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The 2025-26 Cultural Season Preview

As fall approaches and the weather gets (marginally) colder, a vast lineup of plays, films, musicals, concerts, museum exhibits, and art displays return to the forefront of Coral Gables entertainment for the city’s cultural season. Here are the notable venues and their events from October through February.

Venues and Cultural Institutions

Actors’ Playhouse At The Miracle Theatre

Founded in 1988, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre has hosted over 200 Mainstage productions and 200 Children’s Theatre productions. These plays – which include both Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals – dabble with myriad genres, including mysteries, thrillers, comedies, and new works. Barbara Stein, who founded Actors’ Playhouse in 1988 alongside husband Lawrence Stein, currently serves as the executive producing director. 280 Miracle Mile. 305.444.9293. actorsplayhouse.org

GableStage

GableStage, which originally opened in 1979 as the Florida Shakespeare Theatre, tackles today’s issues through theater. Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport has led its new chapter since taking over following the death of Joseph Adler in 2021. Operating as a nonprofit, it has produced over 160 professional productions and has been awarded over 70 Carbonell Awards. 1200 Anastasia Ave. (The Biltmore Hotel). 305.445.1119. gablestage.org

Coral Gables Art Cinema

Celebrating its 15th anniversary in October, the Coral Gables Art Cinema plays all different types of films, including classics, special programs, film festival events, foreign films, first-run movies, and regional premieres of quality American independent and international features. The Coral Gables Art Cinema was founded by Steven Krams, and Brenda Moe serves as executive and programming director. Plans to expand the theater are in the works. 260 Aragon Ave. 786.472.2249. gablescinema.com

Frost School Of Music

The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami is one of the top music schools in the country, and music lovers will have the chance to listen to a variety of single recitals or symphony orchestras featuring Frost students, faculty, and celebrated alumni at either the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall or the new Knight Center for Music Innovation. Dean Shelly Berg, who will step down from his position in the spring of 2026, currently leads the Frost School. 1314 Miller Drive. frost.miami.edu

Jerry Herman Ring Theatre

The Jerry Herman Theater has been offering captivating performances as the University of Miami’s historic theater company since 1946. The building’s unusual circular design and first-of-its-kind flexible seating arrangement drew national headlines when it was first constructed in 1951. Newly remodeled in 1996, the theater offers three different kinds of staging and three seating arrangements. It was named after UM alumnus Jerry Herman, the legendary Tony-Award winning Broadway composer and lyricist. 1312 Miller Dr. 305.284.3355. theatre.as.miami.edu

Area Stage Company

Just outside the Gables (where they were based for many years), Area Stage Company has called the Shops at Sunset Place its home since 2020, but the theater company’s roots date back to 1989, when John and Maria Rodaz founded Area Stage on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. In addition to its professional productions, Area Stage aims to mentor the next generation of performers through its conservatory program. Giancarlo Rodaz serves as artistic director. 5701 Sunset Dr. 305.666.2078. areastage.org

UM Architect Robert Murray Little

Lowe Art Museum

The Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami has expanded tremendously since its three-classroom setup in 1950, now containing nearly 19,500 artifacts from across the world. It also serves as a teaching aid for students and faculty at the University of Miami under director and chief curator Jill Deupi and through the Beaux Arts nonprofit. 1301 Stanford Dr. 305.284.3535. lowe.miami.edu

Coral Gables Museum

Opened in November 2011 on the grounds of the Old Police and Fire Station, the Coral Gables Museum’s mission remains to celebrate, investigate, and explore the century-long history of the City Beautiful, with a focus on its most important people, places, and other culturally relevant historical themes. Under executive director Elvis Fuentes, the museum has also brought artistic exhibits to the Gables. 285 Aragon Ave. 305.603.8067. coralgablesmuseum.org 

Sanctuary Of The Arts

One of the newest cultural institutions in Coral Gables, Sanctuary of the Arts provides dancers with a place to perform, in addition to hosting musical productions from jazz to classical. The First Church of Christ hosts the Sanctuary’s 314-seat theatre, as well as its two professionally-sized studios, classrooms, and offices. Rafi Maldonado-Lopez serves as executive director. 410 Andalusia Ave. 786.362.5132. sanctuaryofthearts.org

Cultural Season Highlights by Month

Mean Girls

Head over to the Coral Gables Art Cinema for the screening of the original “Mean Girls” – the 2004 cult classic featuring Lindsay Lohan and written by Tina Fey.

