The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces 2020-2021 Subscription Series

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has announced its 2020-2021 Subscription Series, featuring a diverse collection of Broadway productions, Classical and Dance performances as well as exciting Subscriber Specials.

Mary Bensel, executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, looks to the future and expresses her optimism over the new season: "In light of the difficult times we are all facing, we look forward to having the opportunity to bring a fantastic subscription season to our community. While we may not have the opportunity to be seated in the theater today, we hope that you join us in looking forward to a brighter future ahead. Our new season will include Sarasota premieres such as An Officer and a Gentleman, based on the Oscar-winning film starring Richard Gere, and the smash-hit phenomenon for all ages, Blue Man Group. The romantic, adventure-filled new musical Anastasia will take us to Paris in the 1920s as it makes its Sarasota debut. We are fortunate to have rescheduled Come From Away, The Choir of Man and Itzhak Perlman in Recital for the new season after their shows were recently suspended. Additionally, four-time Grammy Award winner Renée Fleming and acclaimed pianist, educator and philanthropist Lang Lang return to the theater by popular demand."

"Come From Away has always been a special show to me. The message of finding the light and overcoming adversity couldn't be more applicable, given the incredibly challenging circumstances that we are facing around the world right now. Though I wish we could be watching it in the theater this season, I'm so happy that we were able to reschedule the full run for November of this year, making it part of the new subscription season. I look forward to sitting in the hall and experiencing renewed hope alongside our wonderful community once it is safe to do so," says Bensel.

The Broadway Series includes Sarasota premieres Come From Away (November 24-29), An Officer and a Gentleman (January 5-6), Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (January 17), Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (February 9-10), Blue Man Group (February 22-24) and Anastasia (March 23-28). Returning productions include Chicago the Musical (December 12-13), Jesus Christ Superstar (December 29-January 3), Jersey Boys (February 26-28), South Pacific (March 29-30), Riverdance: 25th Anniversary Show (April 23-April 25) and Fiddler on the Roof (April 27-29).

The Classical Series includes the Sarasota premiere of the Israel Symphony Orchestra (January 19), as well as a returning favorite, Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert (January 4). Stars such as Renée Fleming (January 13), Itzhak Perlman (March 8) and Lang Lang (March 11) grace the stage at the Van Wezel once more, bringing their world-class talent to our hall.

The Dance Series includes Tango Fire (January 27) with its intoxicating passion of Buenos Aires, a powerful performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (February 16-17) and the Russian National Ballet performing Swan Lake (March 22).

Subscriber Specials include the Sarasota premieres of The Choir of Man (January 28) and Kathleen Turner: Finding My Voice (January 20). Returning specials include Neil Berg's 112 Years of Broadway (February 2), The Simon and Garfunkel Story (February 12) and STOMP (March 7).

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