The Purple One

Miss Prince? Purple Reign Pays Tribute to the Legend

Jason Tenner has been imitating the inimitable in Las Vegas for 22 years. He brings his show to Sarasota on Saturday, May 4.

04/23/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

CABARET

Alan Cumming Dazzles Audiences with 'Legal Immigrant'

Celebrated actor and performer Alan Cumming brings his new show 'Legal Immigrant' to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, April 20.

04/09/2019 By Giulia Heyward

Hakuna Matata

Disney's The Lion King Generates an Estimated $11.4 Million Economic Impact

The show broke the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s record for the highest-grossing and most-attended engagement in its history.

04/05/2019 By Staff

Review

The Lion King Brings Spectacle, Imagination and Heart to the Van Wezel

At long last, the megahit musical roars its way into Sarasota.

03/17/2019 By Kay Kipling

The Lion King

Actor Jared Dixon Perfects His Craft in Disney's The Lion King

Dixon stars as Simba in the Tony Award-winning musical, coming to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in March.

02/28/2019 By Giulia Heyward

Show Stopper

Singer-Songwriter Seal Headlines at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The British-born star is the Van Wezel Foundation Gala performer Feb. 16. He spoke to us about songwriting, the city and love.

02/11/2019 By Giulia Heyward

The Arts

Van Wezel Foundation Selects New CEO

Cheryl Mendelson will take on the new role next month.

01/18/2019 By Staff

Goodness Gracious

Jerry Lee Lewis Brings Throwback Rock 'n' Roll and Country to the Van Wezel

The man behind "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On," "Great Balls of Fire" and other classics performs on Sunday, Jan. 27.

01/17/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Tie a Ribbon On It

Tony Orlando Heads to Sarasota for First Live Performance at the Van Wezel

The Grammy nominee will perform on Jan. 28 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

01/15/2019 By Giulia Heyward

Planning

New Nonprofit Will Work with City to Oversee Bayfront Redevelopment

The Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization is transitioning into a new organization, The Bay Conservancy.

12/13/2018 By Staff

The Next Stage

Big Moves are Coming for Three Performing Arts Groups

Lots of change is on the horizon for the Van Wezel, Sarasota Orchestra and the Players.

10/29/2018 By Ilene Denton

Tag team

Lyle Lovett Gives Fans a Stripped-Down Performance With Longtime Friend Robert Earl Keen

The duo will be performing at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

10/18/2018 By Giulia Heyward

Top Tickets

What Do Bob Dylan and Liberace Have in Common?

Dylan will return to the Van Wezel Oct. 21.

10/04/2018 By Kay Kipling

Arts

Van Wezel Makes Three New Marketing Department Hires

Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall recently hired Stephen Baker, Thomas Gravelle and Natasha Herrera.

08/31/2018 By Staff

Gifts Guide

Three Recent Mega-Gifts Signal a Seismic Shift in Sarasota's Philanthropic Landscape

2018 has been the year of giving generously.

08/29/2018 By Ilene Denton

Preview

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces More of the Coming Season

In addition to its Broadway, dance and classical seasons, the hall offers plenty of song, thrills and comedy.

08/27/2018 By Kay Kipling

Philanthropy

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards Over $5.8 Million in Grants

The money will be used to support efforts to improve infant health, address homelessness and more.

06/27/2018 By Staff

Planning

Bayfront Redevelopment Team Plans New Round of Public Forums

Presenters will discuss the master planning process, the current modified masterplan and next steps.

06/15/2018 By Staff

Entertainment

Van Wezel Foundation Supports Plan for New Performing Arts Center

The future of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been debated during planning for The Bay redevelopment project.

06/04/2018 By Staff

Planning

Draft Plan for Bayfront Redevelopment to Be Unveiled Next Week

Gina Ford and Susannah Ross of Sasaki will discuss the current draft master plan during three presentations next week.

05/17/2018 By Staff