12 Angry Jurors

Based on the 1954 teleplay and the ’57 movie, “12 Angry Men,” this play tells the story of 12 jurors charged with the unenviable task of deciding the fate of a young man accused of brutally murdering his father.

Imagined Worlds: Landscape And Narrative In The Old Masters Collection

The imaginative styles of Renaissance and Baroque painters create stories unique to the time period. Find out more at this exhibit.

Shrek, The Musical – Tya Version

This rendition of the original Oscar-winning DreamWorks film “Shrek” brings everyone’s favorite green ogre to life. Weekly performances, including a sensory inclusive performance on October 19.

Friction and Flow | Ensemble Ibis

Frost School of Music’s 2025 Distinguished Composer-in-Residence Marcos Balter is joined by Frost faculty composer Charles N. Mason.

Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami

Former Miami City Ballet leading principal couple Carlos Guerra and Jennifer Kronenberg founded the Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami in 2016 and have been spearheading the new-wave classic dance culture of the region ever since.

“Excursions”

This Frost Wind Ensemble performance, conducted by Michael Hancock, opens with Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri’s latest work, blending Western instrumentation with Southeast Asian sound.

“Women Trailblazers: Olga Dueñas and Magaly Barnola-Otaola”

An exhibit featuring the work of Olga Dueñas and Magaly Barnola- Otaola, both pivotal in the growth of the Latin American contemporary art scene.

October 5 at Coral Gables Art Cinema

Selected by Books & Books founder and filmmaker Mitchell Kaplan, “Don’t Look Back” follows legendary singer Bob Dylan on his 1965 tour, which would end up being his last as an acoustic artist.

“The Spitfire Grill”

“The Spitfire Grill,” based on a 1996 film, follows Percy as she finds the power of community in a small Wisconsin restaurant.

Frost Jazz Vocal Ensembles

Frost School of Music faculty member Dr. Maria Quintanilla makes her Frost concert debut, joined by Jazz Vocals and Frost Extensions for a vocal jazz performance.

The Majestic Schubert Octet

Frost faculty artists pay homage to legendary Austrian composer Franz Schubert and the Schubert Octet.

The Best of Seraphic Fire

America’s all-star choir teams up with associate conductor James Bass for this program of their greatest hits. 7:30 to 9:30 pm at St Philip’s Episcopal Church, 1121 Andalusia Ave. seraphicfire.org

“Harry Clarke”

“Harry Clarke” takes reinventing yourself to the next level in this sexually charged thriller by Obie Award winner David Cale.

“Amazonia”

Director Thierry Ragobert takes the audience on a captivating journey through the heart of the Amazon in “Amazonia.”

“The Phantom of the Opera”

The award-winning “The Phantom of the Opera,” based on the original 1928 horror film, shown free for members of the Coral Gables Art Cinema.

Slow Looking with the Lowe: “Petah Coyne: How Much a Heart Can Hold”

Dr. Tola Porter, assistant director for learning, engagement, & technology at Lowe, takes guests on a 30-minute journey through carefully selected pieces in this virtual session. The exhibit of the same name will be available for in-person viewing through March 14.

Sean Jones with Frost Jazz Orchestra & Seek the Source

Trumpeter Sean Jones, featured on Nancy Wilson’s 2007 Grammy Award-winning album, is performing with the Frost Jazz Orchestra. John Daversa and Marcus Strickland direct.

2025 Stamps Brass Quintet Fall Recital

This program features two trumpets, a horn, a trombone, and a tuba, playing brass quintet arrangements.

New World Dance Ensemble

In this exciting 90-minute program, the New World Dance Ensemble presents the work of some of the most celebrated dance choreographers today, like Robert Battle and Paul Taylor.

“Music Drama”

This stacked night of music at Gusman Concert Hall opens with a tribute to legendary 20th-century composer Alan Hovhaness and includes the premiere of a new score by Augusta Read Thomas.

“Heroes and Villains”

Craig McKenzie conducts this dramatic program by Frost Symphonic Winds that features “Little Threepenny Music” by Kurt Weill and “Beowulf” by W. Francis McBeth.

Frost Emerging Composers Concert

Featuring current Frost School of Music students, this concert pays homage to its roots with award-winning, original Frost student compositions.

FIU Wertheim School of Music Performance

Florida International’s Wertheim School of Music has faculty, student musicians, and renowned guests performing in several concerts throughout the 2025–26 season, including this performance at Sanctuary of the Arts.

“All I Ever Wanted”

A must-watch for basketball fans, this documentary follows former NBA guard Greivis Vásquez as he faces the challenges that come with a career-ending injury.

