Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 2026-27 Broadway Season Brings Star Power, Female Empowerment, and Hit Musicals to Sarasota
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is raising the curtain on an exciting and meaningful 2026-2027 Broadway season — one that blends blockbuster entertainment with a strong theme of female empowerment, iconic music, and crowd-pleasing storytelling.
Located along Sarasota Bay, the Van Wezel has long been one of the Gulf Coast’s premier cultural venues, hosting everything from Broadway tours to world-class dance companies. Last season’s 2025-2026 lineup raised the bar, and this upcoming season continues that tradition — while also highlighting powerful stories centered on women, resilience, and personal transformation.
A Season Built Around Powerful Female Voices
This year’s lineup leans heavily into stories led by dynamic female characters — something Executive Director Mary Bensel has intentionally embraced. Two of the biggest headliners reflect that focus:
- “SIX” — A global Broadway sensation that reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as modern pop stars telling their own stories.
- “Hell’s Kitchen” — The Alicia Keys-inspired musical that follows a young woman discovering her identity through music in New York City.
Both productions have earned critical acclaim and major award recognition, with Hell’s Kitchen receiving 13 Tony nominations and multiple wins. These shows don’t just entertain — they give voice to women who redefine their own narratives, making them a perfect fit for today’s audiences.
Familiar Hits, Big Energy, and Broadway Favorites
The 10-show subscription series is packed with recognizable titles and music audiences already love. Highlights include:
- “The Bodyguard” — Featuring unforgettable hits made famous by Whitney Houston
- “Mystic Pizza” — A nostalgic, music-filled adaptation of the beloved film
- “Mamma Mia!” — The ABBA-powered global favorite returns
- “Waitress” — The heartfelt Sara Bareilles musical about resilience and reinvention. When Waitress last played the Van Wezel, it was a standout hit with Sarasota audiences.
- “Legally Blonde – The Musical” — Elle Woods proves brains and ambition go hand-in-hand
- “The Wiz” — A vibrant reimagining of the classic journey of Dorothy
Also making its Sarasota debut is “Water for Elephants”, a visually rich production that blends romance, drama, and circus spectacle — an especially fitting addition given Sarasota’s deep circus heritage.
And for pure fun, audiences can enjoy “Shucked”, a Tony-winning comedy set in a corn-obsessed town that delivers big laughs and surprising heart.
Full 2026-2027 Broadway Series Schedule
- The Bodyguard — Dec. 1–2
- Mystic Pizza — Jan. 6–8
- The Wiz — Jan. 15–16
- Mamma Mia! — Jan. 26–31
- Shucked — Feb. 8–9
- Water for Elephants — Feb. 12–14
- Waitress — Feb. 23–25
- SIX — March 16–21
- Legally Blonde – The Musical — March 29–April 1, 2027
- Hell’s Kitchen — April 13–18, 2027
Bonus Shows and Special Performances
In addition to the main Broadway lineup, subscribers can enjoy a variety of special performances, including:
- “117 Years of Broadway”
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
- “Salute to Vienna” (holiday favorite)
- Cirque Kalabante
- Cirque Alice
These additions bring even more variety — blending music, dance, and visual spectacle into the season.
Looking Ahead: Bigger Dreams for Sarasota’s Arts Scene
While the Van Wezel continues to deliver top-tier productions, there’s also a growing push to expand Sarasota’s performing arts footprint. Plans for a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center — potentially increasing seating capacity to around 2,200 — could open the door to even larger productions in the future. Currently, some of Broadway’s biggest shows prioritize larger venues like Straz Center for the Performing Arts due to seating capacity, meaning productions like Wicked remain just out of reach — for now. But momentum is building.
The 2026-2027 season reflects a shift in storytelling, audience demand, and Sarasota’s growing cultural influence. From empowering female-led narratives to blockbuster musical hits, the Van Wezel is delivering a season that resonates both emotionally and culturally. Year after year, the Van Wezel has built one of the most impressive Broadway lineups on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and 2026-2027 may be its best yet.
Ticket Information
Subscriptions are available now and single tickets go on sale in September.
- 📞 941-263-6799
- 🌐 vanwezel.org