Van Wezel Announces 2010-11 Season, Features Warwick, MacLaine & More

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's 2010-2011 season features some of the most exciting and talented performers in the entertainment world from such greats as Mandy Patinkin, Michael Bolton, Dionne Warwick and Shirley MacLaine to hot favorites like Diana Krall, Clay Aiken and so many more! In addition, the season features several premier Broadway shows for Sarasota including Legally Blonde, the Musical, Beauty & the Beast to The Color Purple and Spring Awakening as well as, Great Orchestras including the returning Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra to St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra; plus a fabulous Dance season including tap sensation, Savion Glover, sensual Tango Buenos Aires to the beautiful and classic Romeo and Juliet by the Russian National Ballet Theatre. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy. In addition, the Van Wezel will host three spectacular Broadway Specials and nine SchoolTime Performances offered to the children of Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Charlotte counties.

Executive Director, Mary Bensel stated "We are thrilled to open our new season with one of the legendary groups in American music, Crosby, Stills & Nash then witness the artistry of the great Diana Krall and have a season full of new and classic Broadway hits, great orchestras, film icons such as Shirley MacLaine. For me each Van Wezel season is like being a child on Christmas morning."

Variety Series
The 2010-2011 Variety Series begins on September 28 with the legendary "supergroup" of David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, also known as CSN. They are the only American-based band to approach the overall societal impact of the Beatles and are appearing for the first time at the Van Wezel. This will definitely be a sold-out performance! Dubbed "The Latin Riverdance," Benise-The Spanish Guitar will be joined by traditional Flamenco dancers, Broadway performers and soloists along with appearances from guest artist and vocalist, Giorgia Fumanti and the return of renowned violist, Karen Briggs. (Nov. 9); Celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with the "18th century rock band" Mannheim Steamroller, which has become one of the most popular and best selling acts in the last 30 years. (Nov. 16), Sponsored by BrightHouse Networks & First Street Chop House; Gallagher will shower the audience with humor, pureed fruit salad and other food groups during his Sledge-O-Matic show (Nov. 19) Sponsored by Sign Zoo; Award-winning pianist, singer-songwriter, Diana Krall, with her familiar breathy vocals and rhythmic lilt music, continues to wow audiences and critics around the Globe! (Nov. 20) Sponsored by Sarasota Yacht Club and SNN Local News 6; Celebrating the joys of the season, Dave Koz & Friends, A Smooth Jazz Christmas 2010, will be joined by South African singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler, keyboardist, Brian Culbertson and Dutch saxophone star, Candy Dulfer (Nov. 28) Sponsored by Hyatt Regency Sarasota; Manhattan Transfer, the platinum selling, world-wide chart topping super vocal quartet is now back in top-notch form with their highly anticipated release of "The Chick Corea Songbook." The group's 1992 Christmas album remains one of its most popular with such acclaimed songs as "Silent Night, Holy Night" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." (Dec.3) Sponsored by SunTrust Bank; "The Twelve Days of Christmas starring Amy Grant & Vince Gill" will present cherished standards and newer seasonal fare as well as some of their individual biggest hits. This show promises to be a sell out! It is definitely a show for the entire family. (Dec. 8) Sponsored by AT&T and SNN Local News 6; Mike Super instantly captivates audiences with his magic and illusions that are modern, hip and totally interactive! Every illusion is performed with a real audience member; this production is an experience guaranteed to bring you to your feet! (Dec. 10); Produced by the famed Nebraska Theatre Caravan and authored by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, features a spirited ensemble of performers, elaborate costumes and a magical set that feels like a Christmas card, come-to-life. (Dec. 22) Sponsored by Boar's Head and Holiday Inn Sarasota Bradenton Airport; A must-see production of the season is Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker which features larger-than-life puppets, pristine choreography, and dazzling sets and costumes. (Dec. 26); The world's leading brass ensemble, Canadian Brass, has made the brass quintet an exciting vehicle for serious concert music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects. (Dec. 29) Come celebrate New Year's Eve with the tradition of Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians playing Auld Lang Syne and countless beloved favorites which will charm the audience beyond a doubt. (Dec. 31) Sponsored by Hotel Indigo; Embrace this joyous New Year's tradition once again with Salute to Vienna on Jan.1, 2011. Inspired by Vienna's world-famous "Neujahrskonzert," splendor, charm and beauty will be back on Van Wezel's stage for a 12th consecutive year! Created and developed by Emmy award nominated writer-performer Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel, Celebrity Autobiography features a first rate comedic ensemble performing from the actual memoirs of a wide range of celebrities. How does Vanna flip her panels? What does Stallone have in his freezer? Why did Burt and Loni topple from the upper tier of their wedding cake? What makes the Jonas Brothers get along? Find all this out and more in the new hit comedy Celebrity Autobiography (Jan. 11) in a cabaret setting in the Van Wezel's beautiful grand foyer; The O'Jays make their Van Wezel debut with a finger-snappin', foot-tappin' soulful night of musical memories-guaranteed to take you back to those years on the dance floor and get you out of your seat! (Jan. 15); Returning to the Van Wezel for two shows by popular demand, Bill Cosby, is one of the most popular and influential comedians, storytellers and producers of our time. (Jan. 