“Dancing in the Makrokosmos”

As part of the Chamber Music Series, percussionists Ji Hye Jung and Svet Stoyanov, along with pianists Gloria Chien and Ieva Jokūbavičiūtė, are featured in this masterful night of music that is capped off with George Crumb’s “Makrokosmos III.”

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Live Shadowcast”

The Coral Gables Art Cinema invites you to dress up as your favorite character for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” featuring a live shadow cast performance by The Faithful Handymen.

“L.A L.A End”

Before the screening of “L.A. L.A. End,” you can arrive at the Art Cinema an hour before the film’s start for a reception with Chantal Stoman, who directs this film about a Marilyn Monroe look-alike.

Lecture: “Shelley Muzyllowski Allen: Color of Everything”

Shelley Muzylowski Allen uses glass to create incredible artworks full of color and dynamic sculptural movement. He’ll discuss his artistic process at this two-hour event.

2025 Stamps Woodwind Quintet Fall Recital

This woodwind fall recital features Frost School of Music students on flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon.

“Blueprints for Beauty: 100 Years of Coral Gables Streetscapes”

This collection of photographs, maps, artifacts, and historical documents explain Coral Gables founder George E. Merrick’s Mediterranean-influenced vision for the landmarks, parks, and civic spaces of the City Beautiful.

“Project Room @ the Lowe: Haas Brothers: S. Car, Go!”

This unique exhibit at the Lowe showcases Portuguese stone and glass made by the Haas Brothers.

“Petah Coyne: How Much a Heart Can Hold”

American sculptor and photographer Petah Coyne reveals her interpretation of female identity and reverence for historical female writers and historical figures in this exhibit.

“Of Ghosts and Courageous Women: Edo Period Woodblock Prints”

Through Petah Coyne’s sculptures, this exhibit introduces the art of the Japanese Edo Period between 1615 and 1868.

“Dreaming Coral Gables: Poetic Visions of a Multistoried City”

This exhibit takes a deep dive into George E. Merrick and his family through letters and other artifacts recovered from the city founder.

“4×4”

This unique dance performance from the Sanctuary of the Arts Choreographic Ensemble includes four works by four different choreographers.

CAM Fest: Superb Vocals & Incredible Artists

The Fall Creative American Music (CAM) fest kicks off with vocal arrangements of Coffeehouse and the DIY Ensemble Showcase.

“Manifestos”

Led by conductor Michael Hancock, the Frost Wind Ensemble celebrates the boldness of the Futurist Painters.

CAM Fest: Volume Check

The Fall CAM fest continues with rock n’ roll and hip hop/funk inspired music by Landfall and RUCK.

CAM Fest: The Sound of Nashville

This Fall CAM fest concert brings the sound of Nashville to Coral Gables. Kicked off with an opening set by newgrass ensemble Big Cypress, this is the ideal night for country music fans.

Writing Program

Professor John Daversa leads this imaginative night of studio jazz that adds a fresh new twist to the genre.

CAM Fest: Stars of Tomorrow

The Fall CAM fest concludes with a performance by award-winning The American Music Ensemble.

Jazz Roots | “Kind of Blue: Celebrating the Music of Miles Davis”

One of the greatest 20th-century figures in jazz music, Miles Davis will be celebrated at the Knight Concert Hall by Grammy Award winners saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, as well as vocalist Veronica Swift and the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra.

“Magic to Do”

This free evening of fun features the Frost Musical Theatre Ensemble performing some of the most well-known pieces in musical theatre.

“Thief”

In this 4K restoration of the 1981 classic, an ex-con performs one last diamond heist before exiting the criminal world.

“Finding Nemo”

Marlin and Dory team up to rescue Nemo after he’s taken from his Great Barrier Reef home in one of the most popular children’s movies ever.

“Jazz Vocal and Brazilian Style!”

The Frost Jazz Vocal Ensembles take the stage at Gusman Concert Hall for this performance featuring a Brazilian flare! You won’t want to miss this musical fusion.

“The Consul” | Music & Libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti

Fans of opera music can enjoy Gian Carlo Menotti’s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, “The Consul” in this performance by Frost Opera Theater choreographed by Rosa Mercedes.

Lecture Series in Photography Elinor Carucci: “Intimacy”

Elinor Carucci has built an over three-decade-long photography career through capturing the delicate art of rawness and realness of human emotion. Learn some of her secrets at Lowe’s lecture series.

