March 6, 2013

H is for Huge Production


Welcome to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, affectionately known by some as the 'Purple Cow' and located right on Sarasota Bay. (That's the Ringling Bridge in the background.) I've never show the Van Wezel before on SDP, and we're starting with the rear of the building, where there's been a lot of activity -- much more than usual.  'Les Miserables' opened last night and will be here for eight nights.  The touring company rolled into town with nine semi tractor trailers full of props and equipment to make the shows comes alive. Usually, one or two semis will arrive for a show and they're here for just one, two or three productions.  Awhile ago, six semis unloaded for the production of 'Mama Mia' and that was considered a lot.  But, nine?  That's a huge production -- the biggest in at least six years.


So, now all the trailers are lined up near the Van Wezel waiting for the production to finish so everything can be loaded up and the touring company can head to its next destination.  By the way, between the production crew, cast and management, the touring company consists of 60+ people.  As I said, it's a huge production.  I hear sales at the Van Wezel are going quite well.  If you're in Sarasota and are interested, check out www.VanWezel.org for more info.  And, don't forget to visit ABC Wednesday for other interpretations on the letter H.

16 comments:

cieldequimper said...

Purple truck in front of 'purple cow'!!! Are you going?

Michelle said...

Did you take in the show?

Kate said...

I saw a performance of this wonderful play many years ago in St Paul. Wasn't disappointed and I imagine this production will be just as great. Amazing how much it takes to put on something like that!

Halcyon said...

Sounds like a great place. Love those purple rigs. Not something you see every day!

Janet said...

Theater by the bay! I like the purple color.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

That really is quite a line up there SRQ, it's got to be the most fantastic production with all that gear!!

Lowell said...

These are two terrific photos. I can't recall seeing this building, but it looks rather spectacular in all its purple glory. Nine trailers is huge...

LONDONLULU said...

Humongous! The barricade scenery alone must take up a whole semi:) HOPE it does well (for some reason, that purple comes across as a very HAPPY color).

Kay said...

They've certianly got enough to bring the stage to life. Whew! Love your first shot, especially. Looks like the Purple Cow offers a lot to the community.

Ramakant Pradhan said...

Seems like a lot of fun. The truck is huge.

Leslie: said...

We have lots of productions here in "North Hollywood" but never seen a purple truck that big before!

Leslie
abcw team

LOLfromPasa said...

How interesting, SRQ. Love the photos and that nice warm look about everything in your neck of the woods. I'm freezing :).

Roger Owen Green said...

That IS a HUGE production! HOPE it's a good show.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Meghan said...

It's great that you got the purple truck and building together. Are you going to the show?

Leslie D. said...

Wow. super el grande. I saw Les Mis in San Francisco a few months ago. Loved it.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Love that first shot.

Haghpat Monastery, Armenia

Catching up with letter H entries.
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team