Van Wezel's Annual Friday Fest Summer Concert Series Kicks Off With Big Night Out
by BWW News Desk - June 03, 2019
Kicking off Friday Fest 2019 at the Van Wezel is Big Night Out - a grooving six-piece dance band performing Latin, r&b and island dance music! A powerful horn section and Latin percussion add to the commanding vocals of Frank Alverez. Dance the night away with a perfect view of the Sarasota sunset as Big Night Out kicks off our annual summer concert series on Friday, June 21st!
by BWW News Desk - June 03, 2019
Kicking off Friday Fest 2019 at the Van Wezel is Big Night Out - a grooving six-piece dance band performing Latin, r&b and island dance music! A powerful horn section and Latin percussion add to the commanding vocals of Frank Alverez. Dance the night away with a perfect view of the Sarasota sunset as Big Night Out kicks off our annual summer concert series on Friday, June 21st!
BWW Review: SHREK JR. at The Players Centre For The Performing Arts
by Jacob Ruscoe - May 31, 2019
The Players Centre for Performing Arts concluded its Players Kids' Season with a hilarious production of Shrek Jr. This show was a prime example of the exceptional young talent that exists in our community. It is a marvelous thing to be able to go see a production of all young people and not be disappointed. Shrek Jr. certainly achieves this.
by Jacob Ruscoe - May 31, 2019
The Players Centre for Performing Arts concluded its Players Kids' Season with a hilarious production of Shrek Jr. This show was a prime example of the exceptional young talent that exists in our community. It is a marvelous thing to be able to go see a production of all young people and not be disappointed. Shrek Jr. certainly achieves this.
Sebastian Maniscalco Makes Sarasota Debut With You Bother Me Tour
by BWW News Desk - May 31, 2019
Fresh off a wildly successful, two-year-plus run on his Stay Hungry Tour, Billboard's inaugural Comedian of the Year Sebastian Maniscalco makes his Sarasota debut with his You Bother Me tour, coming to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 7 p.m. Touted as "the comedian's comedian" by People, Maniscalco finds himself "at the vanguard of a live comedy revolution" according to Pollstar. The man "NBC Nightly News" called "comedy's new superstar" is showing no signs of stopping as he revealed the new tour during a visit to CBS' "The Talk".
by BWW News Desk - May 31, 2019
Fresh off a wildly successful, two-year-plus run on his Stay Hungry Tour, Billboard's inaugural Comedian of the Year Sebastian Maniscalco makes his Sarasota debut with his You Bother Me tour, coming to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 7 p.m. Touted as "the comedian's comedian" by People, Maniscalco finds himself "at the vanguard of a live comedy revolution" according to Pollstar. The man "NBC Nightly News" called "comedy's new superstar" is showing no signs of stopping as he revealed the new tour during a visit to CBS' "The Talk".
FST Announces 2019 Summer Children's Show
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) announces its Summer Children's Theatre production, Off the Charts!, an original musical revue celebrating the universal language of music. Featuring family-friendly versions of songs from the past century, this brand-new show explores the power of popular music to make us think, feel, and connect across generations. With songs like "Hound Dog," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," and "Uptown Funk," this music revue is for children of all ages and their favorite grown-ups.
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) announces its Summer Children's Theatre production, Off the Charts!, an original musical revue celebrating the universal language of music. Featuring family-friendly versions of songs from the past century, this brand-new show explores the power of popular music to make us think, feel, and connect across generations. With songs like "Hound Dog," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," and "Uptown Funk," this music revue is for children of all ages and their favorite grown-ups.
COME TOGETHER Opens FST's Summer Cabaret Series
by BWW News Desk - May 28, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre kicks off its 6th Summer Cabaret Series with Come Together: When the 60s Met the 70s, a rockin' revue that explores the changing musical landscape from 1965-1975. Created by audience favorite Carole J. Bufford, Come Together examines one of the most exciting, controversial, and impactful decades in American history. With musical arrangements by Bufford and Ian Herman, Come Together starts June 11 in FST's Court Cabaret. Tickets can be purchased at floridastudiotheatre.org or at (941) 366-9000.
by BWW News Desk - May 28, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre kicks off its 6th Summer Cabaret Series with Come Together: When the 60s Met the 70s, a rockin' revue that explores the changing musical landscape from 1965-1975. Created by audience favorite Carole J. Bufford, Come Together examines one of the most exciting, controversial, and impactful decades in American history. With musical arrangements by Bufford and Ian Herman, Come Together starts June 11 in FST's Court Cabaret. Tickets can be purchased at floridastudiotheatre.org or at (941) 366-9000.
