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
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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.

 

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