Whoopi Goldberg Returns to Van Wezel

Whoopi Goldberg returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stage on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at 8 p.m. for a performance you won't want to miss! Whoopi is one of a very elite group of artists who have won the Grammy ("Whoopi Goldberg," 1985), the Academy Award ("Ghost," 1991), the Golden Globe ("The Color Purple," 1985 and "Ghost," 1991), the Emmy (as host of AMC's "Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel," 2002 and a Daytime Emmy for "The View" in 2009) and a Tony (Producer of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," 2002). She is equally well-known for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights, education, substance abuse and the battle against AIDS, as well as many other causes and charities. Among her many charitable activities, Whoopi is a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations.

In film, Whoopi most recently starred in Paramount Picture's comedy "Nobody's Fool" opposite Tiffany Haddish, and up next, she will lend her voice to the musically-driven, animated comedy "Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk." Previously, Whoopi has appeared in many films such as "'Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Sister Act," "Corrina, Corrina," "Boys on the Side," "Eddie," "The Associate," "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," "Girl, Interrupted," and "Rat Race." She has voiced characters in such animated features as "The Lion King," "Toy Story 3," "Racing Stripes," "Doogal," and "Everyone's Hero." She was part of Tyler Perry's all-star film adaption of "For Colored Girls..." a Lifetime Original Movie, "A Day Late and a Dollar Short," which she also executive produced, as well as Paramount/Nickelodeon Movies' "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Big Stone Gap," and "Furlough." She produced the documentary short, "Coach," about legendary coach C. Vivian Stringer, for ESPN's "Nine for IX" series. She produced and made her directorial debut with the documentary, "Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley," which premiered at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival and premiered on HBO in November 2013.

On television, she has appeared on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," hosted her own syndicated late-night talk show, starred in the NBC sitcom, "Whoopi," which she executive produced, as well as the television movies, "It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie" and Showtime's "Good Fences," which she co-produced with co-star Danny Glover. She produced and appeared on Nick Jr's "Whoopi's Littleburg" and guest starred opposite Benjamin Bratt in A&E's "The Cleaner". Whoopi most recently had recurring roles on ABC's "666 Park Avenue," and in the FOX comedy series "Glee." She recently guest-starred on "Blue Bloods" and co-stars on the CBS drama, "Instinct" opposite Alan Cumming. She currently moderates ABC's Emmy Award-winning "The View," for which she has won a Daytime Emmy Award. Up next, Whoopi will develop a brand new US version of "Win Your Country!," the ratings-winning primetime quiz format via her One Hoe Productions banner, in partnership with 44 Blue Productions LLC.

Whoopi has also produced numerous series, specials and movies for television, as well as theatrical productions on Broadway and around the world, including the Tony Award-winning "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and the Tony-nominated "Sister Act: The Musical." She produced and made her directorial debut with the Emmy Award-nominated documentary, "Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley," which premiered at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival before its critically-acclaimed run on HBO. Whoopi and her partner Tom Leonardis produced the docu-series "According to Alex" for BET and "Strut," the GLAAD Award-winning original series for Oxygen which follows a group of transgender models breaking down barriers in the world of fashion. Whoopi's Broadway credits include "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "Xanadu" and she made her West End stage debut in a special limited run as Mother Superior in "Sister Act: The Musical" in 2011.

In 1992, Whoopi made her debut as an author with her first children's book, "Alice." Her second literary endeavor, simply entitled "Book," became a bestseller in the U.S. and around the world. Hyperion Books published "Whoopi's Big Book of Manners" in 2006 and launched the "Sugar Plum Ballerinas" book series for young readers in 2008 with "Plum Fantastic," followed by "Toeshoe Trouble," "Perfectly Prima," "Terrible Terrel," "Sugar Plums to the Rescue!," and "Dancing Diva." "Is It Just Me?" and "If Someone Says 'You Complete Me' Run!" are her most recent books for adults.

Among her many awards and honors, Whoopi has placed prints of her hands, feet and braids in the forecourt of the famed Grauman's Chinese Theatre and received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Kodak Theatre. Whoopi is also on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Board of Governors, which sets the Academy's strategic vision, preserves the organization's financial health and assures the fulfillment of its mission. She was also honored in 2017 with the Disney Legends Award, which celebrates artists whose work has significantly contributed to Disney's enduring reputation for creative excellence.

Tickets are $37-$117 with limited sections remaining. Purchase at VanWezel.org, the Box Office or by calling (941) 953-3368. Groups of 10 or more should contact (941) 363-2025. This show is sponsored by Sarasota Magazine. Pre-show dining is available at Mattison's Bayside located in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and can be reserved at VanWezel.org or through the Box Office.