This spring, Area Stage proudly brings back its critically acclaimed immersive production of Annie, inviting audiences to experience the beloved musical through an inventive and unforgettable lens. Returning to the Area Stage Black Box Theater, this limited run promises a dynamic immersive event offering audiences a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that brings 1930s New York to life like never before.
Step into this classic musical, where award-winning Artistic Director Giancarlo Rodaz and Choreographer Demi Jenkins, better recognized by her online persona @peachyfeverr, transforms the heartwarming tale of everyone’s favorite orphan into a bold, interactive adventure that surrounds you with song, story, and spirit. Annie breaks the boundaries of traditional theatre, placing the audience inside the world of the show, where the story unfolds all around them. Critics have deemed this immersive experience as “One of the most exciting and innovative new productions to hit South Florida” (South Florida Theatre Magazine) and “A triumph” (Florida Theater On Stage).
With its award-winning score by Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin, and Thomas Meehan, featuring beloved songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life”, this immersive rendition of the Tony-award winning musical captures the heart, humor, and humanity that have made Annie a timeless favorite for generations.
Annie takes place at Area Stage Black Box Theater at The Shops at Sunset Place. The rescheduled dates are March 5-22, 2026; with performances Thursdays – Sundays at 2pm & 7pm. Opening Night Performance is March 7th at 7PM. For tickets, visit areastage.org/annie
ABOUT GIANCARLO RODAZ: Giancarlo Rodaz is a Miami native who grew up immersed in the theatre, working in all areas of production. Directing credits include: Alice in Wonderland, Ride, She Kills Monsters, Shrek the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Matilda the Musical, Annie, Be More Chill, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, Lady Miasma. Playwright/directing credits: Peter x Wendy, Rise of the Titans (Arsht Center), Janis Matthews & The Dodo Scouts (Area Stage), The Lone Wolf of Honeysuckle Valley, Don’t Fear the Rain (MicroTheater), Alice in Wonderland and Lady Miasma (Area Stage). His musical The Ballad of Janis Matthews and the Dodo Scouts, performed at The Mile Square Theatre (NJ). Carbonell Awards: Best Lighting Design nomination, The Nether (2017), Best Director nomination, Be More Chill (2022), Best Director, Beauty and the Beast and Best Production of a Musical, Beauty and the Beast (2022), Outstanding Production of a Musical nomination, The Little Mermaid (2023). Silver Palm Award: Outstanding Direction and Highly Theatrical Vision for She Kills Monsters and The Wizard of Oz (2018), Be More Chill and Beauty and Beauty the Beast (2022). Oliver! (2024). He received the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce “Shooting Star” Award in 2022. Rodaz recently directed The Amory Wars, a groundbreaking new stage adaptation created in collaboration with the rock band Coheed and Cambria, aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel during the S.S. Neverender cruise in November 2025.
Founded in 1989 by John and Maria Rodaz, Area Stage began as one of the pioneers of the Miami Beach arts community on Lincoln Road. Now celebrating 36 years of artistic excellence, this non-profit theater company has become one of South Florida’s most influential cultural institutions, dedicated to artistic innovation, education, and accessibility to the arts. In addition to its acclaimed Mainstage productions, Area Stage houses a world-class Conservatory, providing professional training to hundreds of young aspiring artists each year. The company is also home to the Inspire Theatre Project, which offers meaningful performance opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recently, Area Stage was recognized with the 2024 and 2025 Miami Dade Favorites Silver Award and honored by Miami-Dade County with a Proclamation designating June 6, 2025, as Area Stage Inc. Day in celebration of the Inspire Theatre Project’s outstanding contributions to the community—a true testament to the company’s lasting impact. Committed to pushing artistic boundaries, Area Stage continues to provide extraordinary theatrical experiences to the Miami community and beyond.
