Area Stage

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. 

Third Time's a Charm for Area Stage's Beauty and the Beast: The Award Winning Immersive Show is Back for a Final Run at Sunset Place (MIami Artzine)

Yarden Barr as Belle in Area Stage Company's "Beauty and the Beast."

by Jan Engoren, Arts Writer

To paraphrase a line from the show, “Beauty and the Beast,” “If it’s not Baroque, don’t fix it.”

Not only is it not “Baroque,” the four-time Carbonell award winning immersive show, “Beauty and the Beast,” presented by Area Stage Company, returns Thursday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Dec. 21 for an encore and final run at Beast’s Castle at Sunset Place Mall.

"This new immersive space, which opened with 'The Little Mermaid' earlier this year, is hosting Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' for the first time here in South Miami, providing an opportunity for the community to come and experience an award-winning production in a non-traditional setting," says Maria Banda-Rodaz, Area Stage Company’s executive director.

With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and book by Linda Woolverton, the production is faithful to Disney’s 1994 Broadway production.

Directed by Giancarlo Rodaz, who won a Silver Palm Award for “Outstanding Direction” for the show in 2022, the 28-year-old Rodaz comes to his role organically as his parents, John Rodaz and Maria Banda-Rodaz founded the theatre in 1989.

New York-based actor, Yarden Barr, reprises her inaugural role as Belle and is joined by Carbonell-nominated Frank Montoto as Gaston and Lumiere, John Mazuelos as Lefou and Cogsworth, Katie Duerr as Mrs. Potts, Antoinette Jane Mess as Chip, Gabriella Alfonso as Babette and Carbonell winner Tico Chiriboga in dual roles as Maurice and Madame de la Grand Bouche.

Barr was on a national tour with another show during “Beauty and the Beast’s” second production in 2023, but has picked up where she left off for this third iteration.

Newcomer Tristan Caldwell, who appeared in the national tour of "Little Women," plays the title role of the Beast and actively sought out the role, auditioning for it a number of times over the past few years, including for the national tour.

Happy now that he is here to assume the role at Area Stage, Caldwell says, “I’m thrilled to be here and a part of this talented cast.”

“It’s the most interesting theater experience you can have,” says Caldwell. “There’s no room for falseness.”

His first time performing in an immersive theater environment, he says he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous. While preparation is key, he says, there’s an element of nerves in being in close quarters with the audience.

Area Stage Company's “Beauty and the Beast” is back but this time at its South Miami home base. (Photo courtesy of Giancarlo Rodaz)

Area Stage Company's “Beauty and the Beast” is back but this time at its South Miami home base. (Photo courtesy of Giancarlo Rodaz)

One of the few baritone roles for a leading man, Caldwell says the music is “tricky and challenging, but a real joy.”

“It’s a powerful story arc and a challenge to play the role.”

For Barr, taking part in an immersive theater production adds to the acting experience.

Guests dine alongside Belle in the “Be Our Guest,” number, raise a toast with Lefou in the tavern during “Gaston,” and present books to Belle in the Beast’s grand library.

“You see the audience’s reactions up close and experience an immediate, emotional response from them,” she says. “It’s very gratifying.”

Frank Montoto as Lumiere, who also doubles as Gaston in Area Stage Company's “Beauty and the Beast.” (Photo courtesy of Giancarlo Rodaz)

Frank Montoto as Lumiere, who also doubles as Gaston in Area Stage Company's “Beauty and the Beast.” (Photo courtesy of Giancarlo Rodaz)

The character of Belle is Barr’s favorite Disney character, she says, and she watched the Disney film many times as a child. So taken with the character, Barr named her childhood cat, Belle.

Stepping back into the character “feels so natural,” she says. It’s great to see her friends and fellow cast mates in their respective roles and to see how much they’ve grown over the past two years.

With two more years of experience under her belt, she’s grown, too, but says her character, “Is the same Belle.”

“I love her heart,” says Barr. “She’s willing to see the best in people and to give as much of herself as possible.”

For artistic director Rodaz, is there pressure to produce, having set a high bar with the two previous productions?

“Just the opposite,” he says. “I’m very nonchalant. I’ve got a great team, a great space and a great story to tell.”

“It’s been lots of fun and not pressure at all,” he says.

He believes the third time is the charm, with this production being the cleanest, tightest version and new cast members bringing a fresh perspective to the table.

“I love the cast and am totally confident in this great team and excited to see what they bring to their roles,” he says. “There’s an electricity among the cast.”

Like most Disney shows, Rodaz says the story appeals to adults and kids alike. He remembers a father who brought his young daughter to the show and was both taken and surprised with his own emotional experience.

“ 'Beauty and the Beast 'is an emotional experience on par with 'Les Miz' and the 'Phantom of the Opera,' says Rodaz, who grew up in Florida, frequenting the Disney theme parks.

Expressing an affinity for the Harry Potter worlds, Rodaz appreciates the immersive experience they offer.

He says it allows people to enter an alternate reality. With so much screen and on-line time, Rodaz says audiences are hungry for an authentic, intimate and emotional theater experience.

“I love that feeling of escaping the world you know and entering a world full of fantasy,” he says.

“That’s what we’re doing here with Beauty and the Beast,” he says. “Watch love and romance blossom and see these stories come to life.”

“There’s nothing quite like it,” Rodaz says.

WHAT: Area Stage’s “Beauty and the Beast”

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 22. Show times: 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Beast’s Castle at the Shops at Sunset Place Mall, 5701 Sunset Drive, Suite 286, South Miami

TICKETS: $40 to $80

INFORMATION: (305) 666-2078 or areastage.org.