BWW Review: KINKY BOOTS at Straz Center Tampa
by Carolan Trbovich - May 19, 2019
Kinky Boots Struts Its Way Into Tampa
by Carolan Trbovich - May 19, 2019
Kinky Boots Struts Its Way Into Tampa
BWW Review: HONK at Venice Theatre Full of Family Fun
by Jacob Ruscoe - May 16, 2019
Venice Theatre is kicking the summer off right with its fun, energetic production of Honk. This Anthony Drewe and George Stiles musical based on the story of the Ugly Duckling, reminds us that it is alright to be different. Honk follows Ugly in his journey to find himself and a place of belonging. Seen as an outcast by his siblings and his father, Drake, Ugly is befriended by the Cat whose sole ambition is to eat Ugly.
by Jacob Ruscoe - May 16, 2019
Venice Theatre is kicking the summer off right with its fun, energetic production of Honk. This Anthony Drewe and George Stiles musical based on the story of the Ugly Duckling, reminds us that it is alright to be different. Honk follows Ugly in his journey to find himself and a place of belonging. Seen as an outcast by his siblings and his father, Drake, Ugly is befriended by the Cat whose sole ambition is to eat Ugly.
Van Wezel Education Department To Receive $10,000 Grant From The National Endowment For The Arts
by BWW News Desk - May 16, 2019
National Endowment for the Arts Acting Chairman Mary Anne Carter has approved more than $80 million in grants as part of the Arts Endowment's second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2019. Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $10,000 to The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Education Department for the Artworks for Schooltime initiative, an extension of the School Partnership Program. Art Works is the Arts Endowment's principal grantmaking program. The agency received 1,592 Art Works applications for this round of grantmaking and will award 977 grants in this category.
by BWW News Desk - May 16, 2019
National Endowment for the Arts Acting Chairman Mary Anne Carter has approved more than $80 million in grants as part of the Arts Endowment's second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2019. Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $10,000 to The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Education Department for the Artworks for Schooltime initiative, an extension of the School Partnership Program. Art Works is the Arts Endowment's principal grantmaking program. The agency received 1,592 Art Works applications for this round of grantmaking and will award 977 grants in this category.
BWW Review: ANASTASIA at Straz Center Tampa
by Carolan Trbovich - May 12, 2019
A Haunting Tale of Anastasia On Tour
by Carolan Trbovich - May 12, 2019
A Haunting Tale of Anastasia On Tour
Photo Flash: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS At Asolo Rep
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2019
Asolo Repertory Theatre proudly presents the final production of its 60th season: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. This highly imaginative adaptation of Jules Verne's timeless story will be brought to life by the creators of Hetty Feather, adapted by Emmy® nominee Laura Eason (House of Cards, Sex with Strangers, Blue Night) and directed by Theresa Heskins (Snow Queen, 2017 UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People). Recommended for everyone 7+, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS previews June 6, opens June 7 and runs through June 23.
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2019
Asolo Repertory Theatre proudly presents the final production of its 60th season: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. This highly imaginative adaptation of Jules Verne's timeless story will be brought to life by the creators of Hetty Feather, adapted by Emmy® nominee Laura Eason (House of Cards, Sex with Strangers, Blue Night) and directed by Theresa Heskins (Snow Queen, 2017 UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People). Recommended for everyone 7+, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS previews June 6, opens June 7 and runs through June 23.
BWW Review: SWEENEY TODD at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Carolan Trbovich - May 09, 2019
The musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a 1979 thriller featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. The musical is based on a 1973 play of the same name by Christopher Bond. Sweeney Todd opened on Broadway in 1979 and won the Tony Award for Best MusicalThe Broadway production starred Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury, both of whom won Tony Awards for originating the roles of Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett.
by Carolan Trbovich - May 09, 2019
The musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a 1979 thriller featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. The musical is based on a 1973 play of the same name by Christopher Bond. Sweeney Todd opened on Broadway in 1979 and won the Tony Award for Best MusicalThe Broadway production starred Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury, both of whom won Tony Awards for originating the roles of Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett.
