• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Holiday 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
  • LWR 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
  • LWR 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
  • Holiday 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

Sarasota Police on Monday recovered a sunken, capsized boat from Hudson Bayou that had been swamped for more than three years.
  • December 6, 2025
Long-abandoned boat removed by Sarasota Police
Sarasota City Attorney Joe Polzak and City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs during a meeting of the Sarasota City Commission.
  • December 5, 2025
Sarasota charter official evaluations begin this month
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
  • December 4, 2025
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
  • December 4, 2025
Hurricane season ends without Florida landfall

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

A rendering of Florida Studio Theatre's McGillicuddy Arts Plaza.
  • December 6, 2025
Florida Studio Theatre receives anonymous $1 million gift
The moon shines between a pair of "Florida Reindeer."
  • December 4, 2025
Holiday display at Selby Gardens boasts over 2 million lights
Shane Rawley poses for a photo on Dec. 2 at Shaner's Pizzeria with his three published books. From left: "A February Thaw: A Peter Cobb Adventure," "January Freeze: A Peter Cobb Adventure" and "Peter Cobb: Three Strikes You're Out."
  • December 4, 2025
Former MLB pitcher and local pizzeria owner is an author
Laura Oliff-Maxey and Barbara Braun
  • December 4, 2025
Mothers Helping Mothers strengthens its toy drive effort
Eighth grader Mikayla Ross works with teacher Joseph Conner.
  • December 4, 2025
Tutoring nonprofit helps raise students' success rates
Sarasota City Y is a Vital Part of the Community
  • December 4, 2025
Sarasota City Y is a Vital Part of the Community

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 © 2025 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