Mary Bensel

Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel Co-Present Hurricane Ian Relief Concert On Friday

Sarasota Orchestra and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall announce a special concert with proceeds to benefit Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. The performance will be held this Friday, October 7, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Van Wezel Welcomes New General Manager

Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, has announced Stu Klein as the new General Manager of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to Present Mandy Patinkin, MEAN GIRLS, and More for 22/23 Season

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will present Sarasota premieres and return engagements during the 2022-2023 season. Public on-sale is Saturday, September 10 at 10am. 

New Shows Announced at The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, has announced ten additional shows for the upcoming season. Tickets for these shows go on sale Friday, July 15 at 10 a.m. The remainder of the 2022-2023 season will be announced at a later date.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Introduces New Director Of Education And Community Programs

Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, introduces Justin Gomlak as the new Director of Education and Community Programs for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Justin will assume this role at the end of June.

Van Wezel Announces 2022-2023 Subscription Series

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to announce the 2022-2023 Season Subscription Series, featuring a spectacular array of Broadway productions, Dance performances and Subscriber Specials.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces Muffy Lavens as New Press and Public Relations Director

Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, is introducing Muffy Lavens, the new Press and Public Relations Director to the Van Wezel's marketing team.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Introduces New Supervisor Of Public Relations, Emily Kinzer

Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, is happy to introduce Emily Kinzer, the new Supervisor of Public Relations to the Van Wezel's marketing team.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Introduces New Marketing Team Members

Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, has introduced three new members of the marketing team: Amy Tuten (Assistant Marketing Director), Ellen Dyer (Group Sales Coordinator) and Lisa Tourtchenko (Digital Media and Public Relations Associate).

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces 2021-2022 Season

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall welcomes audiences back to the theatre for an exciting 2021-2022 season! Many fan-favorite shows have been rescheduled from the previous two seasons, and electrifying new performances have been added to the lineup.

Michelle Bente Named Director Of Marketing Of The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, has announced that Michelle Bente has been named Director of Marketing. Bente has served as Assistant Director of Marketing of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for 18 years. 

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces 2021-2022 Subscription Series

The Broadway Series includes Escape to Margaritaville (October 29), Come From Away (November 23-28), Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (January 18-19), Jersey Boys (January 25-26), An American in Paris (February 2-3), Anastasia (March 18-20), An Officer and a Gentleman (April 6-7), South Pacific (April 14-15) and Fiddler on the Roof (April 19-21).

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Reflects On 2020

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall reflects on one year of operations during a pandemic by taking stock of what the Hall has done to stay connected to the community over the past year.

Brian Regan Returns To The Van Wezel's Main Stage For Reduced-Capacity Performance In April

Comedian Brian Regan returns to the Van Wezel's main stage on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. for a limited-capacity audience!  Regan's socially-distanced main stage performance brings an evening brimming with laughter to Sarasota this spring.  

REZA: EDGE OF ILLUSION Postponed To 2022 at The Van Wezel

The Van Wezel has announced the postponement of Reza: Edge of Illusion on January 25, 2021 to February 10, 2022. 

Illusionist Reza Kicks Off First Performance On Van Wezel's Main Stage Since March 2020

The Van Wezel has announced the first show on the main stage since its March 2020 closure. World-class entertainer and illusionist Reza will bring his rock concert style show, “Edge of Illusion,” to a socially distanced audience at the Hall on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Van Wezel's 2020/2021 Broadway, Classical and Dance Season Postponed

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has provided an update to patrons on the status of the 2020-2021 subscription season shows. The upcoming season's Broadway, Classical and Dance shows are moving to a future season, with many Subscriber Specials moving as well.

Additional Single Tickets On Sale This Week At Van Wezel

Hollywood Walk of Fame superstar Paul Anka returns to the Van Wezel in 2021, and single tickets for The Simon and Garfunkel Story become available this week! Single tickets for both shows go on sale to the public on Friday, September 25 at 10 a.m.

Van Wezel Receives Vital Support Through Grant From Florida's Division Of Cultural Affairs

The State of Florida's Division of Cultural Affairs has awarded a grant to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for the 2021 Fiscal Year. The $48,316 grant will support main stage and educational programming at the theatre.

Van Wezel Announces Changes To The 2020-2021 Broadway Series

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall announces changes to the 2020-2021 Broadway Series. While the theater plans to open in late October 2020 (conditions permitting), Broadway productions at the Hall will begin in January 2021.