Repairs already underway
“The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall sustained significant water intrusion, with some areas experiencing up to 4-feet of storm surge, as a result of Hurricane Milton,” the venue’s staff announced on Oct. 11.
“The orchestra pit, kitchen, dressing rooms, and production offices” experienced flooding, a news release said. The electrical wiring also was affected by the water intrusion, the release noted.
Additionally, the roof sustained damage, though it already was being patched, the release continued. The docks, sidewalks, and surrounding areas suffered effects from the storm, as well, the release pointed out.
At this time, all performances through Dec. 31 have been canceled, the release said. “[W]e anticipate reopening” on Jan. 1, 2025, it continued. Those who purchased tickets to shows from this month through December will get refunds through their points of purchase, the release added, cautioning, “Please be patient as our Box Office processes the returns.”
“I’m heartbroken to see the damage sustained to our beautiful Van Wezel,” Mary Bensel, executive director of the Van Wezel, said in the release. “We had such a wonderful season planned and we were so excited to welcome everyone to these fabulous productions,” she added. “We are already working to remove the water and repair the building. We will come back stronger, and we look forward to the day we can welcome you back to the Hall,” Bensel said.
Tickets for the remaining shows in 2025 may be purchased at VanWezel.org.
While the building is closed, the parking lot will be used as an emergency staging area for restoration crews working throughout the city of Sarasota, the release noted.
Future updates on shows and productions may be found on the Van Wezel’s website and social media accounts, the release said:
• www.VanWezel.org
• https://www.facebook.com/VANWEZELPAH/
• https://twitter.com/VanwezelPAH
• https://www.instagram.com/vanwezelpah/