Arts + Entertainment 10.17.24 by The Observer Group Inc.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

BEING MARY BENSEL

The executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall knows how to go with the flow.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

When Mary Bensel was growing up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, she got to experience firsthand the excitement sparked by bright lights. Her father, a commercial glass blower, created the famous “Trenton Makes/ The World Takes” sign on a bridge spanning the Delaware River, and one for the Broadway musical “Hair.”

Throughout her career, Bensel has been surrounded by glowing theater marquees, first as a box office manager in Pittsburgh, then as a theater manager in Philadelphia, a facilities manager in Fort Myers and as executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for nearly 17 years. While bright lights advertise her work to the public, much of Bensel’s job could be called “paperwork,” even if it is in digital form. Along with selecting which touring Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances and other live arts will grace the Van Wezel stage, she negotiates financial details with producers.

Of course, everyone is ruled by the calendar, but the scheduling decisions made by Bensel affect not only herself, but the arts patrons who fill the Van Wezel’s 1,741 seats.

“I’m heartbroken to see the damage sustained to our beautiful Van Wezel. We are already working to remove the water and repair the building. We will come back stronger, and we look forward to the day we can welcome you back to the hall.”

— Mary Bensel

In addition to 100 traveling shows, the Van Wezel hosts 50 performances by local arts groups such as the Sarasota Orchestra, the Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Concert Association and the Ringling Town Hall Lecture series. But there’s something even more powerful than Bensel’s calendar: the weather. On Friday, Oct. 11, Bensel and other city employees decided to cancel all Van Wezel performances through the end of the year because of damage from Hurricane Milton.

A DOMINO EFFECT ON OTHER ARTS GROUPS Canceled are shows such as “Dear Evan Hansen” (Nov. 1-2), “Wheel of Fortune Live!” (Nov. 12), “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” (Dec. 13-15) and “Clue” (Dec. 30-31), as well as numerous holiday-themed celebrations like the Vienna New Year’s concert slated for Dec. 29.

Because other arts groups use the Van Wezel, damage to the perform-

ing arts hall has a domino effect. The Sarasota Orchestra is scrambling because Music Director Designate Giancarlo Guerrero was scheduled to direct the Sarasota Orchestra in Masterworks 1 on Nov. 9-10. Similarly, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe planned to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a concert Nov. 14 at the Van Wezel.

“I’m heartbroken to see the damage sustained to our beautiful Van Wezel,” Bensel said in a statement. “We are already working to remove the water and repair the building. We will come back stronger, and we look forward to the day we can welcome you back to the hall.” Anyone who has met Bensel knows the word “heartbroken” isn’t hyperbole. This gal’s gotta lot of heart, and yes, she wears it on her sleeve. When Bensel takes the stage at the Van Wezel to announce an upcoming season, she commands the audience.

Image courtesy of Rick Benitez

Mary Bensel has been executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for nearly 17 years.

Shown is Renzo Piano Building Workshop’s rendering of the “cultural promenade,” a shaded walkway along Tamiami Trail at night.

Courtesy image

“When I was growing up, I wanted to be Barbra Streisand, but the job was taken,” Bensel says. If you look close enough, you’ll see a little Ethel Merman in Bensel’s charming yet forceful personality.

Like her heroine Streisand, Bensel comes from a working-class background and doesn’t speak with the Mid-Atlantic accent favored by many in the theater world. Unlike Streisand, who went straight from high school to the stage, Bensel was the first person in her family to attend college.

TO BE YOUNG AND FEARLESS

Bensel majored in acting at Mansfield State College in Pennsylvania. She went on to earn her master’s degree in acting and directing at the University of Pittsburgh.

She earned her box-office stripes through a job as assistant business manager of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, where she got national exposure on “The Today Show.”

“When you’re young, you’re fearless. ‘The Today Show’ was coming to Pittsburgh and we happened to be doing a show called ‘Steel City’ about the history of steel,” Bensel recalls. “So I just called up ‘The Today Show,’ which was doing shows in each state, and got us on as the opening and closing acts when they came to Pittsburgh.”

Still, there’s a bit of “always a bridesmaid” thread in Bensel’s memories. “At one point, I was the No. 7 soprano in the state of Pennsylvania, but my best friend was No. 2,” Bensel recalls. “So she’d get to be Maria in ‘The Sound of Music’ and I was the mother abbess. When we did ‘South Pacific,’ she was Nellie Forbush and I got to be Bloody Mary.”

