Van Wezel Announces Their Upcoming Events

Bob Newhart with Special Guest Deana Martin...Thurs. February 24, 2011 at 8 p.m.

Bob Newhart's career has spanned two successful television shows (Bob Newhart Variety Show, The Bob Newhart Show), fourteen feature films (Catch-22, Elf), and sold millions of albums (The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart). His body of work reveals a deeply funny, true entertainer. From his live performance expect Newhart comedic standards like The Driving Instructor, Sir Walter Raleigh, and The Submarine Commander. Joining Newhart at the Van Wezel is Deana Martin, daughter of Dean Martin, who will sing some of her father's classics, as well as a few of Mr. Sinatra's.

Tickets: $30-$70

Sponsored by: Lakewood Ranch & Herald-Tribune Media Group

Russian National Ballet's Chopiniana and Romeo and Juliet ...Fri. February 25, 2011 at 8 p.m.

The Russian National Ballet presents a moving and timeless program. Opening with Chopiniana, with music by Frederic Chopin and choreography by Mikhail Fokine, a ballet that grew out of Chopin's Seventh Waltz and has now become standard repertoire for many of the world's leading theatres. Chopiniana does not have a traditional plot. In one regard it is a poetic stylization of a Young Man's dream, and in another, a work distinctly set in its own period-1907. The Second Act will present Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's famous tragedy, with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography Marius Petipa, restaged by Elena Radchenko.

Tickets: $10-$60

Sponsored by: Van Wezel Foundation

Paul Anka...Sat. February 26, 2011 at 8 p.m.

Paul Anka returns to the Van Wezel by popular demand with favorites like "Diana," "Lonely Boy," and "My Way"! In conversation, Anka exudes an old world charm and is remarkably at ease relating stories of his near five decade musical past. It is a career in which he transformed himself from being a ‘50s teen idol into a superb vocal musician, and one of the most successful pop songwriters and interpreters in history.

Tickets: $30-$125

Sponsored by: Van Wezel Foundation & Comcast

‘S Wonderful, The New Gershwin Musical...Sun. February 27, 2011 at 7 p.m.

The first national tour of S'Wonderful is an all singing, all dancing, musical revue that celebrates the genius of George and Ira Gershwin. The talented cast of 5 triple threat singer/dancer/actors will bring the music of the Gershwin brothers to life! Incorporating 5 mini-musicals inspired by the real events surrounding the lives of the brothers, from NYC in 1916 to New Orleans in the 50s, this new musical theatre review illustrates the impact of the Gershwin brothers on the world then and now.

Tickets: $10-$50

Sponsored by: Wilde Lexus of Sarasota & ABC 7

For more information on all shows and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box office at (941) 953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org.