THE BOOK OF MORMON, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY & More Set for Van Wezel's 2015-16 Broadway Season

Coming off a record-setting year, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's 2015-2016 Broadway Season continues to bring some of the most sought-after Broadway shows, as well as classic musicals that continue to excite and inspire generation after generation.

From the creators of "South Park" and winner of nine Tony Awards, THE BOOK OF MORMON will play a limited 1 week engagement Feb. 9 thru Feb. 14. The New York Times calls it "the best musical of this century" and Entertainment Weekly says it's "the funniest musical of all time."

Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel says, "After playing to 100% capacity for Jersey Boys in the 2014-2015 season, and to near-capacity for the rest of the season, Sarasota is now on Broadway's touring map. The Broadway shows as well as the fantastic concert line-up for the 2015-2016 season will certainly keep us on that map!"

Winner of 9 Tony Awards including Best Musical! From Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of "South Park", and Robert Lopez, co-creator of Avenue Q comes THE BOOK OF MORMON, a new Broadway musical that Jon Stewart of The Daily Show describes as, "a crowning achievement, so good it makes me angry," and by Entertainment Weekly as "the funniest musical of all time." Don't miss your chance to see what Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls "the best musical of this century." It comes to the Van Wezel February 9-14.

In addition to our Broadway season headliner The Book of Mormon, February 9-14, the Van Wezel is bringing back the crowd favorite, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, on October 14. The smash-hit Tony Award-winning Broadway musical for all generations is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song.

The Producers, following on December 30, received an unprecedented 12 Tony Awards and 11 Drama Desk Awards upon its release in 2001. Based on the Mel Brooks motion picture of the same name, The Producers creates a comedic environment that makes the entire audience feel like they're a part of "A scam that'll knock 'em dead," says The New York Times.

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story, appearing on January 6, presents a jukebox musical that pounds out the golden oldies as it unravels the true life story of Buddy Holly. His meteoric rise to stardom left millions singing catchy tunes like "That'll Be The Day," "Peggy Sue," "Everyday" and "Oh Boy." The show's fantastic energy will keep you clapping along as you bask in the feel-good vibes of the golden age of rock and roll.

The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, 42nd Street, January 20 & 21, is the song-and-dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story. The show harkens back to the foundational energy of the Great White Way, with classic toe-tapping numbers like "I Only Have Eyes For You," "Dames," "We're In The Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" and "Forty-Second Street." This sparkling new production will be directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner, the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival.

Additionally, the Van Wezel is bringing back Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, March 3 & 4. The irresistible family musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, brings the story of Joseph to life with catchy songs blending pop, country and rock like "Any Dream Will Do", "Close Every Door" and "Go Go Go Joseph." In addition, fabulous costumes complete the package, making this an uplifting technicolored adventure of biblical proportions!

Take yourself down to disco-era Brooklyn with Saturday Night Fever featuring your favorite Bee Gees hits on March 16. Join the emotional young Tony Manero as he takes to the dancefloor in search of relief from the turmoil of his daily life. With musical narration by the relentlessly boogey-inducing soundtrack of the Bee Gees, including "Stayin' Alive," "Boogey Shoes," "Disco Inferno," "Night Fever," "More Than A Woman," "If I Can't Have You," "You Should Be Dancing," "Jive Talkin' " and "How Deep is Your Love," this musical is an international mega-hit!

Bringing a fresh twist on standard Broadway Bullets over Broadway, The Musical by Woody Allen, March 20, is "a fun machine from start to finish," says The New Yorker. Full of glamour, drama and comedy, Bullets Over Broadway follows the unlikely partnership of a playwright who needs someone to back his next show, and a mobster who needs a way to please his showgirl girlfriend. The original film was nominated for seven Academy Awards in 1994, and upon its Broadway debut in 2014, the musical version was nominated for six Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards.

Million Dollar Quartet, March 26, is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the electrifying true story behind the impromptu collaboration between Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. Bringing a piece of rock-and-roll history to life, Million Dollar Quartet is an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring timeless hits including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "That's All Right," "Sixteen Tons," "Great Balls of Fire," "I Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Who Do You Love?," "Matchbox," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Hound Dog" and more!

Wrapping up the Broadway Series II package is the smash-hit musical Mamma Mia!, based on the songs of Abba. Returning to the Van Wezel on April 19 & 20, Mamma Mia! has been seen by over 54 million people around the world, and remains one of Broadway's top-selling musicals and the blockbuster feature film adaptation is the most successful movie musical of all time, grossing $600 million worldwide. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone is having the time of their lives! Whether it's your first visit or your fourteenth, you'll be singing "Dancing Queen," "Super Trouper," Money, Money, Money" and "Mamma Mia!" all the way home!

A Sarasota favorite returns this season, Neil Berg's 107 Years of Broadway, February 17, recreating magical moments from the best that Broadway has offered over the past one hundred and seven years!

Stomp, March 22, comes back to town with its creative and invigorating urban stage show blending rhythmic dance with humor, excitement, and live percussive music which will leave the audience fighting the urge to turn their steering wheel into an instrument on the drive home.

Linda Eder and Robert Cuccioli grace the Van Wezel stage on March 24 with their concert tour. Original stars of the award-winning Broadway musical Jekyll & Hyde, Robert opens the show and then also joins Linda on stage as they perform showstoppers from Jekyll & Hyde and songs from both of their illustrious careers on and off Broadway.

Broadway: The Big Band Years, April 4, features hits from: Gypsy, 42nd Street, Damn Yankees, Kiss Me Kate, Guys and Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun, West Side Story and On The Town! Join musical director and conductor Keith Levenson, and the Curtain Up Orchestra as they celebrate Broadway's Best.

Subscription packages are available now through the Box Office by calling 941-953-3368. Save up to 15% when you purchase Broadway Series I, package-priced from $200 - $420. Broadway Series II also saves up to 15% for the package, with prices from $235 - $500. Or save up to 20% when you purchase Broadway Series III which is all 10 shows. Broadway Series III is priced from $355 - $820.

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