By Coral Gables Gazette staff
Actors’ Playhouse will mark 35 years of its signature fundraising gala on April 18, an event that has helped sustain one of Coral Gables’ central cultural institutions and the historic Miracle Theatre it calls home.
The annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction, presented by Lexus of Kendall, runs from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Miracle Theatre on Miracle Mile. Over three decades, the event has become a primary source of support for the company’s youth programs and the ongoing preservation of the Art Deco landmark that anchors the city’s cultural life.
A theatre earned
The story of Actors’ Playhouse is closely tied to the revival of the Miracle Theatre itself. Founded in 1988 by Dr. Lawrence E. Stein, the company began in a converted Kendall movie theatre before relocating in 1995 to Coral Gables through a partnership with the city. That collaboration transformed a long-dormant building into a three-stage performing arts center, helping catalyze the revitalization of downtown Coral Gables.
Since then, the company has produced more than 180 Mainstage productions and over 170 Children’s Theatre productions, earning dozens of Carbonell Awards for artistic excellence. Today, it serves as one of Miami-Dade County’s recognized cultural institutions, drawing more than 150,000 patrons annually and maintaining a year-round presence on Miracle Mile.
This year’s gala arrives as the company marks 30 years at the city-owned Miracle Theatre, a milestone reflected in its current season, which revisits cornerstone productions and themes from its history.
An evening built around community support
The gala itself combines fundraising with a curated evening of dining, entertainment, and auction bidding. A live auction will feature marquee items including a one-year lease for a 2026 Lexus RX, along with travel packages and resort stays. A silent auction will include more than 200 items spanning travel, dining, entertainment, and local experiences.
Featured tastings will be provided by a range of South Florida restaurants, including Caffe Abbracci, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Truluck’s, and others, reflecting the depth of support the organization continues to receive from the local business community.
Supporting programs beyond the stage
Proceeds from the event fund programs that extend beyond Actors’ Playhouse’s Mainstage productions. The organization operates a year-round Theatre Conservatory and Summer Camp, conducts educational outreach in underserved communities, and partners with The Children’s Trust on the countywide Young Talent Big Dreams competition.
The preservation of the Miracle Theatre itself remains a central responsibility. The building, restored through the city’s partnership with the company, continues to require ongoing investment to maintain its role as both performance venue and civic landmark.
The gala’s longevity reflects the sustained role Actors’ Playhouse has played in shaping Coral Gables’ cultural life — a role that extends beyond the stage and into the community it serves.
Tickets are $250 per person and include food, beverages, and access to the auction. VIP sponsorship packages are available through the Actors’ Playhouse Development Office. Reservations can be made at ActorsPlayhouse.org or by calling 305-444-9293 ext. 2.
