• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Van Wezel Foundation celebrates the Lion King

'The Lion King' runs through March 31 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.


  • By Amelia Hanks
  • | 8:25 a.m. March 17, 2019
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

In the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the lion sleeps tonight. "The Lion King," that is.

The Van Wezel Foundation took the time to entertain the children and guests at the event on March 16 to honor "The Lion King" during its run at the Van Wezel from March 15 to March 31. The event began with cocktails by the bay, along with face painting for the children in attendance. As the night progressed, guests ate dinner and enjoyed a special performance of the "The Lion King."

The proceeds of the dinner supported Van Wezel’s arts education programs, community outreach and the special needs of the hall.

Ryder Trautman
Ryder Trautman
Gary McKinstery, Hesh Kulman and Sam Soussou
Gary McKinstery, Hesh Kulman and Sam Soussou
Jim and Colleen McCormick with Ruth Ann and Rick Lamore
Jim and Colleen McCormick with Ruth Ann and Rick Lamore
The centerpieces had a jungle theme.
The centerpieces had a jungle theme.
Giraffe sculptures were on display in the dining area.
Giraffe sculptures were on display in the dining area.
Mary Bensel is the executive director of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and served on a task force that selected Renzo Piano Building Workshop as architect for the Van Wezel's successor.
Mary Bensel is the executive director of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and served on a task force that selected Renzo Piano Building Workshop as architect for the Van Wezel's successor.
Ed and Susan Maier with Beth and Rick Nolan
Ed and Susan Maier with Beth and Rick Nolan
Claire and Barbara Schmalzer
Claire and Barbara Schmalzer
Julian Mai poses in the photobooth.
Julian Mai poses in the photobooth.
Lucy Tight, Diane Foxman and Diver Jane-Ternay
Lucy Tight, Diane Foxman and Diver Jane-Ternay
Barbara Campo, Aldo Massara and Patsy Chotin
Barbara Campo, Aldo Massara and Patsy Chotin
Diane Foxman with James Goethe, Jimi Goethe and Random Goethe
Diane Foxman with James Goethe, Jimi Goethe and Random Goethe
Amy and Scott Olschefshie
Amy and Scott Olschefshie
Don Hermey and Alan Rose
Don Hermey and Alan Rose
A musician played for the crowd during the cocktail hour.
A musician played for the crowd during the cocktail hour.

 

Latest News

Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold walks in a parade in 2021.
  • February 5, 2026
Longboat commissioner appointed to National League of Cities committee
The house at 3638 San Remo Terrace overlooks the north Siesta Key bridge.
  • February 5, 2026
Rock star sells Sarasota estate for $7.5 million
Philip DiMaria says “there is a great opportunity here for St. Armands to evolve and become incredible again.”
  • February 5, 2026
Urban planner shares bold ideas to solve flooding on St. Armands

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content

The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Neighbors

Sarasota nonprofit Casting For The Kids helps children with cancer and their families breathe a little easier.
  • February 6, 2026
Annual fishing tournament casts for a cause
Thomas Modly adjusts the flagpoles as the sun sets.
  • February 5, 2026
Patriots Pier in Siesta Key receives new flagpoles
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota
Perfectly in sync, Ski-A-Rees skiers Natalie Brannon, Debbie Brannon, Ella Walker and Steph Ouellette skim across Sarasota Bay, blending athleticism and grace.
  • February 5, 2026
From flips to ballet, Ski-A-Rees have done it all on the water since 1957
Sarah Firstenberger was named CEO of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce in June.
  • February 4, 2026
Siesta Key Chamber’s new leader takes the helm
Chamber launches summertime internship program
  • February 4, 2026
Chamber launches summertime internship program

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.


The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now