News

Sarasota, FL – August 25, 2024 – The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is bringing a star-studded, sensational season to Sarasota again this year. With new shows and returning favorites, this season will delight theatergoers of all ages. The upcoming season opens with the rescheduled Broadway show Shrek – The Musical on September 24-25 before heading into a variety of performances including Billy Ocean, Leslie Jones and Matteo Bocelli, to name a few. Tickets for all shows will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, September 7 at 10 a.m. Patrons can visit the Box Office in person, call 941-263-6799, or log on to VanWezel.org to purchase tickets. 

“Coming off an incredible season that featured the record-breaking Hamilton, I knew we needed to bring in a variety of shows that would meet our audiences’ expectations,” shares Mary Bensel, Executive Director for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. “We have done just that with the Broadway blockbusters Moulin Rouge – The Musical and Beetlejuice, along with concerts like Air Supply, comedians like Jay Leno and Arsenio Hall, classics like Twyla Tharp, and the family fun of Disney Jr. Live on Tour! There is truly something for everyone this season.”

The diverse season will include premieres of music sensations Herb Alpert & Lani Hall in Concert, pop idol Debbie Gibson with her Winterlicious holiday show, and The Life and Music of George Michael, which chronicles George Michael’s journey with his music and fans. Returning favorites include Yacht Rock Revue, GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Chris Botti, culinary expert Alton Brown, and Dancing with the Stars superstar Derek Hough, who will be bringing an all-new holiday production to the Van Wezel.

The Van Wezel’s powerhouse Broadway season, announced earlier this year, features weeklong performances of Funny Girl, Moulin Rouge – The Musical, Les Misérables, and Beetlejuice. Broadway shows making their Sarasota debut include Dear Evan Hansen, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, and CLUE, a new comedic play. Returning favorites include The Addams Family and Come From Away. It is important to note that these Broadway shows have been available on subscriptions and have been selling well. Single tickets will go on sale Saturday, September 7 but inventory may be limited for certain productions due to the high demand on subscriptions. Broadway subscriptions are still available for purchase.

The 2024-2025 season features more than 60 different productions, and a full show list with additional information on each production can be found here.

In addition to the Van Wezel’s mainstage season, the Hall’s education program will present a full season of schooltime performances. Local organizations including the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, Ringling Townhall, and the Sarasota Concert Association will also present shows for their seasons at the Van Wezel.

Select photos and b-roll can be downloaded from this link. Members of the media can contact [email protected] for additional show information, photos or video.

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About the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents a broad spectrum of the world’s finest performers representing the diverse tastes of Southwest Florida residents and visitors. The Van Wezel has carried on the long tradition of presenting spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international performers, popular comedians, world-class symphony orchestras, and a compelling mix of classical, modern and ethnic dance. In carrying out the mission of the Hall, the Van Wezel’s education program brings visiting artists into the community and area schools for a wealth of educational and outreach activities. To learn more about the Van Wezel, visit VanWezel.org.