A CAREER COMES FULL CIRCLE

The skills and contacts she made during her 10 years in Fort Myers would serve her well when she joined the Van Wezel in December 2007.

“Things have kind of come full circle. As we started planning for this new building, I felt we needed an owner’s rep for the city. I called my old boss, Lynn (James L.) Singleton, who owns a house on Manasota Key, and introduced him to Marlon Brown, the city manager. PFM is now representing us as owner’s rep on this project.”

Much of the push to replace the Van Wezel, from Bensel and others, has focused on the need for more seats (the proposed new facility will have 2,200 seats in its main theater) and cutting-edge technology to accommodate ever-more elaborate special effects.

Milton’s damage underscores the need to “climate-proof” Sarasota’s arts venues, many of which are close to the water. As a member of various committees, Bensel is involved in the labyrinthine process of creating the successor to the city-owned Van Wezel on Sarasota’s bayfront.

Nicknamed the “Purple Palace,” the Van Wezel was designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and opened in 1970.

When the city first approved a Bayfront master plan with a new performing arts hall in 2018, Bensel assumed that she’d be the one programming events at the Van Wezel’s successor. As the process has taken longer than expected, it’s become apparent that she will retire before the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is up and running. Bensel says she hope to have an emeritus role.

A LIFELONG LOVE OF TRAVEL

Helping to choose an architect for the SPAC allowed Bensel to indulge her other great love besides theater — travel.

But life has a way of working out. After leaving Pittsburgh for a 15-year stint in Philadelphia, first at Walnut Street Theatre and then at the Schubert-owned theater now known as the Merriam, Bensel was in the running for a job at Disney’s live theater arm.

When Disney wavered in its hiring decision, Bensel opted for a position running Barbara Mann Hall in Fort Myers for Professional Facilities Management (PFM).

Before Renzo Piano Building Workshop was selected in June as the architect for the new performing arts center, Bensel and others traveled to see examples of the firm’s work in places such as New York, where Piano designed The New York Times Building in Times Square, and Athens. That’s the home of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Cen-

ter, which includes a park, library and theater complex.

Popping up to New York is something that Bensel does the way Sarasota folks go up to Tampa. As a member of the League of American Theatres and Producers, Bensel votes on the Tony Awards; she’s also constantly scouting for productions to bring to the Van Wezel.

During a recent visit, a giant notepad stood on an easel in Bensel’s homey office in the Van Wezel. “Pretend you didn’t see that,” Bensel says, pointing to the list of proposed shows for the 2025-26 season.

We promised, but we can’t resist going public with just one possibility: “Oh, Mary!” Cole Esola’s dark comedy about Abraham Lincoln’s wife, is a Broadway sensation.

“Who do they think they are?” one New York friend exclaimed about the show. “I haven’t seen ticket prices like this since ‘Hamilton!’”

Did somebody say “Hamilton”? Even though the touring production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s racy hiphop musical had already played in Tampa twice, it was still a sellout for the Van Wezel.

During its March 25-April 7 run, “Hamilton” exceeded the 99.61% seating capacity for “The Lion King,” which played for three weeks at the Van Wezel during 2019.

LONG RUNS SHUT OUT THE SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

In addition to filling the Van Wezel without the benefit of Broadway touring productions that need a bigger house, Bensel has had to adjust to changing audience tastes.

“In the beginning, we had a much bigger orchestra interest,” she says. “I did a major orchestra series with the New York Philharmonic, the Royal Phil, all the big symphonies. As time passed, interest eroded. Of course, we have an excellent orchestra in the Sarasota Orchestra.”

When the Van Wezel is closed, as it is now, or has a long-running show like “The Lion King” or “Hamilton,” it prevents the Sarasota Orchestra from booking the hall. That’s one reason the orchestra is building a new music center on Fruitville Road.

Luckily, the two organizations have a good working relationship.

“My first friend here in Sarasota was Joe McKenna, who is the president of

the orchestra,” Bensel says. “We’ve maintained a great friendship and we’ve always supported each other.”

PLENTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Despite the storm-related cancellations, there’s still much to look forward to in 2025 at the Van Wezel. High on that list is “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” which runs from March 18-23. Based on the Baz Luhrmann film, “Moulin Rouge!” is set in the titular Paris nightclub. Also in the Van Wezel’s 2025 Broadway lineup are the family oriented frightfest “The Addams Family” (Jan. 28-29), “Come From Away” (Feb. 18-24), which tells the story of Canadian hospitality to stranded travelers following 9/11, and “Beetlejuice” (April 22-27), the new musical based on Tim Burton’s classic film. Dance and music performances coming to the Van Wezel in 2025 include “Forever Tango” (Feb. 6), Twyla Tharp Dance: Diamond Jubilee (March 4) and the Branford Marsalis Quartet (April 2). But for Streisand fans like Bensel, one show that stands above the rest. It’s the revival of“Funny Girl,” the musical that made Streisand a star (Jan. 14-19). As Fanny Brice sings in the show, “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” And don’t wash away the Van Wezel!

