By Ilana Jael
Every year, Miami New Times helps our city to recognize the richness of its cultural landscape by acknowledging some of the coolest things in our city, both via their own assessment and through asking their readers which institutions they believe are the best ones around. And given a slew of past wins in the category— in 1992, 1993, 1997, 2019, 2020, 2022— it’s no surprise that Area Stage Company is the one readers chose as the Best Theater Company of 2023!
We’d definitely like to thank everyone who voted for us and helped us defend this impressive title! Meanwhile, ASC’s own rising star Giancarlo Rodaz was also recognized by the Miami New Times team for his extraordinary achievements as the “Best Director” of 2023! As the Times notes, Rodaz has been “unafraid to challenge his audiences, actors, and even plays” in his innovative approach to theatrical excellence. Whether that has meant stripping down well- known works to their bare essentials as in his reimaginings of Shrek and Annie or allowing his vision to expand as broadly as it did in his immersive production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, he’s certainly been willing to take big risks in his quest to bring audiences unforgettable experiences, and it doesn’t seem like he’ll be slowing down anytime soon!
If you’ve enjoyed Rodaz’s work thus far, you definitely won’t want to miss Area Stage’s upcoming production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. As he again takes the helm, he has described his intention to include even more interactive elements than in his past productions, so this show isn’t one you’d want to miss!
