If you were looking for an inexpensive place to stay in Miami Beach in the 1950s, the Gold Dust Motel was ready to host you and your family. And now the motel will host a theatre experience called Miami Motel Stories MiMo, written by playwright Juan Sanchez and directed by Mia Rovegno, to help tell the stories of the motel and the neighborhood through the eyes of its inhabitants.

The theatre event transports you back to a tiki party celebrating the 1957 motel opening. Over the years, the motel has witnessed the MiMo neighborhood change and current-day visitors will explore rooms of the motel and meet characters from its history who have either worked or stayed there.

Sanchez told us what he loved most about creating this theatre experience:

THE STORY RESEARCH

After tapping resources like local historian Dr. Paul George and the HistoryMiami Museum archives, Sanchez weaved together the neighborhood’s history and the people who passed through it.

While stories of a Playboy Bunny, a runaway teenager hustler, and a business traveler are featured during the show, Sanchez’s favorite story he uncovered was about the CIA. “I came across this passing reference about the Gold Dust Motel having a CIA informant situation going on. I delved deeply, deeply into it,” he said. (No spoilers, but the story involves dynamite.)

THE WRITING PROCESS

After being in a car accident 15 years ago, the Cuban-born playwright started to take public transportation. “I could read on the bus. I would write on the bus. I don’t have to drive in Miami traffic,” he said.

“The bus and public transportation really do provide you with some rich source material. If I know what neighborhood I’m going to be working on, I make a point to spend a lot of time on the bus to see who the people are today, what they wear, what they talk about, what they do.”

THE SHOW EXPERIENCE

Juggerknot Theatre Company, the team behind Miami Motel Stories, describes the show as a “real-time immersive theatre experience highlighting the glamorous and historic Biscayne Corridor from the 1950’s to the present day at the Gold Dust, formerly known as Motel Blu.”

“It’s around you,” Sanchez said. “You are in the center of it in one way or another.”

There are three levels of tickets, starting with the Check In ticket at $45. With all ticket options, you can experience: the tiki party, a cup of coffee in the diner and learn to fish by the river. Plus your ticket gets you a free drink at Gold Rush after the show.

If you experienced Miami Motel Stories Little Havana, Sanchez says this show further pushes the boundaries of audience involvement of the story. (Again, no spoilers. All we can say is get ready.)

The show runs Nov. 30 to Dec. 23.

PRODUCED BY THE NEW TROPIC CREATIVE STUDIO WITH MIAMI MOTEL STORIES

Curbelo’s next move. After losing his U.S. congressional seat in the midterm elections, Carlos Curbelo is plotting a full-time return to the 305. The former school board member is considering a run for Miami-Dade mayor in 2020. At this point the mayoral race is pretty wide open but some other potential candidates include former county mayor Alex Penelas and Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell. Buckle your seatbelts, folks. (Miami Herald)

Attractions with accomodations. Zoo Miami will be the first zoo in Florida to qualify as a Certified Autism Center after it completes a special audit and training to make its facilities and exhibits more accommodating to people with autism. Its staff plans to hand out bags with noise-canceling headphones, stress/fidget toys, and a map to help guests navigate through trigger areas and find quiet spots. (Orlando Weekly)

There’s always a Florida connection. The tear gas that U.S. border agents fired at Central American migrants earlier this week has been linked to a Florida manufacturer with political ties and a troubling legal history. Jacksonville-based Safariland has reportedly paid $40 million in settlements to the U.S. Department of Justice over the sale of defective bulletproof vests. (Miami New Times)

Pollo for dayyyys. Got dinner plans tonight? If not, head on over to Little Havana, where Pollo Tropical will celebrate its 30th anniversary by attempting to set a new record for the world’s largest TropiChop. At 30 feet long, the bowl will include three different sections with grilled chicken, roast pork and crispy chicken bites — all available for public sampling. (Miami New Times)

Call it a comeback. After closing last summer, the iconic South Beach nightclub Jazid has a new owner with big plans to revamp the space and re-open in early 2019. The first floor will feature space for live bands and DJs, while the upper level will feature a private bar and bottle service. (Miami.com)

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS MONTH

And the end of the month means that hurricane season officially ends today!

Although Miami mostly lucked out and didn’t face any serious storm threats, we’re still taking a moment to shout out the end of a stressful time of year. We also want to send thoughts out to the people still recovering from Michael’s impact up in the Panhandle. Head here for more info on how to help the area’s ongoing recovery efforts.

We’ll see you in December! 😉

– The New Tropic