When GableStage's Producing Artistic Director Joe Adler died in April of 2020 after a long battle with cancer, his theater was already closed from COVID.
Adler, as a matter of fact, was just about to present his production of Arthur Miller's "The Price" when COVID shut down the show and much of the rest of the world.
Now, the theater that Adler protected and loved like a baby for more than 20 years is getting ready to kick off its next chapter, with what the company is calling an "intimate, edgy and inspiring."
There's a new artistic director to lead the charge. Bari Newport started at the theater on April 1 as the artistic director, coming to Miami from the Penobscot Theatre Co. in Bangor, Maine, which she helmed for nine years.
Another part of GableStage that will arrive post Adler and in the New Normal of performance since the world was struck by a global pandemic, is that GableStage's 23rd season will offer a chance for theatergoers to see select prouctions available on a video on demand streaming platform.
So for those who, for one reason or another, won't be coming live to see a particular GableStage production, there's the option to access a pre-recorded stream.
All ticket holders for performances that include the streaming option will receive an email one hour before the show with a link to access stream.
GableStage's 23rd season includes "Joe Papp at the Ballroom," adapted by Avi Hoffman, Susan Papp-Lippman and Eleanor Reissa, and directed by Tony nominee Eleanor Reissa; "The White Card," by award winning poet and playwright Claudia Rankine; the musical "Me Before You," by Janece Shaffer and Grammy Award winning music writer Kristian Bush of the country-rock duo band Suglarland; and "Boca," by Jessica Provenz.
"Fade," by Tanya Saracho; and "The Price," one of the most significant plays by Arthur Miller, are also planned.
There other new changes at GableStage. Single tickets are already available to purchase for any show and there are some new performance days including Wednesday with additional matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday.
The 2021-22 season features:
"The Price," by Arthur Miller (Nov. 12 - Dec. 12)
Directed by Bari Newport based on the vision of Joseph Adler
One son abandoned his dreams to support his father. The other didn’t. Thirty years later, they reunite to sell their late father’s belongings and are forced to examine their decisions – and the price they had to pay.
"Joe Papp At The Ballroom." A World Premiere. (Dec. 17 - Dec. 31)
Adapted by Avi Hoffman, Susan Papp-Lippman and Eleanor Reissa. Starring Avi Hoffman. Directed By Tony nominee Eleanor Reissa. A production in alliance with YI Love Jewish
Joseph Papp, the American theatre icon, gave only one public concert in his career. In this theatrical event, he recounted his Brooklyn Yiddish upbringing, his political struggles and his reconceiving of the creative process.
"The White Card." A Florida Premiere. (Jan. 14 - Feb. 13)
By Claudia Rankine. Directed by Lydia Fort
A moving and revelatory distillation of racial divisions as experienced in the white spaces of the living room, the art gallery, the theater, and the imagination itself.
Me Before You. A World Premiere. (Feb. 25 - March 27)
Book by Janece Shaffer, Music by Kristian Bush, Lyrics by Kristian Bush and Janece Shaffer
A new musical that explores how the politics of a nation can impact the politics of a marriage. Featuring music by Grammy Award Winner Kristian Bush of the country-rock band Sugarland.
Boca. A Florida Premiere. (April 22 - May 22)
By Jessica Provenz. Directed by Barrington Stage Artistic Director Julianne Boyd
This comedy follows a group of retirees who – between golf, bridge and Botox – can be found bickering, gossiping and living it up like they’re teenagers again.
Fade (June 3 - July 3)
By Tanya Saracho. Directed By Teo Castellanos
It’s Lucia's first TV writing job. As a Hispanic novelist, she may be the “diversity hire” she’s heard whispers about. Uncertain whether she can make a place for herself in Hollywood, she feels less alone when she meets Abel, the Latino janitor. A comedy about class, integrity, and culture.
Special Event: Rubenology A World Premiere. (July 14-31, 2022)
As a co-production with Abre Camino Collective, GableStage presents the world premiere of Rubenology, The Making of an American Legend, written by Vanessa Garcia and Ruben Rabasa.
There are COVID-19 precautions in place.
For those attending in person, face masks will be required, regardless of vaccination status. Before entering the theatre, all guests will need to present either a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result or an volunteer a full vaccination status card.
Additionally, GableStage has taken additional precautions by partnering with the Biltmore Hotel to update its air filtration system and install ultraviolet lights to sanitize and extinguish airborne pathogens circulating within the theatre. GableStage is also performing heavy-duty cleaning on the stage and backstage, and will maintain stringent cleaning protocols throughout the season.
GableStage's season starts Nov. 12, 2021.
Showtimes are Wednesday: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday: 7 p.m., Friday: 8 p.m., Saturday: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday: 2 p.m.
GableStage is located at the Biltmore Hotel: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134.Visit gablestage.org or contact the Box Office at (305) 445-1119.