Darcy James Argue with Frost Studio Jazz Band & Horace Silver Ensemble

Secret Society founder, 2015 Guggenheim Fellow, and celebrated composer Darcy James is welcomed alongside the Frost Studio Jazz Band.

“Take Me to the River: Memphis”

Playing for free at the Knight Center, the 2014 documentary “Take Me To The River: Memphis” takes viewers behind the curtain of the Memphis music scene.

“Titanic: The Musical”

Based on the real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, this musical tells a stirring tale of the passengers onboard the “unsinkable ship” and the tragedy that followed.

Syncopate Collective

This experimental contemporary dance incubator aims to “enrich, uplift, and diversify the performing arts in Miami through creation, performance, and open classes.”

“From Darkness to Light”

Featuring the premiere of Daniel Cholodenko’s “Do the Angels in the Sky Sing to the Moon?”, this performance by the Frost Symphony Orchestra also includes a Beethoven piano concerto and more.

“Eyes Wide Shut”

This after hours screening of “Eyes Wide Shut” takes viewers through legendary director Stanley Kubrick’s last film.

“Porgy and Bess”

Selected by Coral Gables Art Cinema President and Steven Krams “Porgy and Bess” is about the complicated relationship between a controversial woman and a disabled man dealing with criticism from neighbors.

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell star in 1953’s “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” playing Lorelei and Dorothy, who sing and dance their way on different journeys to find love.

“Man of La Mancha”

This prison-based “play-within-a-play” won five Tony Awards following its original release in 1965. The first musical played at Actors’ Playhouse’s Kendall location and now again at Miracle Theatre.

“Left on Tenth”

Delightfully optimistic, this charming adaptation of Delia Ephron’s best-selling memoir tells the story of a second chance at life and love, as Delia, still reeling from her husband’s death, reconnects with an old flame.

“The Long Goodbye”

This fascinating detective story from 1973 follows Philip Marlowe, played by Elliott Gould, as he attempts to solve a shady suicide turned double murder case in this after hours screening.

Orchestra Miami

Since its establishment by Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi in 2006, Orchestra Miami has brought high quality classical music to the Miami area, including at this performance held at Sanctuary of the Arts.

“Men Who Dance – Miami Preview”

This all-male lineup of dancers strive to redefine what masculinity is through thought-provoking and creative forms of dance.

“Mean Streets”

Martin Scorsese’s directing career began its legendary ascent with the much-acclaimed, “Mean Streets,” shown at the Cinema as an after hours presentation.

“A Christmas Carol, The Musical”

“A Christmas Carol” might be the most famous Christmas story ever, and thanks to Nina Felice and Earl Maulding, its script has been adapted for this musical production. Weekly performances, including a sensory inclusive performance on December 13.

“Small Change”

In this 1976 French coming-of-age movie selected by Mitchell Kaplan, a group of 10 children progress through life together, in moments both dark and comedic.

Bubbles & Brunch Featuring The Haas Brothers: The Immaterial in Material

This three-hour event begins with a Sunday brunch and is followed by “The Immaterial in Material,” a lecture about The Haas Brothers and their creative artistic vision. The exhibit of the same name is available to view through January 3, 2026.

Duke Ellington’s “Jazz Nutcracker”

One of the most popular holiday ballets ever meets 1940s jazz in this unique collaboration of musical styles.

“Annie”

“ANNIE,” one of the most popular musicals ever, heads to Area Stage just in time for the holiday season.

Fine Arts of Miami

Fine Arts of Miami celebrates the rich cultural identity of Miami through opera music while adhering to its mission of making the arts accessible to people all backgrounds.

“The Polar Express”

Get into the Christmas spirit at Coral Gables Art Cinema for a screening of “The Polar Express,” following a boy on his way to the North Pole.

Miami Chamber Music Society

This non-profit music society brings first class chamber music to South Florida. Its featured artists include dancers, violinists and more.

“The Muppets Christmas Carol”

This free-for-members screening of “The Muppets Christmas Carol” tells Charles Dickens’ classic with a Muppet-themed twist.

South Florida’s year-round heat makes it tough to get into the holiday spirit, but Dance NOW! tries to make it easier through this program featuring “Winter’s Breath,” “The Hary Etude,” and other seasonal works, alongside special guests Jon Lehrer Dance Company.

“Mrs. Warren’s Profession (NTL)”

You won’t want to miss this mother–daughter tale, starring five-time Olivier Award-winner Imelda Staunton and her real-life daughter Bessie Carter. This screening is presented by National Theatre Live.