Don’t

Image courtesy of Matthew Murphy

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” makes its Sarasota premiere March 18-23 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

THIS WEEK

Editor’s note: This is the most upto-date calendar as of press time. In light of hurricane damage, it is advisable to confirm that events are happening.

THURSDAY

‘OFF THE CHARTS’

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.

$18-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

The creative team behind Florida Studio Theatre’s popular cabaret series is at again with “Off the Charts.” Richard and Rebecca Hopkins and Sarah Durham take the audience on a tour of 20th-century pop music with arrangements by Jim Prosser. Take a stroll (or a hum) down Memory Lane with hits that ruled the Billboard Top 100 ranking, which debuted in 1958. Runs through Feb. 9.

‘AGNES OF GOD’

7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

$15-$35 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

When a dead baby is found in the room of a young nun at a convent, all hell breaks loose. One of Venice Theatre’s revivals for its 75th season, “Agnes of God” features riveting performances by Shannon Maloney as the novice Agnes, Vera Samuels as a court-appointed psychiatrist and Lynne Doyle as the mother superior. Runs through Oct. 20.

‘SOUL CROONERS:

SOLID GOLD EDITION’

7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.

$22-$52 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

Created and directed by Nate Jacobs, the opening show of WBTT’s 25th anniversary season celebrates the soul music of the 1970s. Runs through Nov. 17.

DON’T MISS

ZENIBA NOW: ‘THE HEARTSONG AND OTHER EXPERIMENTS’

Hermitage Artist Retreat presents Zeniba Now, the inaugural recipient of the McNally Residency at the Hermitage. Originally scheduled for Manasota Key, this event has been moved to downtown Sarasota because of hurricane damage. A 2024 “Woman to Watch” on Broadway, Now is an award-winning writer, musical storyteller, performer and vocalist from Los Angeles. Her program will feature remarks by Broadway and West End producer Tom Kirdahy (“Hades”), McNally’s widower and part-time Longboat Key resident.

IF YOU GO When: 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18

Where: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.

Tickets: Free with $5 registration fee

Info: Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

GREAT ESCAPES 1 — REEL INTRIGUE

7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail

$46-$63

Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

It’s the time to revel in the spooky season. Matthew Troy conducts the Sarasota Orchestra in a program of music from movies such as “Chicago,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Vertigo” and more. Runs through Oct. 19.

HERMITAGE SUNSETS @

SELBY GARDENS:

‘LET THE MUSIC SET YOU FREE’

5:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Free plus $5 registration fee

Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Hermitage Artist Retreat launches the fifth season of Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens with a program featuring Hermitage Fellow and Greenfield Prize finalist Britton Smith. An artist, activist and cofounder and president of Broadway Advocacy Coalition, Smith is also the leader of the alternative soul band Britton and the Sting.

FRIDAY

JAZZ @ 2 WITH KEVIN CELEBI

2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists SRQ, 3975 Fruitville Road $15-$20 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Kevin Celebi and his Harmonic Sanity sextet return to Jazz Club of Sarasota’s Friday Jazz @ 2 series with an all new program.

‘NINETEEN’

7:30 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $40 Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects. com.

With her musical “Nineteen,” the multitalented Katherine Michelle Tanner celebrates the sacrifices and victories of suffragists on their long road to the 19th amendment. Runs through Oct. 27.

NOCHEUNIDOS @ THE RINGLING

7:30 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road $10 students; $45 general admission; $150 VIP Visit Ringling.org.

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month with NocheUnidos, a collaboration between The Ringling and Unidos Now. Held in the Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard, the evening kicks off the evening with Bomba Yemayá’s Puerto Rican rhythms, while 79rs Gang brings the spirit of New Orleans Mardi Gras to Sarasota. Guests are asked to wear white.

‘JENNIFER, WHO IS LEAVING’

7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St.

$5-$33

Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

Directed by Asolo Repertory Theatre

Associate Artistic Director Celine Rosenthal, “Jennifer, Who is Leaving” is a comedy set in a Massachusetts donut shop about three overworked women. Runs through Dec. 1.

