credits include Liesl Von Trapp (The Sound of Music), Celia/Aliena (The Winter’s Tale), President Roosevelt (Annie), and Gingy (Shrek the Musical). She is grateful to be able to work alongside such a wonderful Cast and Crew.
Annette Rodriguez (Fille De La Ville)
Annette is a graduate of University of Florida and New World School of Arts with a Bachelor Fine Arts in Music Theatre. She is thrilled to return to Area Stage. Past credits include Lily St. Regis (Annie), Carla (In the Heights), and Steward (Polar Express). She is honored to help tell this story with this wonderful cast, crew and creative team, and gives all her love and gratitude to her family, and to Frank Montoto.
Sophia Sanabria (Fille De La Ville)
Sofia is a BFA graduate from New World School of the Arts and University of Florida with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Selected television credits: Corazón Valiente, Una Maid en Manhattan, Alguien te Mira (Telemundo); Sábado Gigante (Univision); Grachi (Nickelodeon) and NBC. Theatre credits: Ragtime (Mother), Yerma (Yerma), On The Town (Ivy Smith) and more. Love to Ma and Gordo!
Jorge Amador (Ensemble)
Jorge studied Musical Theatre at Savannah College of Art and Design. Regional Credits: Sticks and Stones: Concert Broadway Workshop (Ensemble), October Sky the Musical: Pre-Broadway Workshop (Young Homer), Next to Normal (Gabe Goodman), Peter and the Starcatcher (Peter), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), In The Heights (Benny), The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric), Catch Me If You Can (Frank Abagnale Jr.), Be More Chill (Swing).
Tico Chiriboga (Ensemble)
Tico is a recent graduate from the University of Florida New World of the Arts with a Theatre Fine Arts degree. Credits include Lucky Stiff (Harry), Rent (Angel), Spring Awakening (Hanschen), Ragtime (Immigrant), On The Town (Pitkin), Theory Of Relativity (Student Director & Actor), Pride and Prejudice (Bingley), Action (Shooter).
Isabella Arza (Ensemble)
Isabella is a Sophomore at Coral Reef Senior High.. Professional credits: Peter x Wendy (Ensemble). Conservatory credits: Ms. Marvel: Mirror of Most Value (Ms.Marvel), Oliver (Nancy), Fiddler on the Roof (Chava), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). Isabella would like to thank Maria, John, and Giancarlo Rodaz for continuing to give her amazing opportunities. She would also like to thank her parents for always being very supportive.
Lucca Castañeda (Ensemble)
Lucca is thankful to his cast and crew in helping him make his professional debut. Educational credits include: Mary Poppins Jr (Bert), Newsies Jr (Race), Fiddler on the Roof Jr (Fyedka), and Willy Wonka Jr (Willy Wonka). Assistant Stage Manager credits: This is Our Youth, Aladdin Jr., and Beauty and the Beast Jr. He is grateful for the amazing opportunities Giancarlo Rodaz, Maria Rodaz, John Rodaz, and Irma Becker have provided him with.