• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Summer Fun Guide
  • 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
  • Summer Fun Guide
  • 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
  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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

Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
  • March 27, 2026
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
Tenants at the Stickney Point property range from a wealth planning firm to a boat club.
  • March 27, 2026
The details behind Sarasota County's Stickney Point land deal
City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs and City Attorney Joe Polzak recently shepherded the City Commissioner's search for a new city manager.
  • March 26, 2026
City auditor and clerk awarded 15% base pay increase
The Ohana seawall is having repairs done in March. The seawall extends into the Gulf, cutting off public beach access as the seawall is part of the Gulf-facing home’s property.
  • March 26, 2026
Seawall repairs underway at Ohana

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

The Umbrella House was built in 1953.
  • March 27, 2026
An architectural landmark receives recognition
David Lough is a regular fixture at Sarasota City Hall.
  • March 26, 2026
David Lough seeks to matter in local government involvement
Joel Benham built the Giant Furby Chair.
  • March 26, 2026
Local artist makes larger-than-life versions of nostalgic objects
  • March 26, 2026
Change the Story of Your Smile with Dr. Jill Morris of World Class Dentistry
  • March 26, 2026
Many High Earners Risk Overpaying Taxes Every Year - Are You One of Them?
Nick Dazio disposes of a television.
  • March 25, 2026
Shred Stock recycling event collects 5 tons of paper, 3,364 pounds of electronics

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