Venice Gondolier-Sun By Laurie Colton, Venice Theatre When Venice Theatre’s main stage and fly loft were severely damaged by the winds and rain of Hurricane Ian, the cast of the hit musical “Kinky Boots” was in the middle of rehearsals, getting ready to open the show on Oct. 21. Director/Choreographer Brad Wages had made it … Continued
Jay Handelman Sarasota Herald-Tribune Oct 21, 2022 Three weeks after Hurricane Ian ripped apart its main theater and fly loft and caused massive damage to electrical systems, costumes, stage and theater seats, Venice Theatre revealed ambitious plans to have the building ready to reopen in a little more than a year. The theater said it would open … Continued
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Update from Eric Watters – $500,000 Match
Oct. 21 Update from Murray Chase
Travel to Victorian London for our original musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic story where you’ll meet Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Brad Wages) as he reflects on his past, present, and possible future. Take a look behind the scenes at rehearsals! [embed]https://youtu.be/ZkMQJnY2YS0[/embed]
A night of hilarity starring Allie Hunter, Ava Dillhyon, Avery Vance, Delaney Lockwood, Ella Piotrowski, Evie Hunter, Gianna Weerasooriya, Hannah Randi, Haylee Fadley, Katelin Lane, Michael Snyder, Nikolas Messer, and Riley Vance! Thanks to Troll Music at 628 Venice Ave. for hosting the show!
A tapestry of songs that will make the earth move under your feet! If you’re down and troubled, inject your soul with some sweet rock 'n' roll and brighten up even your darkest night. Join us for Up On the Roof where a group of singers retreat to be alone with their thoughts, only to discover solace, celebration and friendship with each other.
A funny, sweet-tempered, moving romantic comedy about three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before going to visit their husbands’ graves. The Broadway production was so popular that it was made into a film starring Ellen Burstyn, Dianne Ladd, and Olympia Dukakis.
The story of one woman’s efforts to get her daughters into show business. Featuring musical theatre standards like “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and the show-stopping “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” GYPSY helped launch Stephen Sondheim’s career and earned Rose a place in the theatrical canon as the quintessential Stage Mother.
Through a mixture of song, dance, puppetry, and illusion, these magical folk stories of the Islamic Golden Age deliver a message of acceptance, freedom, and forgiveness.
A lively afternoon of song and dance with 100% of the proceeds going to help rebuild Venice Theatre. Singers from Players Centre and Venice Theatre, along with the Showtime Dancers and Silver Foxes Dancers, will delight and entertain. Get your tickets early as this show will sell out!
What's a nice Greek Muse from heaven doing in 1980's Venice (California)? Romantic roller-skating! Yes, it's the cult hit musical Xanadu. This hilarious spoof of the Olivia Newton-John movie goes nostalgic on big hair, shoulder pads, leg warmers, ruthless business, and music from the Electric Light Orchestra.
This professionally-directed volunteer troupe has been bringing entertainment to the area for over 25 years. Each Spring they bring a full-scale production to our audiences, led by their beloved director, Brad Wages.
A Double Bill from Playwright Ellen Byron. One ticket, two short plays! The place is the front entrance of Graceland, the late Elvis Presley's Memphis mansion, three days before the estate is to be opened to the public.
Elizabethan Theatre like you’ve never seen! Three female charismatic comics play all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in just over ninety whirlwind minutes of hilarious condensation. Physical, witty, and shamelessly outrageous, it’s a cascade of joyful hijinks for those who love Shakespeare and those who don’t. Be warned - you might laugh so hard, it’ll hurt.
Our community’s response has been rapid, heartwarming, and invigorating. Local arts organizations, human services groups, foundations, businesses, and city officials have reached out, offering immediate help: classroom and office space, operating support, storage, and more. Our friends from around the nation—and the world—have reached out, asking how they can help and sending heartfelt wishes.
To all who have offered condolences and support, we send a huge “thank you.” We will need many things in the next several months to make a full comeback. Your encouragement is vital. And we will need funds, we know; even with good insurance, we will need several million dollars. If you can send help, please do so. We will be forever grateful.
Together, sooner rather than later, and stronger than ever, “we will find a way.”
The Venice Theatre board will match all gifts to the theatre – up to $500,000 – through Dec. 31, 2022. The Board’s action is meant to jumpstart the campaign to return the theatre to its former self.
