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The Theatre at the Biltmore Will Now Be Known As The Wolfson Family Theatre
GableStage, one of Miami’s most venerable regional theatre companies, is thrilled to announce a major gift by Jessie Fox Wolfson on behalf of The Wolfson Family’s long-standing commitment to GableStage and the cultural landscape of Miami.
“The Wolfson Family is proud to add its name in support of GableStage, and in so doing support this important cultural institution,” Wolfson said.
The Wolfson Family’s generosity will be celebrated on the exterior of GableStage’s current home at the Biltmore Hotel, with naming signage recognizing The Wolfson Family Theatre, alongside a butterfly garden installation in honor of Jessie Wolfson’s love and admiration of butterflies as a symbol of freedom, evolution, and artistic expression. “I am so excited to honor our family legacy, and to enjoy a beautiful butterfly garden,” Wolfson said.
In October, 2024, Wolfson attended an open house event at GableStage, where audience members had the opportunity to peek behind-the-scenes. “From our storage in the basement of the Biltmore, to our modest backstage, to our communal offices, patrons walked, step by step, through the physical process of play production,” said Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport. “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. Given the uncertainty in the current arts funding landscape, the Wolfson family’s gift gives GableStage the strong footing needed to navigate the challenges we face today, and the opportunities we see for tomorrow.”
“Jessie Wolfson and the Wolfson Family have made arts and culture a centering focus of their lives,” Newport added. “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.”
In light of the anticipated move for the company to the Historic Coconut Grove Playhouse, this gift will also launch the first stage of a Comprehensive Campaign – one that supports both artistic and programmatic initiatives as well as capital infrastructure needs. As this campaign takes shape, GableStage looks to this gift to galvanize community support around the future of GableStage at the Grove.
Upon installation of the naming signage and butterfly garden, a special event for donors, supporters, and members of the press will be announced to celebrate Jessie Wolfson and the Wolfson Family.
“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,” said Roz Stuzin, Chair of the GableStage Board of Trustees “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!”
“Renowned for its innovative theatrical productions that explore current issues and ideas, GableStage has long stood as a beacon of artistic excellence in Miami-Dade County. Today’s announcement marks a defining moment in the company’s journey. This extraordinary gift from The Wolfson Family is more than a generous investment — it’s a powerful commitment to our community’s cultural future,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “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.”
“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,” said Commissioner Raquel Regalado. “I also commend Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport for her visionary leadership and dedication, which have guided us to this remarkable moment!”
ABOUT JESSIE AND BERNARD WOLFSON
Longtime residents of Coral Gables and Miami, Florida, the Wolfsons grew up in South Florida. Jessie Wolfson attended the University of Miami where she obtained a BS in Business Administration. She then attended Nova University where she earned an MA in Mental Health Counseling. Bernard attended the University of Florida, graduating in 1959 with a BS in Business Administration, majoring in real estate. He then matriculated at the University of Miami School of Law earning a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in August 1963. They were introduced to each other in 1963 and were married in Miami in 1965. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 2015. Their son, Howard Wolfson and his wife Pamela, reside in Miami Beach, FL, and their daughter, Helena Campos and Matt Fuglham, are located in Asheville, NC. They are the proud grandparents of Abeni, Jacob, Asher, and Sophia.
Mr. Wolfson practiced law in South Florida from 1963 until 2000, primarily in the areas of real estate, mortgages, condominium law, corporations, business and commercial matters. For over 50 years Mr. Wolfson was involved in various real estate ventures and investments. He was president of Hospitality Operations, Inc., the general partner of four Hampton Inn partnerships all operating in South Florida and secretary of Monday Morning Mortgage & Investments Co., an entity that originates and manages a portfolio of mortgages and loan receivables.
The Wolfsons have participated in a wide range of philanthropic endeavors over the years, including the arts, theaters, hospitals, and religious organizations.
ABOUT GABLESTAGE
Founded in 1979 as the Florida Shakespeare Theatre, GableStage is one of South Florida’s most award-winning and venerable theatre companies. GableStage provides South Florida audiences with theatrical works of artistic excellence that confront today’s issues and ideas. The 2025-2026 Season will mark GableStage’s 27th season.