‘THE LIGHTNING THIEF’

7:30 p.m. at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1105

$25-$35 Visit RiseAboveArts.com.

Rise Above Performing Arts presents the tale of a half-blood son of a Greek god accused of stealing Zeus’ master lightning bolt. Adapted from the best-selling book of the same name, “The Lightning Thief” stars local students and features a pulsating rock score. Runs through Oct. 27.

SATURDAY

PIANO MARATHON

11 a.m. at Sarasota Music Conservatory, 323 Central Ave. Free Visit SarasotaMusicConservatory. org.

Sarasota Music Conservatory hosts a six-hour musical, a fundraising event that is open to the public free of charge. Featuring performances by conservatory students, faculty and friends, the Piano Marathon will showcase the new Kawai grand piano.

‘BEING SOMEBODY — GROWING UP BROOKLYN, A FATHER/ DAUGHTER TALE’

7:30 p.m. at The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 $30 Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.com.

OUR PICK ART CENTER SARASOTA RECEPTION Raise a toast to the four new shows opening at Art Center Sarasota. They include Gabriel Ramos: “Echoes of Belonging,” Amy Sanders’ “Pouring, storing and ore-ing,” David Fithian’s “Faces & Places” and the juried show, “Euphoria!” This cycle of exhibitions is on display through Nov. 16.

IF YOU GO When: 5-7 p.m.. on Thursday, Oct. 17

Where: Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free Info: Visit ArtCenterSarasota.org.

A musical memoir, “Being Somebody” stars Dr. Howard Mase, an 88-year-old psychologist, and his daughter, Marla, a gifted singer, playwright and actor. Runs through Oct. 20.

TUESDAY

ARTS ADVOCATES TALK: TRUMAN ADAMS — MURALS AND MORE

4 p.m. at Arts Advocates Gallery, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail Free to $5 Visit ArtsAdvocates.org.

You may have seen Truman Adams’ work around town. His mural featuring the goddess of the sea can be seen on Tamiami Trail, across from Sarasota’s iconic sailor statue.

Courtesy photos

Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens kicks off its fifth season on Thursday, Oct. 17, with “Let the Music Set You Free,” featuring Hermitage Fellow Britton Smith.

Kevin Celebi returns to Jazz Club of Sarasota’s Jazz @ 2 on Friday, Oct. 18, at Unitarian Universalists SRQ.

Ringling Museum partially reopens

The campus of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art suffered little damage from Hurricane Milton, according to an Oct. 11 statement.

John Ringling’s historic mansion, the Ca’ d’Zan, which has been closed to the public Hurricane Helene, sustained very little damage from Milton, the statement said. There was no damage to its glass facade facing Sarasota Bay. The Historic Circus Museum sustained roof damage and will be closed for about two weeks while repairs are underway.

The Museum of Art galleries and Tibbals Learning Center are functioning well and the collections are safe. The storm took the biggest toll on The Ringling’s grounds, where several trees were lost and significant damage was suffered by the banyans.

According to the statement, museum management hopes to partially reopen both the Tibbals Learning Center and the Museum of Art on Oct. 14, with admission free to the public through Oct. 15. For more details, visit Ringling.org.

Selby Gardens to reopen in phases

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens downtown and Selby’s Spanish Point campus in Osprey were closed by Hurricane Milton and are reopening in phases.

The annual Halloween-themed “Lights at Spooky Point” at Spanish Point, originally scheduled from Oct. 9-31, is canceled.

On Oct. 14, Selby President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki said in an email that the downtown campus will reopen in phases, with the Green Orchid restaurant reopening on Oct. 15.

During Hurricane Milton, 20% of Selby’s new solar panels came down and were damaged. They are part of a solar array that made the Green Orchid the first energy net-positive restaurant in the world when it went live in May.

New buildings and historic structures at Selby’s downtown campus are in good condition, according to

an initial report by Romniecki.

In January, Selby opened phase one of its master plan expansion, adding 188,000 square feet of stateof-the-art facilities, a parking garage and a welcome center.

One of Selby’s oldest buildings is Selby House, the residence that benefactor Marie Selby and her husband built in the early 1920s. It wasn’t harmed.

There are numerous downed trees at Selby, but not its Bunya Bunya, banyans or Moreton Bay Fig.

Glass was broken in Selby’s conservatory and greenhouses, but the structures are intact and the plant collections are unharmed.

Since its formation in 1973, Selby has housed the largest scientifically documented collection of living orchids in the world.

