GableStage, one of Miami’s leading regional theatre companies, is excited to announce a significant donation from Jessie Fox Wolfson, representing The Wolfson Family’s enduring support for both GableStage and the local cultural scene.
This generous contribution will lead to the theatre’s current venue at the Biltmore Hotel being named The Wolfson Family Theatre, with plans for celebratory signage and the addition of a butterfly garden.
The butterfly garden is a tribute to Jessie Wolfson’s admiration for butterflies, which symbolize freedom, growth, and artistic expression.
Jessie expressed her enthusiasm about this legacy: “I am so excited to honor our family legacy, and to enjoy a beautiful butterfly garden.”
In October 2024, Wolfson participated in an open house at GableStage, allowing audience members to explore the nuances of play production.
During this event, Patrons had the opportunity to tour GableStage’s backstage facilities, which included storage areas and communal offices.
Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport reflected on this experience, stating, “Jessie Wolfson, one of our most enthusiastic and generous donors and a subscriber for over two decades, was quite taken by what she experienced. “I want to make your life easier,” Jessie said.
She added that the Wolfson family’s contribution provides GableStage with the stability needed to face current challenges in the arts funding landscape, while also seizing future opportunities.
Newport emphasized the significance of the Wolfson family’s involvement, noting, “Jessie Wolfson and the Wolfson Family have made arts and culture a centering focus of their lives.
We are thrilled that they have honored GableStage with their tremendous philanthropic support, underlining their long-standing and impactful legacy of giving alongside our thrilling next chapter.
GableStage Theatre Company is privileged to bring exceptional productions to life at The Wolfson Family Theatre.”
The naming of the theatre comes at a crucial time, especially with GableStage’s anticipated relocation to the Historic Coconut Grove Playhouse—this donation will initiate the first phase of a Comprehensive Campaign aimed at supporting both artistic initiatives and necessary capital infrastructure.
This campaign seeks to rally community support for GableStage’s future at the Grove.
Following the completion of the naming signage and butterfly garden, there will be a special event honoring Jessie and The Wolfson Family, aimed at gathering donors, supporters, and media.
GableStage Chair Roz Stuzin praised Jessie Wolfson’s kindness and generosity, stating, “GableStage is grateful to Jessie for her abundant generosity and her love of the arts.
She is an amazing woman with a deep commitment to our community, and a unique ability to understand the importance of theater in developing the fabric of a strong society.
We celebrate Jessie and the entire Wolfson Family for this remarkable contribution which will shape the future of GableStage today, tomorrow, and for so many years to come.
Brava, Jessie!”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also commented on the announcement, calling it a defining moment for GableStage, highlighting how the Wolfson Family’s gift represents not just a financial contribution but a commitment to the cultural future of the community.
She said, “This extraordinary gift from The Wolfson Family is more than a generous investment—it’s a powerful commitment to our community’s cultural future.
This gift honors both the artistic legacy of GableStage and the historic legacy of the Coconut Grove Playhouse.
With vision and creativity, GableStage continues to address the past, present, and future, propelling us toward a new era of world-class theater.
I applaud everyone working to turn this bold vision into reality.
Together, we are preserving a cultural treasure while building a vibrant future for generations to come.”
Commissioner Raquel Regalado also expressed gratitude towards the Wolfson Family with acknowledgment of GableStage’s evolving journey.
Regalado noted, “I extend my deepest gratitude to Jessie Wolfson and the Wolfson Family for their leadership gift, which launches GableStage into an exciting new chapter.
This generous contribution is a powerful reminder of how live theatre enriches the cultural fabric of Miami-Dade County.”
GableStage, which has been a staple in South Florida’s artistic community since 1979, originated as the Florida Shakespeare Theatre.
Over the years, it has developed a reputation for providing audiences with meaningful and artistically excellent theatrical works that address contemporary issues.
The theatre is looking forward to marking its upcoming 2025-2026 season, which will be the 27th since its founding.
Jessie Wolfson and her husband Bernard are well-known figures in Miami, actively participating in various philanthropic pursuits, especially in sectors like the arts and health care.
Jessie earned her BS in Business Administration from the University of Miami and later received an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Nova University.
Bernard graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in Business Administration and later pursued law at the University of Miami, earning his Bachelor of Laws in 1963.
The couple has a son, Howard, and a daughter, Helena, along with four grandchildren, Abeni, Jacob, Asher, and Sophia.
With The Wolfson Family’s backing, GableStage is poised to continue its legacy of producing innovative theatre experiences that resonate with the community for many years to come.
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