The Van Wezel Welcomes The Smothers Brothers Tonight, 12/2

The Smothers Brothers, the legendary musical comedy duo, take center stage at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40-$60 (a limited number of "Smart Seats" are available for $10).

Marking nearly 50 years in show business, Tom and Dick Smothers are time-honored performers whose career has surpassed all other comedy teams in history. Their lasting power is a testimonial to their ability to entertain audiences of all ages with their innovative approach and contemporary humor.

Reviewing a recent show in Las Vegas, The Entertainer's Robin Roth wrote, "There never has been, and never will be, another musical comedy team like the talented Smothers Brothers. They mesmerized and captivated their audience from beginning to end."

She added, "Their comedy is not only hilarious, but original, unique, clean and polished. They are up-to-date, current, and topical, with an intuitive understanding of comedy, which is all brought together with a joyous warmth and stellar showmanship."

Their iconic 1960's TV show, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," was both lauded and assailed for tackling controversial issues including the Vietnam War. It lampooned presidential politics and hosted rock acts from the Beatles to the Who and antiwar acts like Pete Seeger.

In an article written by Boston Globe critic Nick A. Zaino III, Tom Smothers mused that being cancelled by CBS was a blessing in disguise that allowed the brothers to work on their act and become better performers. "We started working again in the ‘80s - totally different," Smothers said. Zaino added, "The Smothers Brothers are perhaps appreciated more now than ever...."
In the years since "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," the duo has had another prime time comedy series (in the 1980's), enjoyed guest appearances on numerous television programs and talk shows, seen countless engagements as headliners in Las Vegas and appeared in continuous coast-to-coast concert tours.

The Museum of Broadcasting in New York honored their work with a retrospective and seminar on their work. And Hollywood ceremoniously distinguished the Smothers Brothers with one of their most valuable awards: a star on the noted Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Tickets to their show at the Van Wezel may be purchased at the Van Wezel Box Office, by calling (941) 953-3368 or by logging onto www.vanwezel.org. The show is sponsored by Comcast.
Dinner is available prior to most performance at Michael's at the Van Wezel by calling (941) 366-0007 or www.bestfood.com.

Set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, the landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is celebrating its 40th anniversary of entertaining audiences with a variety of music, dance, theater, comedy and children's shows. Its mission is to present a broad spectrum of the world's finest performing artists in order to meet the diverse cultural needs of all of Southwest Florida's residents and visitors. The Van Wezel is also committed to bringing visiting artists into the community for meaningful education and outreach programs.