It goes without saying that audiences are excited to be back in theaters, concert halls, and venues to experience live entertainment yet again. There’s nothing quite like the experience of a live show, when the lights dim and that moment when the curtain rises. Get out the calendars, and plan to attend one of these upcoming performances at The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

 If you’re a sucker for love, you won’t want to miss An American in Paris as it makes its Sarasota debut February 2–3. The audience will travel back in time to postwar Paris in a show featuring incredible music from Gershwin. The production tells the romantic story of a young American solider and a beautiful French girl who are both longing for a new beginning in the aftermath of the war.

Seven-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight returns to Sarasota on February 15. The Empress of Soul has recorded more than 38 albums and earned No. 1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B, and Adult Contemporary over her 50-plus-year career in the entertainment industry. Knight is known for hits such as “You and I Ain’t Nothin’ No More,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “If I Were Your Woman,” and “That’s What Friends are For."

Your favorite dancers from the iconic television show Dancing with the Stars are coming to Sarasota on February 17 for a night full of showstopping and heart-pounding dance moves. Dancing With the Stars: LIVE! features Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, and Artem Chigvintsev, just to name a few. Former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe and NBA player Iman Shumpert will be joining the high-energy, theatrical dance show as former Mirror Ball Champions.

Laugh until you cry at Menopause the Musical (March 2), when the hilarious musical parody comes to the Van Wezel. The show, set to classic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, will have you cheering and dancing in your seats!

Audiences of all ages can relate to the family-friendly Broadway production of Anastasia (March 18–29). The story line follows a young woman on a path to find her identity and place in a world that is quickly and constantly changing. Audiences will delight in the mystery, adventure, and romance, and they can expect to see stunning costumes and set design during the highly anticipated Sarasota debut.

The safety of audiences, artists, and staff remains a priority at the Hall. Visit the Van Wezel’s Safety Page for the latest safety updates. Tickets can be purchased at vanwezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799, or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel, which is located inside the theater. Reservations can be made online or through the box office.