The Van Wezel Hosts 'AN EVENING WITH LUCILLE BALL' 3/1

Directed by Lucie Arnaz, this moving, funny and uplifting one-woman play will be performed at the Van Wezel on Tuesday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.

A celebration of the first lady of television, An Evening With Lucille Ball: "Thank You for Asking" is created and performed by Suzanne LaRusch, and written by LaRusch and Lucie Arnaz. Crafted in the spirit of the amusing lectures Lucy enjoyed giving throughout her career, the evening recreates the comic genius and magic behind the "Queen of Comedy." "Lucy" guides us through the lifetime of personal memories inspiring her timeless sketches on "I Love Lucy," her 30-year television career and some never-before heard personal recollections about her tempestuous marriage to Desi Arnaz. It's the Lucy the whole world loved-from "Ricardo" to Mame, but more importantly it's an evening with the REAL Lucy, as you've never seen her before.

Suzanne LaRusch is a Hollywood-based actress-comedienne, and the world's most renowned impressionist of Lucille Ball. It all started when she got a job as a dancer at Universal Studios and was given further employment impersonating Marilyn Monroe, Mae West and Betty Boop. When the Lucy exhibit opened in the spring of 1991, Suzanne suggested they include a Lucy lookalike and the rest is history. She is now the "Official Lucy Performer." Suzanne has entertained for former President George Bush, was a surprise guest for Roseanne at the 1997 Women in Film Lucy Awards, and has appeared on such national television programs as Leeza, The Rosie O'Donnell Show and The Morning Show with Bryant Gumbal.

Ticket prices range from $10 to $40. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box office at (941) 953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org. Contact Janet Arena at 941-955-7676 ext 2225 for groups of 20 or more at a discounted rate. This show is sponsored by Wilde Lexus of Sarasota.

Date of Show: Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - 7:30 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $10-$40