Area Stage 35th Anniversary Gala & Opening Night of Disney’s Little Mermaid

Photography by Victor Jaramillo on July 13th, 2024 in Galas

Miami, FL – July 13, 2024 – Area Stage celebrated their 35th Anniversary and the opening of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, presented in partnership with Benji Leon and Loxen Productions. The Under the Sea Gala celebrated an extraordinary new immersive production, and Area Stage’s 35 years of artistic excellence and educational impact for thousands of young people throughout the South Florida community.

The sold-out Gala experience was supported by prominent local sponsors, donors, and community leaders. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital was the presenting sponsor for the Gala, with Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Kevin Snyder, in attendance with esteemed guests. CAWY, the Official Beverage Sponsor, provided delicious tropical cocktails themed for the evening. Generous supporting sponsors also included Bean Automotive, Acle Law Firm, Commissioner Raquel Regalado, and TD Bank.

Guests of note in attendance included elected officials: South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez; Senator Rene Garcia; Commissioner Steve Calle; and Commissioner Raquel Regaldo who presented a commemorative certificate to Area Stage on behalf of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine Cava. Benji Leon and Natalie Quade were proudly joined on the blue carpet by Benjamin Leon III and Lisa Leon. Area Stage Board Chair Sara Poses, along with Vice Chair Hugo Arza and Board members Mari and Jon Secada, Brian May, Oscar Caceres, Patricia Farinas Farrell, Ed Acle, David Alan Barson, and Harvey Burstein were bursting with pride on this exceptional evening. Also in attendance: Josie Cossio and Mike Villalba, founders of CAWY; George Neary; Ray Breslin; Diane Sepler: David Caserta; and Gala Host Committee Members Gina Maser, Elaine Segrera; and Tami Palmeiro. And straight from Broadway to South Miami — producers Arthur Whitelaw and Ronnie Jacobson graced the blue carpet as well.

Gala guests arrived to a stunning “blue carpet” experience, including a massive shipwreck installation and live calypso by the outstanding musicians of Steel Away Band. The evening featured delectable bites by Chef Amaris Jones, as sailors and pirates and even a psychic reader entertained the festive crowd.

During the opening night performance, guests experienced the extraordinary magic of the classic Disney tale, reimagined in a fully immersive world of surprise and delight. Alongside a superb cast and crew of actors, dancers, and musicians, the role of Ariel was played by Delaney Benson, the daughter of Jodi Benson — the original voice of Ariel in the animated Disney film who was present for the Gala celebration.

The opening night performance was followed by celebratory remarks from Area Stage’s Artistic Director Giancarlo Rodaz and Executive Director, Maria Banda-Rodaz. The Gala after party kicked off in grand style with DJ Shacia Payne Marley providing the soundtrack to a glorious evening, and filling the dancefloor with love and happiness!

Area Stage’s immersive production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid runs through August 11, 2024 at The Shops at Sunset Place.