Review Roundup: Critics Attend the Tale of SWEENEY TODD at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by BWW News Desk - May 08, 2019
SWEENEY TODD opened on May 1 at Asolo Repertory Theatre and is running through June 1, 2019.
by BWW News Desk - May 08, 2019
SWEENEY TODD opened on May 1 at Asolo Repertory Theatre and is running through June 1, 2019.
Asolo Rep And The Sarasota Ballet Announce Installation Of New Seating In The Mertz Theatre
by BWW News Desk - May 08, 2019
Asolo Repertory Theatre and The Sarasota Ballet proudly announce the installation of brand new seating in the Harold and Esther Mertz Theatre, the main performing space for Asolo Repertory Theatre and the home of The Sarasota Ballet. Located in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, which is also home to the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, the exquisite Mertz Theatre is one of Sarasota's most populated and significant cultural venues.
by BWW News Desk - May 08, 2019
Asolo Repertory Theatre and The Sarasota Ballet proudly announce the installation of brand new seating in the Harold and Esther Mertz Theatre, the main performing space for Asolo Repertory Theatre and the home of The Sarasota Ballet. Located in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, which is also home to the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, the exquisite Mertz Theatre is one of Sarasota's most populated and significant cultural venues.
THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES Opens FST's 2019 Summer Mainstage Season
by BWW News Desk - May 07, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre kicks off its 29th Summer Mainstage Season with The Marvelous Wonderettes by Roger Bean, an Off-Broadway hit that takes audiences on a fun-filled trip down memory lane. This upbeat musical opens on Springfield High's prom in 1958, which has unexpectedly lost its musical act. To save the night, four female friends-Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy-take the stage to entertain their classmates in four-part harmony. The Marvelous Wonderettes starts May 29 in FST's Gompertz Theatre.
by BWW News Desk - May 07, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre kicks off its 29th Summer Mainstage Season with The Marvelous Wonderettes by Roger Bean, an Off-Broadway hit that takes audiences on a fun-filled trip down memory lane. This upbeat musical opens on Springfield High's prom in 1958, which has unexpectedly lost its musical act. To save the night, four female friends-Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy-take the stage to entertain their classmates in four-part harmony. The Marvelous Wonderettes starts May 29 in FST's Gompertz Theatre.
Photo Flash: Inside Asolo Rep's SWEENEY TODD
by BWW News Desk - May 06, 2019
Asolo Repertory Theatre proudly continues its 60th season with SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. It is directed and choreographed by Peter Rothstein, who helmed the theatre's critically acclaimed 2018 production of Ragtime. Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a book by Hugh Wheeler and from an adaptation by Christopher Bond, this musical masterwork and global phenomenon previews May 1 - 3, opens May 4 and runs through June 1.
by BWW News Desk - May 06, 2019
Asolo Repertory Theatre proudly continues its 60th season with SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. It is directed and choreographed by Peter Rothstein, who helmed the theatre's critically acclaimed 2018 production of Ragtime. Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a book by Hugh Wheeler and from an adaptation by Christopher Bond, this musical masterwork and global phenomenon previews May 1 - 3, opens May 4 and runs through June 1.
Florida Studio Theatre Announces Full Lineup Of 11th Annual Sarasota Improv Festival
by BWW News Desk - May 06, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is thrilled to announce its lineup for the 11th Annual Sarasota Improv Festival, the premier Festival of its kind in the Southeastern United States.
by BWW News Desk - May 06, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is thrilled to announce its lineup for the 11th Annual Sarasota Improv Festival, the premier Festival of its kind in the Southeastern United States.
FST Announces 11th Annual Sarasota Improv Festival
by BWW News Desk - May 06, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce that the Annual Sarasota Improv Festival will return for its 11th year on Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13, 2019. Since its founding by Rebecca Hopkins in 2009, the Sarasota Improv Festival has become a destination event, and the premier Festival of its kind in the Southeastern United States. This year's Festival will bring together over 20 of the top improv troupes from across the nation and as far as Canada and the UK to Florida's Gulf Coast for a weekend of spontaneous comedy. The full Festival lineup will be announced May 3. Festival passes go on sale Friday, May 3, and single tickets will go on sale the week of June 17.
by BWW News Desk - May 06, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce that the Annual Sarasota Improv Festival will return for its 11th year on Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13, 2019. Since its founding by Rebecca Hopkins in 2009, the Sarasota Improv Festival has become a destination event, and the premier Festival of its kind in the Southeastern United States. This year's Festival will bring together over 20 of the top improv troupes from across the nation and as far as Canada and the UK to Florida's Gulf Coast for a weekend of spontaneous comedy. The full Festival lineup will be announced May 3. Festival passes go on sale Friday, May 3, and single tickets will go on sale the week of June 17.