On Oct. 5, Selby opened its doors to its annual orchid show, which is named “Purple!” this year, after cleaning up from Hurricane Helene. It will reopen on Oct. 17.

In Osprey at Spanish Point’s 33acre campus, Cock’s Footbridge has suffered major damage, but nearly all historic structures are in good shape.

Nevertheless, the damage is severe enough to warrant the cancellation of “Lights at Spooky Point.”

For more information, visit Selby. org.

BRIEFS

Find Some Peace in the Park

Over the past week, the community has experienced the unimaginable. Thoughts, care, and support are the priority. In time, recovery, rebuilding and resilience will prevail. Providing an open and welcoming, free and accessible gathering place for the community to come together is as important as ever.

One Park for All.

Thankfully (and, as intentionally designed for resiliency), the park suffered minor damages, like fallen trees and some debris. Despite the effects of Hurricane Milton, the park is back in action and ready for your next visit.

Here are just a few of the many FREE events and activities available at The Bay.

A Blue-and-Green Oasis Awaits

If you, your family, a friend or neighbor need a break, The Bay is your blue-and-green oasis.

Enjoy an all-out evening of funk and soul as world-renowned AWB includes The Bay on their 2024 Farewell Tour. WBTT’s most popular and talented females will open performing soulful favorites.

• Headliner Concert: The Breakers: A Tribute to Tom Petty Saturday, October 19 | 8:00-9:30pm

Enjoy a night of nostalgia by singing along to your favorite Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers songs performed by the country’s revered premier tribute band.

Gather up those who matter most the “Two Terrific Years at The Bay”

• Headliner Concert: Average White Band, with opener Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe “Sistas in the Name of Soul” Friday, October 18 | 7:00-

• Boo! at The Bay Friday, October 25 | 6:00-9:30pm Join the fun of this Halloween Family-Favorite. A not-so-scary evening filled with trick-or-treating, free pumpkin pickings, a movie showing of Despicable Me 4, and more! Note: Sensory-Friendly Boo! 5:00-6:00pm for those who prefer a less stimulating environment.

• The Bay also offers everyday FREE events like weekly movies, Sunday concerts, yoga, fitness classes, dance and more. Go to TwoTerrificYears.org to see the full schedule of events. Friends Needed Now… More Than Ever

In times like these, a little help from friends makes a real difference. Become a Friend of The Bay to help ensure this blue-and-green oasis continues to provide joy for so many. Every dollar of your gift before the end of this year will be matched by Gulf Coast Community Foundation -- DOUBLING the impact of your gift!

Go to TheBaySarasota.org/Friends

Courtesy image

Some boats were tossed by Hurricane Milton onto the grounds of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Luke Schaufuss in Johan Kobborg’s Napoli Act III Photo by Frank Atura

Peter Rothstein, Omar Guevara-Soto and Roberto Cordaro Kathy and Travis Brown

Photos by Lori Sax Event hosts Tom and Pam Gurrentz

Laura Canevalle, President and CEO All Faiths Nelle S. Miller, Kelly and Rick Trautwein

Photos by Janet Combs Sarah Ferretti and Lorraine Wedzik

Dr. Thomas Yoon, dean of LECOM’s Dental School, with Dr. Mark McCaughey, Dr. Jose Roque and Dr. Nathan Estrin

ONE COMMUNITY | ONCE AGAIN

In the wake of a hurricane, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. At Clive Daniel Home, we understand the deep emotional and physical challenges that come with rebuilding. In times like these, it’s more important than ever to come together and lend a hand. While our stores remain open, our team is ready to assist with your needs. Our focus is on supporting our community’s assistance.

We have partnered with the American Red Cross and our showrooms are now serving as donation drop-off points for essential supplies. We invite you to bring items from the donation list below or donate to redcross.org. All donations will be collected and distributed to help those affected by the storm.

If you have any hurricane-related requests, such as account reconciliation for insurance claims, please do not hesitate to contact us at care@clivedaniel.com.

We are here to assist you during this challenging time.

WHAT YOU CAN DONATE:

■ WATER

■ SPORTS DRINKS

■ NON-PERISHABLE FOODS

■ CLEANING SUPPLIES

■ PLASTIC SHEETING/TARPS

■ TOOTHBRUSHES/TOOTHPASTE

■ BABY ITEMS (WIPES, DIAPERS, FORMULA, FOOD)

■ PAPER PRODUCTS (TOILER PAPER, PAPER TOWELS)

■ PET FOOD (DOG & CAT)

■ BUG SPRAY