Area Stage To Debut Coheed And Cambria's The Amory Wars Stage Adaptation At Sea On Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel

This world-premiere production marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration for Area Stage, merging rock music, graphic novels and musical theatre into a high-energy performance at sea.

Based on Coheed and Cambria’s acclaimed album Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness and its companion Amory Wars graphic novels, the show brings to life the epic journey of Claudio Kilgannon, played by Thomas McFerran, across the interplanetary system known as The Keywork. Guided by Ambellina, played by Addison Schuh, Claudio must face destiny, love, and loss while uncovering the truth behind the forces threatening his world.

The cast also features Frank Montoto (General Inferno), Katie Duerr (Erica Court), Luke Surretsky (Ten-Speed/Ryan) and John Mazuelos (Crom/Detective) with Yasmine Harrell, Gabriela Alfonso and Tico Chiriboga as the Red Army and rebel ensemble.

Directed and designed by Giancarlo Rodaz, the production includes Katie Duerr (Music Director), Laz Hansen (Technical Director), Joe Naftal (Lighting Designer), Abraham Oleksnianski (Sound Designer), Luciano Cortes (Fight Choreography), Anjuli Kaufman (Props Master) and Maria Banda-Rodaz (Costumes) and Mison Blazquez (Specialty Items).

Rehearsals began on Tuesday, October 21st in South Miami at Area Stage before the company boarded Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel, produced by Sixthman, for its debut as part of the S.S. Neverender festival.

Audiences will experience The Amory Wars surrounded by the open ocean—an epic setting for a story that bridges music, mythology and theatre.

About Giancarlo Rodaz

Giancarlo Rodaz is a Miami native who grew up immersed in the theatre, working in all areas of production in the company his parents founded in 1989. Directing credits include: Alice in Wonderland, Ride, She Kills Monsters, Shrek the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Matilda the Musical, Annie, Be More Chill, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Lionel Bart's Oliver!, Tarzan. Playwright/directing credits: Peter x Wendy, Rise of the Titans (Arsht Center), Janis Matthews & The Dodo Scouts (Area Stage), The Lone Wolf of Honeysuckle Valley, Don’t Fear the Rain (MicroTheater), Alice in Wonderland and Lady Miasma (Area Stage). His musical The Ballad of Janis Matthews and the Dodo Scouts, performed at The Mile Square Theatre (NJ). Carbonell Awards: The Nether, Best Lighting Design nomination (2017), Be More Chill, Best Director nomination, (2022), Beauty and the Beast, Best Director and Best Production of a Musical (2022), The Little Mermaid, Outstanding Production of a Musical nomination (2023). Silver Palm Awards Outstanding Direction and Highly Theatrical Vision for: She Kills Monsters and The Wizard of Oz (2018), Be More Chill and Beauty and Beauty the Beast (2022), and Oliver! (2024). In addition, Mr Rodaz received the 2022 Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce “Shooting Star” Award celebrating his achievements.

About Area Stage

Founded in 1989 by John and Maria Rodaz, Area Stage began as one of the pioneers of the Miami Beach arts community on Lincoln Road. Now celebrating 36 years of artistic excellence, this non-profit theatre organization has become one of South Florida’s most influential cultural institutions, dedicated to artistic innovation, education, and accessibility to the arts. In addition to its acclaimed Mainstage productions, Area Stage houses a world-class Conservatory, providing professional training to hundreds of young aspiring artists each year. The company is also home to the Inspire Theatre Project, which offers meaningful performance opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recently, Area Stage was recognized with the 2024 Miami Dade Favorites Silver Award and honored by Miami-Dade County with a Proclamation designated on June 6, 2025, as Area Stage Inc. Day in celebration of the Inspire Theatre Project’s outstanding contributions to the community—a true testament to the company’s lasting impact. Committed to pushing artistic boundaries under the leadership of Giancarlo Rodaz, Area Stage continues to provide extraordinary theatrical experiences to the South Florida community and beyond.