Michael Martella To Be Honored For Exceptional Commitment To The Arts
by BWW News Desk - May 06, 2019
Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, announced today that Michael Martella, President of Boar's Head in Sarasota, FL and Chairman of the Van Wezel Foundation's Board of Directors will be honored with the Business Committee for the Arts Leadership Award. This award recognizes individuals for their extraordinary vision, leadership and commitment to supporting the arts and for encouraging other businesses to follow their lead.
by BWW News Desk - May 06, 2019
Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, announced today that Michael Martella, President of Boar's Head in Sarasota, FL and Chairman of the Van Wezel Foundation's Board of Directors will be honored with the Business Committee for the Arts Leadership Award. This award recognizes individuals for their extraordinary vision, leadership and commitment to supporting the arts and for encouraging other businesses to follow their lead.
BWW Review: GISELLE at Sarasota Ballet
by Carolan Trbovich - May 04, 2019
Sarasota Ballet Performs Perfection in Giselle
by Carolan Trbovich - May 04, 2019
Sarasota Ballet Performs Perfection in Giselle
An Evening Of Conversation With Julie Andrews Announced In Sarasota
by BWW News Desk - May 02, 2019
A true legend in every sense of the word, Julie Andrews has entertained millions for more than half a century. Ms. Andrews shares her extraordinary experiences from her early days of vaudeville in England to the popular projects and work she continues to create today. Opening with a beautiful video montage of her work, 'An Evening of Conversation with Julie Andrews' is a unique and unforgettable visit with one of the world's most beloved icons.
by BWW News Desk - May 02, 2019
A true legend in every sense of the word, Julie Andrews has entertained millions for more than half a century. Ms. Andrews shares her extraordinary experiences from her early days of vaudeville in England to the popular projects and work she continues to create today. Opening with a beautiful video montage of her work, 'An Evening of Conversation with Julie Andrews' is a unique and unforgettable visit with one of the world's most beloved icons.
Straight No Chaser Returns To The Van Wezel
by BWW News Desk - May 02, 2019
Atlantic Records recording group Straight No Chaser has announced plans for another epic U.S. concert tour, "The Open Bar Tour" - coming to the Van Wezel on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 7 p.m.! Tickets go on sale Friday, May 10, 2019 at 10 a.m. For complete tour details, please visit www.sncmusic.com/tour.
by BWW News Desk - May 02, 2019
Atlantic Records recording group Straight No Chaser has announced plans for another epic U.S. concert tour, "The Open Bar Tour" - coming to the Van Wezel on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 7 p.m.! Tickets go on sale Friday, May 10, 2019 at 10 a.m. For complete tour details, please visit www.sncmusic.com/tour.
FST Announces Summer Season
by BWW News Desk - April 29, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to announce its lineup for the 2019 Summer Mainstage and Cabaret Seasons. On the Mainstage, FST brings music, drama, and laughter to Sarasota with an Off-Broadway hit, a powerful musical biography, and a sexy, smart comedy of manners. In the Cabaret, some of New York City's brightest and most accomplished musical performers bring the music of the 60s and the 70s, the Golden Age of Hollywood, and Frankie Valli to life.
by BWW News Desk - April 29, 2019
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to announce its lineup for the 2019 Summer Mainstage and Cabaret Seasons. On the Mainstage, FST brings music, drama, and laughter to Sarasota with an Off-Broadway hit, a powerful musical biography, and a sexy, smart comedy of manners. In the Cabaret, some of New York City's brightest and most accomplished musical performers bring the music of the 60s and the 70s, the Golden Age of Hollywood, and Frankie Valli to life.
Artist Series Concerts Of Sarasota Welcomes New Executive Director Marcy Miller
by BWW News Desk - April 29, 2019
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota is pleased to welcome Marcy Miller as the organization's new executive director.
by BWW News Desk - April 29, 2019
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota is pleased to welcome Marcy Miller as the organization's new executive director.
