Van Wezel's January Line-Up: Ballet, Broadway, and Legendary Music Icons
This January, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Florida, will be the epicenter of a diverse array of performances. From the world premiere of 'The Snow Queen' by the Grand Kyiv Ballet to the hilarious antics of 'Menopause The Musical 2,' the lineup promises something for every taste. Enjoy the soulful tunes of Frankie Avalon, the nostalgic beats of Yacht Rock Revue, and the classic scores by the Sarasota Orchestra. With events spanning ballet, theater, and music, there's no shortage of entertainment at Van Wezel this month.
Join the Grand Kyiv Ballet for the WORLD Premiere of the new Ballet, The Snow Queen. The Snow Queen is a powerful and cold-hearted ruler who travels the world with the snow, bringing winter wherever she goes. It is a classic fairytale ballet about love and friendship, and about how the warmth of a friend’s devoted heart removes the spell of the wicked Queen.
All aboard, sisters! The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical® is finally here! Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship — plus hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses! Join us on a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail.
Be stunned by the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids – a rising chart-topping artist in her home country of South Africa - who has performed alongside the likes of Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and Monica and featured on Fox TV’s ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ and BBC1 TV’s ‘Even Better Than the Real Thing’.
Honoring the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel’s birth, this concert showcases his wildly popular Bolero. Of a Spring Morning by Lili Boulanger sparkles with the energy of new life. Pianist Natasha Paremski brings her dazzling dynamism to Ravel’s jazz-infused Piano Concerto. Dvorák’s Symphony No. 6 was the work that brought international recognition to the great Czech master.
Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!
Taught by nine-time Broadway veteran and Director of Education Justin Gomlak. $30 per class or 4 for $100.
If you have any questions, please contact Justin Gomlak with questions about these classes geared toward adults, teens and children at (941) 263-6754.
Join us for an unforgettable evening with entertainment legend Frankie Avalon! With a career spanning over three generations, Avalon has transitioned from teen idol to enduring star, known for his chart-topping hits "Why" and "Venus." His impact extends to the big screen with over 20 film appearances, including his iconic role as 'Teen Angel' in "Grease," performing the beloved "Beauty School Dropout." See Frankie Avalon live, as he brings his timeless charm and classic hits to the stage.
Yacht Rock Revue, hailed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band,” takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the sun-soaked melodies of the ‘70s and ‘80s. This 10-piece Atlanta-based ensemble combines impeccable musicianship with a deep love for the yacht rock genre. Their upcoming album, Escape Artist, pays bold homage to this iconic sound, with each side of the vinyl release capturing the band’s knack for transporting audiences to a simpler, carefree time.
Kings of Soul showcases the music of legendary artists Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Otis Redding, The Temptations, Barry White, Smokey Robinson, and more in an evening of soulful rhythms.
A favorite of Sarasota audiences, the internationally-renowned Cleveland Orchestra returns! Singaporean conductor Kahchun Wong, praised for his electrifying stage presence, has conducted distinguished orchestras around the world, including the London Philharmonic and New York Philharmonic, and he will lead The Cleveland Orchestra in Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Japanese violinist Sayaka Shoji has been described by Gramophone Magazine as “a deeply engaging performer.”
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's January lineup is a testament to the diversity and richness of the performing arts. Whether you're a fan of classic ballet, uproarious musicals, soulful legends, or classical masterpieces, there is something in store for you. Each event brings a unique cultural flavor, showcasing the talents of both emerging and legendary artists. It's a month packed with artistic expression and unforgettable experiences, making Van Wezel the place to be for all art enthusiasts this January.