CORAL GABLES, Fla. – May 14, 2026 – On Saturday, April 18, notable guests, community leaders, and theatre supporters gathered at the historic Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables for Actors’ Playhouse’s 35th Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction, presented by Lexus of Kendall. The black-tie affair transformed the iconic venue into a dazzling celebration of philanthropy, community spirit and the power of the arts, raising more than $150,000 in support of the theatre’s artistic and educational programming.
This year’s Gala Auction was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the South Florida community, with 323 auction items donated by 177 supporters. In addition, all food, beverages, ice and floral arrangements for the evening were fully donated, reflecting the community’s longstanding commitment to sustaining professional theatre and arts education in Miami-Dade County.
Hosted by Founding Board Chairman Dr. Lawrence Stein and Executive Producing Director Barbara S. Stein, the evening welcomed more than 500 guests for one of the most anticipated social and cultural events of the season. Guests enjoyed the “Tastes of Coral Gables,” featuring tasting stations from more than 30 top local restaurants, alongside premium cocktails courtesy of Bacardi U.S.A. as they bid during the expansive silent auction.
During the silent auction, guests enjoyed a high-energy musical set by Funk Pedal—featuring Von Henry, Don Slesnick III, Michael Curtis and Ezo Hernandez—along with a showstopping piano performance by Gerry Ibarra, 2024 Young Talent Big Dreams Grand Champion.
The live auction officially kicked off with a powerful performance by beloved Actors’ Playhouse leading man E.L. Losada, who starred this season as Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha. Losada delivered a stirring rendition of “This Is The Moment” from the Broadway musical Jekyll & Hyde, recently announced as part of Actors’ Playhouse’s 2026–2027 Mainstage Season. The live auction was led by Actors’ Playhouse Director of Theatre for Young Audiences Earl Maulding.
The evening’s top live auction prize was a one-year lease on a 2026 Lexus RX 350, generously provided by Lexus of Kendall. Additional highlights included luxury voyages from Azamara Cruises, international travel packages from Delta Air Lines, and a coveted three-night escape to Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, along with a curated collection of luxury experiences and indulgences donated in support of the theatre.
The Reach for the Stars Gala Auction is Actors’ Playhouse’s premier annual fundraising event, with proceeds supporting the company’s general operations and its award-winning youth programming, which educates and inspires more than 60,000 children each year.
Participating culinary partners included Armstrong Jazz House, Bacardi U.S.A., Benihana, Birdie Bistro, Bouchon Bistro, Bulla Gastrobar, Caffe Abbracci, CalaMillor Gourmet Experience, Catering by Les, Catering by Lovables, The Collab at THesis Hotel Miami, CrêpeMaker, Doc B’s Restaurant, Edda’s Cake Designs, Francesco, Hotel Colonnade, JohnMartin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, La Vela Coffee Roasters, Morton’s The Steakhouse , PINCHO Burgers + Kebabs, Pisco Y Nazca, Salumeria 104, Seasons 52, Tropical Chinese Restaurant, Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab, Tullio, Wild Fork, Zucca and ABC Bartending School.
With another spectacular Gala Auction in the books, Actors’ Playhouse is already preparing for next year’s Reach for the Stars Gala Auction, scheduled for April 17, 2027. The company is thrilled to welcome back Lexus of Kendall for its 20th consecutive year as presenting sponsor.
For additional information on how to get involved, please contact Jackie Zucker, Development and Engagement Director, at (305) 444-9293 ext. 133 or jzucker@actorsplayhouse.org.
For the latest updates on Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, follow the company on Facebook @actorsplayhouse, Instagram @apmiracletheatre, and YouTube @actorsplayhousecg, and join the conversation using #SupportTheMiracle.
NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: Brooke Noble, bnoble@actorsplayhouse.org