BWW Review: THE SOAP MYTH at Sarasota Opera
by Carolan Trbovich - April 29, 2019
The Sarasota Opera House, in conjunction with the Florida Holocaust Museum and the Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation presented a reading of The Soap Myth written by Jeff Cohen and directed by Pam Berlin. The story is set more than 50 years after the end of World War II, and dramatizes the warm friendship that develops between a young Jewish journalist and a cantankerous Holocaust Survivor on a crusade about the 'soap' displayed in Holocaust museums. In question is, did the Nazis make soap from the corpses of murdered Jews? The play grapples with the evil of anti-Semitism masquerading as Holocaust denial. The Soap Myth asks provocative questions like 'Who has the right to write history?' and 'How does a survivor survive surviving?' The reading commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day and dramatizes the powerful confrontation between a survivor's memory and contradicting historical evidence, or lack thereof.
by Carolan Trbovich - April 29, 2019
The Sarasota Opera House, in conjunction with the Florida Holocaust Museum and the Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation presented a reading of The Soap Myth written by Jeff Cohen and directed by Pam Berlin. The story is set more than 50 years after the end of World War II, and dramatizes the warm friendship that develops between a young Jewish journalist and a cantankerous Holocaust Survivor on a crusade about the 'soap' displayed in Holocaust museums. In question is, did the Nazis make soap from the corpses of murdered Jews? The play grapples with the evil of anti-Semitism masquerading as Holocaust denial. The Soap Myth asks provocative questions like 'Who has the right to write history?' and 'How does a survivor survive surviving?' The reading commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day and dramatizes the powerful confrontation between a survivor's memory and contradicting historical evidence, or lack thereof.
Sarasota Opera To Present 'Opera Composers In Song'
by BWW News Desk - April 23, 2019
On Friday, May 10 at 7:30 pm, the historic Sarasota Opera House will be filled with exquisite songs written by well-known opera composers. Soprano Elizabeth Tredent (the title roles in Rita and Susanna's Secret, Violetta in La traviata), tenor Matthew Vickers (Des Grieux in Manon Lescaut, Avito in The Love of Three Kings), and baritone Marco Nistico (Giorgio Germont in La traviata, Amonasro in Aida) will be accompanied on the piano by John F. Spencer IV. The program will represent a musical journey through time-from a Mozart song set to the words of Goethe to a song Richard Strauss composed as a gift to his wife the day before their wedding in 1894. The songs will be performed in their original languages of Italian, French, German, and Russian, with translations provided.
by BWW News Desk - April 23, 2019
On Friday, May 10 at 7:30 pm, the historic Sarasota Opera House will be filled with exquisite songs written by well-known opera composers. Soprano Elizabeth Tredent (the title roles in Rita and Susanna's Secret, Violetta in La traviata), tenor Matthew Vickers (Des Grieux in Manon Lescaut, Avito in The Love of Three Kings), and baritone Marco Nistico (Giorgio Germont in La traviata, Amonasro in Aida) will be accompanied on the piano by John F. Spencer IV. The program will represent a musical journey through time-from a Mozart song set to the words of Goethe to a song Richard Strauss composed as a gift to his wife the day before their wedding in 1894. The songs will be performed in their original languages of Italian, French, German, and Russian, with translations provided.
Videos
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Primary Trust
Asolo Repertory Theatre (1/7 - 2/11) | |
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Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground
Florida Studio Theatre (1/7 - 1/30) | |
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Lady Disdain
Asolo Repertory Theatre (6/6 - 6/27) | |
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Chris Ruggiero LIVE in Ormond Beach, FL on January 11, 2026
Ormond Beach Performing Arts (1/11 - 1/11) | |
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Swan Lake: International Ballet Stars in Melbourne, FL! On March 01, 2026
Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts (3/1 - 3/1) | |
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Program Seven – Foundations of Royalty
Sarasota Opera House (5/1 - 5/2) | |
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BRIGHT STAR
Manatee Performing Arts Center (3/5 - 3/15) | |
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LEGENDS SHOW featuring 'FRANK SINATRA and DEAN MARTIN'. Also, 'SONNY and CHER' On 01 Feb 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Venice Hotel Venezia (2/1 - 2/1) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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