16) Sponsored by Marriott Properties and Herald Tribune Media Group; Always a favorite, Garrison Keillor, American author, storyteller, humorist, columnist, musician, satirist, and radio personality returns to the Van Wezel where he is always a sell-out. Well-known host of "A Prairie Home Companion" which features Keillor's signature monologue, "The News from Lake Wobegon," will once again bring his wit to our stage. (Jan. 17) Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation & Sarasota Magazine; Join Kenny Loggins for a great night of fantastic music when he sings some of his many successful recordings including "Footloose," "Celebrate Me Home," and "Whenever I Call You Friend." His new album, "All Join In" includes songs for the whole family. (Jan. 18) Sponsored by Argosy University Sarasota and Bright House Networks; Don't miss the Mega Star, Michael Bolton, who has won multiple GRAMMYS for Best Male Vocalist and countless other honors and earned a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. He recently released his finest album to date-One World One Love. (Jan. 21) Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation & Verizon; Dionne Warwick will entertain you with great songs like "Walk on By," "That's What Friends Are For," "Alfie," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "I'll Never Love This Way Again" and so many more. Her appearance at the Van Wezel is truly an experience you'll want to share and this year's Van Wezel Foundation's Gala! (Jan. 23) Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation and Bradenton Herald; The Van Wezel proudly welcomes for the first time Regis and Joy Philbin to our main stage for a night of talk, song and good fun. The energetic host of "Live with Regis and Kelly" took his daytime success to nighttime with "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and returned to primetime with the hit summer program, "America's Got Talent." (Jan. 26) Sponsored by Hyatt Place; Frequently referred to as the Capitol Steps of Canada, Arrogant Worms are on a mission to make you laugh. They are never at a loss for songs-having done ten successful albums of material. The entire family can enjoy this performance of great music with clever lyrics and hilarious interplay with the audience. (Jan. 31) Sponsored by Herald-Tribune Media Group; Returning to the Van Wezel by popular demand, Patti LaBelle is in her fourth decade of performing. This Philadelphia maven will be belting out some of her classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets such as "Live One Night Only," "On My Own," "Somewhere over the Rainbow," and "Lady Marmelade." (Feb. 1) Sponsored by AT&T; the Passing Zone puts gravity in its place, overpowering it with seemingly effortless dexterity. Jon and Owen make objects fly through the air like chainsaws, torches and knives in their brand new show, "Gravity Attacks." (Feb. 3) Sponsored by Boar's Head; Not to be missed is Academy Award-winning actress, dancer and author, Shirley MacLaine, who has enraptured live audiences and moviegoers for five decades. She will combine a montage of memorable film moments with private revelations about her extraordinary life, career, and spiritual journey. (Feb. 10) Sponsored by AT&T, she will receive a special tribute from the Sarasota Film Commission & the Sarsota Film Festival; the Peking Acrobats, the number one touring show of its kind in the world, demonstrate awesome entertainment by transporting unique and timeless tradition into the 21st Century with a careful blending of state-of-the-art technology and ancient artistry. (Feb. 11) Sponsored by House of the Sun; The platinum-selling artist and idol to many, Clay Aiken, has never sounded better when he performs some of his songs from his recently released album, Tried and True, such as "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," "Misty," and "What Kind of Fool Am I." (Feb. 12) Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation; "Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Dress Casual" will not disappoint any audience member; The Emmy-winning TV star and Tony-winning Broadway legend will present an evening of story and song for that special Valentine of yours! (Feb. 14) Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation; PBS star Daniel O'Donnell with Special Guest: Mary Duff will make their visit here to the Van Wezel an exciting event. O'Donnell's dazzling voice and his easy-going entertaining on-stage personality along with his longtime musical companion, Irish vocalist Mary Duff as well as The Daniel O'Donnell Band show the audience the deep connection between traditional Irish and American country music. (Feb. 18); Bob Newhart's career has spanned two successful television shows, fourteen feature films, sold millions of albums worldwide and he still performs to sell-out crowds across the country. Joining Bob is his special guest, Deana Martin, who will sing some of her father Dean's classics as well some from one of her father's closest friends, Frank Sinatra. (Feb. 24) Sponsored by Lakewood Ranch and Herald Tribune Media Group; Always a sell-out, Paul Anka returns to the Van Wezel by popular demand. Anka will entertain the audience with great songs he wrote and recorded like, "Diana," "Lonely Boy," "You're Having My Baby," "My Way," and many more. Audiences have agreed that Paul Anka gives them a performance like no one else! (Feb. 26) Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation & Comcast; The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra has toured successfully for decades and is still in great demand all over the world. Under the new leadership of Bill Tole who with vocalist, Nancy Knorr, will continue to bring joy to the young and the "young at heart" as they enjoy the sounds of American Music. (Feb. 28) Sponsored by The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota; Directed by Lucie Arnaz, An Evening with Lucille Ball: "Thank You for Asking" is the touching, funny and uplifting one-woman play, created and performed by Suzanne LaRusch. It brings the crafted spirit of the amusing lectures Lucille Ball enjoyed giving throughout her career. The evening recreates the comic genius and the magic behind the "Queen