Preview

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces More Shows for the Season

A lineup of musicians, comedians and even game shows adds to the already announced Broadway show list.

08/25/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

'Beetlejuice' Blasts Into the Van Wezel With Demonic Energy

The Broadway musical version of the well-known movie delivers chills, thrills and laughs.

04/23/2025 By Kay Kipling

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Scenes From Today's 'Freedom Fest' in Downtown Sarasota

Held at the same time as Dr. Anthony Fauci’s visit to Sarasota, Freedom Fest featured remarks from Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo.

04/14/2025 By Kim Doleatto Photography by Allan Mestel

The Dish

Alton Brown Brings His Farewell Tour to the Van Wezel on Feb. 16

Brown's shows are famous for their over-the-top shenanigans and creative culinary demonstrations. "It will be an evening of culinary hijinks," he promises.

02/05/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Reel Genius

At Town Hall, Ron Howard Shared Stories of His Long Hollywood Career

The prolific actor, director and film producer says that although the industry has changed, "the core challenge of translating a script into a scene has not."

01/14/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Broadway's Back!

Van Wezel Hall Launches Its 2025 Broadway Season With 'Funny Girl'

Singer-actress Melissa Manchester is among the stars of the show in its first national tour.

01/10/2025 By Kay Kipling

Hurricane Milton

Mote, the Van Wezel and the Hermitage Artist Retreat Experienced Major Damage from Hurricane Milton

The Van Wezel has canceled shows through December. Mote and the Hermitage are closed due to the impacts of the storm.

10/14/2024 By Staff

Going Up

International Design Firm Selects Sarasota-Based Sweet Sparkman to Collaborate on the Sarasota Performing Arts Center

Renzo Piano Building Workshop will lead the design of the building. It chose Sweet Sparkman as the architect of record out of nearly 30 applicants.

04/30/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Review

Megahit Hamilton Arrives in Sarasota with a Bang

The Lin-Manuel Miranda musical does not disappoint on its current tour.

03/28/2024 By Kay Kipling

A Tasteful Facelift

The Van Wezel Estate Gets a New Life Following a Full Restoration

Take a peek into the historic home of the couple behind Sarasota's premier performing arts hall.

03/20/2024 By Emma Moneuse

Q & A

'Long Island Medium' Theresa Caputo Talks Life, Death and the In-Between

We caught up with Caputo ahead of her April show at the Van Wezel.

02/27/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Review

Tony Award-Winning Musical Hadestown Offers a Captivating Journey at the Van Wezel

You'll be both thrilled and chilled by this touring musical retelling a classic tale of love and loss.

01/31/2024 By Kay Kipling

You Oughta Know

Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill Is Now a Tony Award-Winning Musical, and It’s Coming to Sarasota

We recently caught up with actor Benjamin Eakeley learn more about it.

01/03/2024 By John Thomason

The Big Picture

Sarasota’s Arts Facilities Are Changing. Here’s a Look at Where They Stand Now.

From The Sarasota Players' new home at Payne Park to the current status of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center, there's a lot going on in the arts scene.

11/27/2023 By Kay Kipling