Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces 2022-23 Broadway and Dance Shows

If you’re wondering which Sarasota premiere of a family-favorite Broadway show is heading to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for the 2022-23 season, here’s a hint: The venue bills the entire season as “A Whole New World.” Sounds familiar, Aladdin Fans?

It’s probably not just that well-known song from the Disney musical that’s tossing the line, as venue executive director Mary Bensel and staff must be hoping for a return to the full “world” of entertainment a la room after the seasons cut short by Covid-19. While more shows from the season’s lineup will be announced later, Bensel revealed the subscription series which includes 10 Broadway shows, four dance productions and five subscriber specials.

These include Disney’s aforementioned Sarasota premiere Aladdin (January 24-29), a new production, which still welcomes the lucky main character, her genius, Princess Jasmine and this magic flying carpet. Meanwhile, Blue Man Group (January 31-February 1) makes an appearance; and mean girlsthe hit musical by book author Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond and lyricist Neil Benjamin, bows April 11-16.

More Broadway Series Deals: The Razzle-Dazzle Chicago (Nov. 29-30), the classic Lerner and Loewe musical my lovely lady (December 13-15); Reese Witherspoon’s film turned musical Lalso blonde (Jan. 4-5); and the reinvention of Riverdance 25^and Anniversary Tour (January 10-12), which opens the new leg of its tour here. Also on the agenda: the scenic musical version of Dustin Hoffman’s film Tootsie (February 13-15); Tony’s record winner Cats (April 18-20); and the Dolly Parton musical about working women, 9 to 5 (May 2-3).

Dance lovers will meet for Momix: Alice (February 8), where the famous dance-illusionist team travels down the rabbit hole with Lewis Carroll Alice in Wonderland characters; and Pilobolus (March 7), celebrating its 50^and anniversary of unique modern dance productions. The Ailey II Dance Company (February 23) and the music and dance of an upcoming full ballet will also attract dance fans.

Subscriber specials include the everlasting Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert (January 2); musical comedy Waitress (18-19 Jan); 113 Years of Broadway (March 6); a brand new production by Gilbert and Sullivan The Mikado (March 9); and the musical jukebox At your feet (March 14-15), featuring the music of Gloria Estefan.

Subscriptions can be ordered March 27 online at vanwezel.org, by calling the box office at (941) 263-6799, or by visiting the box office directly.