[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 186 (Wednesday, November 20, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                VAN WEZEL 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION

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                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 20, 2019

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Van 
Wezel Performing Arts Hall as it prepares to celebrate its 50th 
Anniversary.
  An architectural landmark and a cultural treasure, the Van Wezel 
Performing Arts Hall was built on Sarasota Bay in 1968 and 1969 and 
dedicated to the City of Sarasota on January 5, 1970.
  Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's son-in-law, architect William Wesley 
Peters and inspired by a seashell found by Wright's widow Olgivanna 
near the Sea of Japan, the Van Wezel is the world's only purple 
seashell-shaped theater.
  A true pioneer in the cultural development of Sarasota, the Van Wezel 
has a history of presenting spectacular Broadway musicals, national and 
international performers, popular comedians and a compelling mix of 
classical productions.
  Some of the stars that have visited the theatre throughout the years 
include Lucille Ball, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Van Cliburn, Liberace, 
Luciano Pavarotti, Josh Groban, Carol Burnett, Crosby, Stills & Nash, 
Hall & Oates, Tony Bennett, Dolly Parton, Jay Leno, Steve Martin and 
Martin Short, Ringo Starr, Renee Fleming, Vladimir Horowitz, John 
Legend, Sheryl Crow, Red Skelton, Count Basie and many more.
  The Van Wezel's powerhouse 2019 through 2020 Broadway season features 
seven Sarasota premieres including Come From Away, based on the events 
that took place in Newfoundland on September 11, 2001 and the days 
after, as well as the critically-acclaimed production of Beautiful: The 
Carole King Musical, detailing the life and career of the iconic 
songwriter. They are also thrilled to present returning favorites Les 
Miserables and The Book of Mormon.
  Furthermore, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is implementing its 
2nd National Endowment for the Arts Grant to bring arts integration to 
schools. This is done through Schooltime Performances, teacher 
training, classroom workshops, and family workshops that serve over 
30,000 students, teachers, and family members each year.
  The Van Wezel has a long tradition of enriching the community and 
supporting arts education. I appreciate this opportunity to help 
commemorate its 50th anniversary.

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