of Comedy." (Mar. 1) Sponsored by Holiday Inn Sarasota Bradenton Airport; Michael Amante - A Tribute to Luciano Pavarotti, performs along with a 22-piece orchestra that will include selections, "Nessun Dorma," "Mamma," "O Soave Fanciulla," "Brindisi," and many other favorites. With a combination of suave all-American good looks, romantic charm and emotionally charged singing, Michael has previously wowed audiences here in Sarasota and nationwide, as well as on PBS Television, for which he received an Emmy nomination. (Mar. 2) Sponsored by Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine/ Bradenton; Barrage, the high-octane string group features an international, multi-talented cast performing an eclectic mix of music, song and dance. Returning for their second fabulous appearance at the Van Wezel, Barrage has violinists, vocalists, a bass player, drummer and guitarist. The cast delivers an eclectic show at a feverish pace. "Barrage is too Wow for Words!" - The Denver Post. (Mar. 3), Sponsored by Boar's Head; The Dukes of Dixieland blow traditional jazz and Dixieland into the 21st Century, weaving strands of pop, gospel, and country with authentic New Orleans sounds. Bright and brassy or smooth and dark as can syrup, the DUKES bring a time-honored authenticity to all of the hits of Dixie's yesteryear. (Mar. 5); Sinatra Sings Sinatra is a performance where Frank Jr. has inherited the honor of singing the songs of his father Frank Sinatra that need to be sung. The concert features songs that Sinatra sang in over 50 years of performing, many of which Sinatra Jr. witnessed first-hand. Some of those classics will include "I've got You Under My Skin," "One For My Baby," "New York, New York," and "Strangers in the Night." (Mar. 6); One of America's most beloved crooners, the legendary Johnny Mathis will perform his catalog of classics from the past five decades, including "Wonderful, Wonderful," "Chances Are," "Misty," "When Sunny Gets Blue," "Friends of Love," (recorded with Dionne Warwick on CD) "The Twelfth of Never" and many more. Always a sell out! (Mar. 11) Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation and Bright House Networks; Eight-time GRAMMY winner, Natalie Cole is returning to the Van Wezel featuring songs from her 2009 album, Still Unforgettable which won two GRAMMYs, one for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Instrumental Accompanying Vocalist. It also earned Cole a NAACP Award for Best Jazz Artist. (Mar. 16) Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation and Bright House Networks; since the release of his 2004 critically acclaimed CD, When I Fall in Love, Chris Botti has become the largest selling American jazz instrumental artist. His success has crossed over to audiences usually reserved for pop music and his ongoing association with PBS has led to four #1 Jazz Albums, as well as multiple Gold, Platinum and GRAMMY Awards. (Mar. 19) Sponsored by Hotel Indigo, Sarasota; Jury's Irish Cabaret is a full theatrical production, consisting of more than two hours of traditional and contemporary music, song, dance, and laughter! World Class Irish dancing is an integral part of Jury's Irish Cabaret, which features The Dublin City Dancers comprised of dancers direct from Ireland's most prestigious dance shows including "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance." (Mar. 22); Richard Nader's Doo Wop Celebration will include five great groups including: The Crystals "He's A Rebel"; Gene Chandler "Duke of Earl"; Tommy Mara current lead for The Crests "Sixteen Candles"; Jay Siegel and The Tokens "The Lion Sleeps Tonight; and Jay Traynor "She Cried" and many many more (Mar. 23); Comedian Ron "Tater Salad" White is best known as the cigar-smoking scotch drinking funnyman from the "Blue Collar Comedy" phenomenon. With two Grammy nominations, a Gold Record, two of the top-rated one-hour specials in Comedy Central history, a book that appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List and CD and DVD sales of over 10 million units, Ron White has definitely established himself in his own right. (Mar. 24) Sponsored by Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bradenton Marauders and Herald-Tribune Media Group; Legendary music icons, THREE DOG NIGHT, celebrate their 4th decade bringing with them some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. Songs like "Mama Told Me (Not To Come)", "Joy to the World", "Eli's Coming", "Shambala" and "One" serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize THREE DOG NIGHT's continuing popularity, (Mar. 25); For more than four decades, international recording icon Engelbert Humperdinck has shared a legacy of love with fans of every age, on every continent. Building on this incomparable heritage, comes Engelbert's Legacy of Love, both the title of a CD that revisits many of his timeless and beloved classics as well as the name of his world tour which is bringing him to us here in Sarasota and, as he's proven throughout his career, the best is yet to come. (Mar. 27) Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation and Comcast; After 17 months of standing ovations for Golda's Balcony on Broadway, Tovah Feldshuh brings her award-winning, riveting and deeply moving portrait to our audience here at the Van Wezel. "Tovah Feldshuh's marvelous, skillful portrayal of the indomitable Golda Meir will remain in your mind long after the curtain has come down!" Associated Press (Mar. 28) Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee; GRAMMY nominee Jim Brickman revolutionized the adult contemporary music realm with his romantic pop-style piano playing. His vast library of hits-including chart-toppers, "Valentine," "The Gift," "Love of My Life," "Destiny," and "Simple Things"-has earned him six Gold and Platinum albums, a host of awards and critical acclaim. (Apr. 9) Sponsored by Piano Distributors; "An Evening with Dame Edna" will guarantee you one of the funniest shows you will ever see! Dame Edna Everage is one of the most popular and gifted women in the world today. She sings, she dances and gives advice to audience members and gives you at least one major laugh per half minute. (Apr. 12) Sponsored by Holiday Inn Sarasota Bradenton Airport.

