Bored at home? Van Wezel has a host of new virtual shows to check out
While COVID-19 keeps the world of live theater and concerts on hold, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota is expanding into the realm of virtual entertainment.
The venue recently announced a new lineup of shows and experiences that can be enjoyed entirely from home.
Events planned from September through the holidays include musicals, ballet, film, trivia and an interactive mystery adventure.
Here’s some more details on the upcoming shows and events.
Digital Trivia: Van Wezel will take trivia night virtual with a recurring event hosted by Trivia Hub.
Contestants will be sorted into teams to participate in an online trivia session over Zoom, and prizes will be up for grabs.
Up to 75 people will be able to participate in each trivia session. Tickets are priced individually, but group packages are also available.
Details: 7 p.m. Sept. 23, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4. $10 per player. Reserve tickets in advance online at vanwezel.org.
John Lewis: Good Trouble: A new film featuring rare footage and interviews of lawmaker and Civil Rights champion John Lewis will be available to stream through Van Wezel for much of September.
“John Lewis: Good Trouble” highlights the personal and professional life of the decades-long activist and policy maker who died on July 17, including his lifelong encouragement for citizens to speak and act against injustice.
On Sept. 21, viewers will be able to access a live panel discussion with the film’s director Dawn Porter, historians and others as they examine the legacy of Lewis and his ideas.
The rental of the film also includes access to Oprah Winfrey’s recent interview of Lewis and another panel discussion recorded in July featuring Porter and two of Lewis’ fellow Freedom Riders.
Details: Available to stream through Sept. 21. Live panel discussion at 7 p.m. Sept. 21. $12 to access digitally.
Magic lesson with REZA: World-traversing illusionist REZA (Reza Borchardt) will let you in on one of his secrets during this free virtual performance and magic trick lesson. All you need is two empty water bottles with narrow lids to participate. The live session will be held via Zoom.
REZA is slated to perform in-person at the Van Wezel on Jan. 21, 2021.
Details: 11 a.m. Sept. 26. Sign up at vanwezel.org.
Follow Me: The Virtual Detective: An interactive, virtual adventure awaits in this one-night-only event. Participants will work in a team to solve a mystery using the internet to search for clues. Oh, and the clock is ticking.
Details: 7 p.m. Oct. 7. $23.
New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players’ I Have a Song to Sing, O!: This newly filmed concert will feature the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players as they highlight popular songs from the theater duo’s works, including pieces from “The Pirates of Penzance,” “H.M.S. Pinafore” and “The Mikado.”
Details: 7 p.m. Oct. 24. $25.
Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy at Home 2020 Virtual Tour: Radio-famous pianist Jim Brickman will deliver his holiday originals and renditions of Christmas classics live this December via virtual concert. A portion of the concert proceeds will benefit Van Wezel, and you can also purchase a meet-and-greet experience.
Details: 7 p.m. Dec. 3. $40-$125.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Christmas Stream: The Moscow Ballet’s elegant presentation and unique telling of “The Nutcracker” story has made it a staple of the holiday season, including past performances at the Van Wezel.
This year, the audience is invited to watch from home. In addition to the full-length ballet, the show includes behind-the-scenes vignettes, and meet-and-greet experiences can be added on.
Details: 8 p.m. Dec. 19. $24.99-$69.99.
Visit vanwezel.org for more information.