CITY LAUNCHES
VAN WEZEL TV SHOW

Sarasota, FL:  The City of Sarasota launched a new television program on Access Sarasota today dedicated to educating the community about the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.  The 30 minute talk show, “At the Van Wezel…” features highlights from upcoming performances, including Broadway shows, and behind the scenes information about the Van Wezel.

The inaugural edition of “At the Van Wezel…” is hosted by Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel and Marketing Director Julia Mays.  The duo discusses what’s hot at the Hall and what shows you shouldn’t miss, like:  “Defying Gravity”; “Wizard of Oz”; “Boston Pops”; “Leahy” and “Chris Botti”.  “This show doesn’t just talk about performances coming to the Van Wezel --- we show you those performances,” said Public Information Officer Jan Thornburg, who also served as the program’s executive producer.  “From “101 Years on Broadway” to “Stomp”, you’ll see and hear portions of those shows.  What better way to learn about a performance than to actually see trailers and hear people who are familiar with it discuss it?” 

Education Program Manager, Leslie Lacktman, also appears in the first episode discussing the Van Wezel’s nationally renowned education program.  She talks about affordable opportunities for families to attend events at the Van Wezel.  She also discusses the Hall’s highly successful school programs, including artists teaching in local public classrooms.

 “At the Van Wezel…” will run on Access Sarasota during the following scheduled times:  Sundays  7:30pm;  Mondays  11pm;  Thursdays  8:30am;  Saturday  9:30am.  Access Sarasota, the government access station in Sarasota County, is available on channel 19 on Comcast Cable and channel 32 on Verizon.  The program is also posted on the City’s website www.sarasotagov.com

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is owned and operated by the City of Sarasota.  For a complete list of upcoming performances visit www.vanwezel.org

 

 

For more information, please contact:
Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com