Broadway Series
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's Best Broadway Season Ever is highlighted by eight outstanding Broadway musicals and three spectacular Broadway "specials" and is sponsored by Wilde Lexus of Sarasota and ABC 7. The hilarious MGM film is Broadway's new smash hit musical, and now Legally Blonde:The Musical comes to Sarasota for the first time. (Nov. 7); Cirque Dreams Holidaze is an original new musical extravaganza filled with spectacle, imagination and whimsical dreams. (Dec. 14 & 15) A Sarasota Premiere! ; The Color Purple nominated for eleven Tony Awards comes to Sarasota's own purple jewel, the Van Wezel. It is a soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman who finds her unique voice in the world. (Jan. 13 & 14) A Sarasota Premiere!; The classic musical love story, Disney's Beauty and the Beast produced by NETworks is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes and dazzling production numbers "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song. (Feb. 7, 8 & 9); A Sarasota Premier; Spring Awakening, A New Musical has the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade according to Entertainment Weekly. You will never forget how it explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with passion and great feeling. This landmark musical which won eight Tony Awards including "Best Musical" is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll that is exhilarating audiences across our nation like no other musical in years, Partial nudity and adult themes. (Mar. 20) A Sarasota Premiere! ; The one that you want is back! Grease is rockin' across the country in this new production direct from Broadway. This show will make you want to stand up and shout, "A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wop-bam-boom!" (Mar. 29); A Chorus Line is the musical for everyone who's ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Seventeen dancers are auditioning for a new Broadway musical; this is the chance of a lifetime. This singular sensation, A Chorus Line, was the winner of nine Tony Awards, including "Best Musical" and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. (April 14); the outrageous new musical comedy, Spamalot won the 2005 Tony Award for "Best Musical." Monty Python's Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Audiences everywhere are crazy over this show. (Apr. 20 & 21) A Sarasota Premiere!

