Interview: Mary Bensel of THE VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL
Vân Wezel faced the overwhelming impact of the storm "Milton" as it prepared for its 2024/2025 season.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, affectionately known as The Jewel of Sarasota, exudes an air of sophistication and class that only a waterfront location can provide. Picture yourself sipping on a glass of wine, soaking in the scenic views, all while eagerly anticipating the next act of a Broadway show that has stolen your heart. This magnificent venue boasts over 1700 seats, making it the perfect setting for touring shows making their way from coast to coast. But wait, there's more! It plays host to a whopping 100 events per season, catering to both international sensations and talented local performers. So, whether you're a seasoned theater enthusiast or simply looking for a night of entertainment, Van Wezel promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, one show at a time.
Vân Wezel faced the overwhelming impact of the storm "Milton" as it prepared for its 2024/2025 season. The aftermath of this calamity was nothing short of astonishing, with damage soaring to an estimated staggering sum of over $9 million. The havoc wreaked by Milton spared no corner, causing destruction that spanned from the plush lobby carpeting to the mighty transformer perched atop the venue's rooftop. In light of this catastrophic event, Vân Wezel had no choice but to temporarily shut its doors to the public, with plans to reopen in January as they rebuild and recover from the storm's wrath.
Mary Bensel, the expert Executive Director, typically accustomed to bustling days collaborating with producers and overseeing the rapid turnover of shows, now finds herself grappling with a new reality. Her office location has been relocated downtown, yet her muscle memory betrays her as she involuntarily steers her vehicle towards the now-shuttered theater doors. Could it be a subconscious urge to shield herself from the staggering loss? Her days have become an endless cycle of chaos and calamity, leaving her no room to catch a breath or even a break of light at the end of the tunnel. It's as if her life has turned into a high-stakes show of drama that never stops and the intermission never come, a bittersweet comedy of errors that has become the norm in her daily routine.
Mary Bensel, the beating heart of Van Wezel, is more than just an Executive Director—she's a theater enthusiast on a mission! If you're a regular at Van Wezel shows, chances are you've witnessed her whirlwind of energy. Not only does she steer the Van Wezel ship with gusto, but she's also known to mingle with the crowd, soaking in the magic of live performances with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. The theater runs through Mary's veins like the lyrics of a timeless song. With over four decades of experience in the theatrical world, her commitment is unwavering. "It's not just a job, it's my life," she professes with such fervor that even the stiffest of upper lips may quiver. Her dedication is so real, it could bring a tear to your eye.
Mary is fiercely dedicated to her current endeavor of swiftly opening the theater for business. Her heart brims with empathy towards the longstanding traditions upheld by Van Wezel for the community during the holiday season. From the classic Christmas spectacles to the elegant Salute to Vienna New Year's show, the residents of Sarasota have made it a habit to flock to Van Wezel annually, intertwining these performances with their festive celebrations. "We're not just staging shows; we're weaving the tapestry of memories for our community," Mary nostalgically reflects. We can be assured that they will be there next year’s season.
The Broadway Series, known for its dazzling performances and unforgettable shows, is making a triumphant return in 2025, after the brief hiatus. With a lineup that includes crowd-pleasers like Funny Girl, Come from Away, Moulin Rouge! Les Misérables, and Beetlejuice, fans are in for a treat. And let's not forget the hilarious Menopause the Musical 2 kicking off the season with a bang in January. In addition to these must-see productions, audiences can look forward to a diverse array of acts such as Itzhak Perlman, Yacht Rock Revue, The Sarasota Orchestra, and the star-studded RCLA series featuring luminaries from Ron Howard to Dr. Anthony Fauci. Music lovers can groove to the sounds of Kenny Wayne Shepard and Chris Botti, while dance enthusiasts can delight in performances by Twyla Tharp. And for foodies out there, the renowned Alton Brown will also be gracing the stage. Excitement is in the air as the box offices at Van Wezel open their doors this week, welcoming eager theatergoers for walk-up ticket sales and phone orders (Phone service for Box Office ticket sales is open: Monday – Friday,10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 941-263-6799).
The show must go on, brave spectators of the arts! Mary's unwavering dedication shines like a spotlight in the dark as we strive to bring our beloved Van Wezel back to life. It's a roller coaster ride of emotions as shows take an unexpected intermission, and refunds dancing their way back to eager wallets one show at a time. The latest scoop spills the beans that generous patrons have the chance to step into the role of a lifetime by choosing to generously donate the ticket cost back to the venue. Bravo, dear audience, for being the unsung heroes in this grand production of restoration and revival!
In the approaching year filled with boundless opportunities and fresh starts, we are excitedly looking forward to the joyous gathering with Mary and numerous fantastic residents of Sarasota at the highly awaited event of The Van Wezel’s door opening again!
Tickets for most shows are still available at https://www.vanwezel.org/boxoffice/
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