Experience “A Whole New World” at the Van Wezel
Your wish has been granted! Disney’s Aladdin comes to the Van Wezel in 2023.
Image: Matthew Murphy © Disney
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will bring nine hit Broadway shows, three awe-inspiring dance productions, and four fun-filled subscriber specials to Sarasota during the 2022-2023 season. Headlining the season are four Sarasota premieres: Disney’s Aladdin, Tina Fey’s Mean Girls, Blue Man Group and Tootsie.
The long-awaited Sarasota debut of Blue Man Group comes to the Van Wezel this season.
Image: Lindsey Best
Kicking off the Broadway series is the universal tale of fame, fortune and murder Chicago (November 29-30), followed by the stunning classic My Fair Lady (December 13-15), the beloved movie turned live production Legally Blonde (January 4-5) and the mesmerizing and powerful reinvention of Riverdance 25th Anniversary Tour (January 10-12), which opens the new leg of the tour at the Van Wezel. The excitement of Broadway continues with the timeless story of Disney’s Aladdin (January 24-29).
A reimagined production of CATS takes the stage this fall.
Image: Matthew Murphy
“It’s the full-blown Disney production you’d expect,” shares Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. “The magic carpet will fly across the Van Wezel stage, the Genie is hilarious and the costumes are stunning. Disney really puts everything out there on stage. This is a show not to be missed.”
Experience the glitz and glamor when Chicago opens the Broadway series at the Van Wezel in November.
Image: Jeremy Daniel
The long-awaited, worldwide smash-hit phenomenon Blue Man Group (January 31 - February 1) will make their Sarasota debut this season, followed by the ridiculously clever Tootsie (February 13-15), the wickedly funny Mean Girls (April 11-16), and the record-breaking and beloved multiple Tony Award®-winner CATS (April 18-20).
Based on the beloved movie, Legally Blonde – the Musical takes you from the sorority house to the halls of justice as Elle Woods tackles stereotypes, sexism and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.
The 2022-2023 subscription season at the Van Wezel features more than just the star-studded Broadway hits. The Dance subscription series is full of breathtaking acts. Opening the series is Momix: Alice (February 8), the internationally acclaimed dancer-illusionists who will journey down the rabbit hole with a stunning reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice in Wonderland.
Mean Girls – It’s not a regular musical, it’s a cool musical.
Bensel says, “Momix: Alice is set to be an incredible show, and both parents and children will enjoy it. This alluring production will offer a fresh take on the classic story Alice in Wonderland that many have loved for generations.”
From Lincoln Center Theater comes “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady.
Image: Joan Marcus
The dance series will also feature the universally renowned dance company Ailey II (February 23), the fresh and vibrant Pilobolus: Big Five-Oh! 50th Anniversary show (March 7).
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show is Riverdance, as you’ve never seen it before!
Image: Jack Hartin
Guests who subscribe to a Broadway or dance series will have the opportunity to add additional shows from the subscriber specials. The subscriber specials include a holiday crowd favorite, Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert (January 2), “Broadway Heaven” and annual sell-out 113 Years of Broadway (March 6), an all-new production of The Mikado (March 9) and the inspiring jukebox musical On Your Feet (March 14-15), featuring the music of Gloria Estefan.
The cast of the National Tour of TOOTSIE.
Image: Evan Zimmerman
There is something for everyone in the 2022-2023 subscription season at the Van Wezel. Subscription packages are currently available for purchase. Subscribers receive exclusive benefits like up to 20% off ticket prices and early access to the best seats in the house. Those who would like to attend the Broadway series can purchase all nine shows or build their own package of four or more productions.
To reserve a subscription package, visit VanWezel.org/subscriptions or call the local box office at 941-263-6799. The Van Wezel Box Office is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.