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.
