With the holiday break around the corner comes free time to spend with friends and family. This winter there are numerous shows openings in Sarasota at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Venice Theatre to see this December.
Van Wezel
Located on North Tamiami Trail, the Van Wezel is spotlighting three shows including The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas, A Christmas Carol and Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker.
The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas features a gospel and country quartet that was first introduced in the 1940s. This performance features various Christmas music to reflect on the holiday spirit. The show takes place on Saturday, Dec. 10 starting at 7:00 p.m. Pricing ranges from $50 for seats farther out all the way up to $190 at center stage.
First created in 1843 by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol stars the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, who comes to realize the value of gold will never outweigh the love for his fellow men. The tale includes compassion, love and holiday spirit as it is based around the night of Christmas Eve. Taking place on Wednesday, Dec. 21, this show starts at 8:00 p.m. with tickets costing from $63 to $360.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker will take place on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. This story includes rivalry, magic and enchanted lands. Ticket prices range from $65 to $150 on this classic 1990s tale, which has been performed over 100 times since its first premiere.
Venice Theatre
Along with the Van Wezel, the Venice Theatre, located on Tampa Ave., is also offering two holiday shows this season. They will be performing their own reenactment of A Christmas Carol as well as The Sounds of Christmas.
Following the storyline similar to the performance at the Van Wezel, A Christmas Carol will be performed on Dec. 16 through Dec. 21 at 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. The cost for tickets is $11 for children, $14 for college and $22 for adults.
The Sounds of Christmas will be featured only on Dec. 22 and 23 at 8:00 p.m. on both days, and $27 for all ages. A singing group known as the Ditchfield Family Singers will be performing various songs from holiday classics from Victorian England, to the popular hits created by contemporary singers.
Both the Van Wezel Preforming Arts Hall and the Venice Theatre are great places for those looking for either a local performance or a grand display of classics this holiday season.