Broadway Season Specials
Steve Solomon's My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish, and I'm Home for the Holidays- the therapy continues (All New Show) is award-winning writer and comedian Steve Solomon's story of his therapy remembering wild and hilarious stories and characterizations about his family, friends and the other folks whose sole purpose was to drive him into therapy in the first place. (Dec. 12); ‘S Wonderful, The New Gershwin Musical is an all singing, all dancing musical revue celebrating the genius of George & Ira Gershwin, filled with their great legendary music, (Feb. 27); the laugh-out loud comedy, Viagara Falls, is a rare treat. The action takes place in the apartment of Charley on his 77th birthday in Sunnyside, Long Island. The show which involves Charley, his best friend, a buxom call girl and the wonders of a little blue pill examines the importance of friendship, the realization that emotions don't diminish with age and the idea that feeling wanted can be the difference between living and just existing. (Apr. 6). The Broadway specials are sponsored by Wilde Lexus of Sarasota & ABC 7.

Great Orchestras

The Great Orchestra season begins with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (Jan. 10) conducted by Peter Oundjian and James Ehnes on violin - Gary Kulesha Torque; Samuel Barber Violin Concerto, Op. 14 and Piotr Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5, Op. 64, E minor. Direct from Opole, Poland, the Philharmonic of Poland (Jan. 24)-Boguslaw Dawidow, Music Director and Conductor features W.A. Mozart, Overture to "Die Zauberflote;" F. Chopin, Piano Concerto No. 1 op 11; with soloist; Jacek Kortus on piano, L.van Beethoven, Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55; followed by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (Feb. 13) - Martin Panteleev, Conductor and Philippe Quint, Violin - Bernstein's Overture to Candide; Tchaikovsky, Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35; and Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherazade, Op. 35; Fidelity Investments Presents The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra - Keith Lockhart, Conductor - "You'll Get a Kick Out of Cole" (Mar. 15) - Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra honor one of the greatest of the Great American Songbook writers, Cole Porter. A supreme tunesmith and sublime wordsmith, Porter's saucy style and witty wordplay come to life with Broadway stars Kelli O'Hara and Jason Danieley; back by popular demand after its previous sold-out performance at the Van Wezel; St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra (Apr. 8) with Nikolai Alexeev, conductor and Alisa Weilerstein, cello - Rimsky-Korsakov's, RussIan Easter Overture, Op. 36; Shostakovich, Concerto for Cello No. 1, Op. 107 and Brahms' Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98. The Orchestra Series is sponsored by WUSF 89.7 & WSMR 89.1

Dance Series Mummenschanz (Nov. 3) is the company that revolutionized mime art with a new vocabulary of body language - and now brings its new show "3 x 11" - a 33-year retrospective of the best acts from their heralded past to Sarasota. A joy for the entire family, Mummenschanz creates an original and captivating universe of whimsy, wonder and ingenuity. Sponsored by Boar's Head; Savion Glover: SoLo iN TiME (Feb. 22) stars the inimitable Savion Glover and continues the HooFeRzCLuB tradition of exploring tap dancing's percussiveness-using tap as sound and sound as dance. Accompanied by his newest dance band Bare Soundz, live flamenco vibes and his acclaimed Hooferz style, Glover and company create a percussive medley of flamenco music and dance. Sponsored by Comcast; Russian National Ballet Theatre's Romeo and Juliet (Feb. 25) gives us a change of pace featuring the greatest love story of all time set to Prokofiev's lush romantic score with brilliant balletic choreography. This troupe was founded in the late 1980s when many of the great dancers and choreographers of Russia were exercising their new-found creative freedom, Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation; Rhythm of the Dance (Mar. 18) is an inspiring epic that relives the journey of the Irish Celts throughout history. Using the traditional and modern arts of dance (ballet, modern dance, jazz) and music, the richly costumed show combines traditional Irish dance and music with state-of-the-art technology. It is a perfect show for St. Patrick's Day entertainment! Sponsored by Boar's Head; Tango Buenos Aires (Mar. 26) is the hot Argentine export that is considered by many to be the most authentic and uncompromising representative of the tango with a narrative of love, fire, passion and seduction. "Super sexy . . . superb" raves The Washington Post, Sponsored by Bright House Networks;

Tickets and other information
Single tickets will be available on Sunday, September 12 at 10am at the Van Wezel box office located at 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. You may also order tickets on line at www.vanwezel.org or by calling 941-953-3368 or (800) 826-9303 from 10am to 4pm.
Variety Series Subscriptions are available by choosing 4 or more shows with a 15% discount on most shows. Regular hours for the box office will begin Monday, September 13 as follows: Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm, Saturdays from 10am until 3pm; open later hours and on Sundays on Performance days. Discounts are also available for Groups of 20 or more. (Some shows excluded). Subscriptions are still available for the Broadway Series, the Dance Series and the Great Orchestra Series. Join our E-mail Club at www.vanwezel.org to be the "first to know" about upcoming events and specials. To request a brochure, please visit our website at www.vanwezel.org or by calling (941) 953-3368. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is fully wheelchair accessible and offers select wheelchair seating in our theatre. If you require wheelchair access, please inform the Box Office. For our hearing impaired patrons, the theatre is equipped with an infrared assisted listening system that ensures clarity of sound from any seat in the house.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.