“Miss Nelson Is Missing”

Miss Nelson isn’t in class, which means her disruptive students will now come face-to-face with their worst nightmare: substitute teacher Viola Swamp. Weekly performances, including a sensory inclusive performance on January 25.

“Guys and Dolls”

Themes of love, loyalty, and second chances are found in this gambler themed theatrical production based in New York City. Performances on weekends.

Let’s Go to China! Family Concert

Conductor Yun Xuan Cao leads guests on a sonic adventure through China in this program that features works by Chinese composers, performed by Frost musicians.

Frost Faculty Composers & Amorsima Trio

The talented Amorsima Trio, formed in 2016 by violinist Mia Detwiler, violist Michael Capone, and cellist Kourtney Newton, is putting on a show for Gableites at the Newman Recital Hall.

The Music of Count Basie

Directors John Daversa and Marcus Strickland are joined by the Frost Jazz Orchestra for a tribute to the famous Count Basie Orchestra.

“Sotto Voce”

This captivating production of “Sotto Voce” introduces an 80-year-old novelist and a curious Jewish-Cuban researcher’s obsession with the S.S. St. Louis. Their relationship deepens in this whimsical and haunting tale.

43rd Frost Annual Honor Band Concert

Frost’s Wind Ensemble joins 200 of Florida’s top musicians and the Percussion Quartet in the 43rd Frost Annual Honor Band Concert.

Emmet’s Place Miami Live – 2026

Jazz pianist Emmet Cohen, known for leading the live-streamed “Harlem rent party” (AKA “Live from Emmet’s Place”), is joined by a stacked cast of musicians for this concert supporting Frost’s Jazz Studies department.

David Ake Faculty Recital

Award-winning scholar and pianist David Ake is joined by Frost faculty members for this jazz concert.

The Music of Patrick Williams

Mark your calendars for this performance by Grammy Award-winning vocalist Patti Austin, who is joined by the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra and Big Band, for this tribute to 16-time Grammy Award winner Patrick Williams.

“Rockin’ Rachmaninoff”

Pianist duo Ana Ivanchenko and Santiago Rodriguez perform at Gusman Concert Hall.

Peter London Global Dance Company & Frost Studio Jazz Band

Etienne Charles directs this collaboration between the Frost Studio Jazz Band and the Peter London Global Dance Company, blending music and dance to honor Caribbean heritage.

13th Annual Robert Kelley Memorial Lecture

The 13th Annual Robert Kelley Memorial Lecture features a discussion by composer and pianist Vijay Iyer about how sound and inquiry intertwine, among other topics, including artificial intelligence.

“Fantastic Symphony”

Gerard Schwarz conducts the Frost Symphony Orchestra on a journey from Copland’s modernism and Bruch’s romanticism to Berlioz’s imagination.

Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida

The famous Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida calls Coral Gables its home for the night in this program that includes the dance retelling of the  Russian folklore “Firebird.”

“Dear Evan Hansen”

Anxious teenager Evan Hansen tries to re-invent himself in “Dear Evan Hansen” – a contemporary coming-of-age-story.

Chico Pinheiro & Frost Jazz Vocal Ensembles

Grammy-nominated guitarist Chico Pinheiro plays alongside Frost Extensions, Jazz Vocal I, and Jazz Vocal II. As it’s the day before Valentine’s Day, make sure to take your special someone!

FIU Wertheim School of Music

Florida International’s Wertheim School of Music has faculty, student musicians, and renowned guests performing in several concerts throughout the 2025–26 season, including at this performance at Sanctuary of the Arts.

Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami

Former Miami City Ballet leading principal couple Carlos Guerra and Jennifer Kronenberg founded the Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami in 2016 and have been spearheading the new-wave classic dance culture of the region ever since.

The music of stevie wonder

Dr. John Daversa and the Frost Jazz Orchestra pay tribute to the legendary Stevie Wonder, featuring ensemble arrangements by Frost alum Matt Harris and Frost Jazz vocalists.

“Così Fan Tutte” by W.A. Mozart

Yun Xuan Cao conducts and choreographs this cruise ship reimagining version of “Così fan tutte,” one of Mozart’s most famous operas. End the musical season with the Frost Opera Theater and Frost Symphony Orchestra on the high seas.

Project Room @ the Lowe: Dustin Yellin

American artist Dustin Yellin unveils three new works from his “Psychogeographies” series.

Miami Circus Arts Center

The Miami Circus Arts Center’s circus performers travel around the world to put on breathtaking performances in support of the LADD Foundation.