Josh Groban to perform at the Van Wezel Foundation's Gala

Josh Groban, five-time platinum selling artist and international vocal star, is bringing his trademark tenor-baritone voice and love of musical theater to Sarasota, and all in the effort to help the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's educational programming. 

Groban as a part of his "Stages" tour will perform at the Van Wezel Foundation's annual fundraising gala on February 28 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets, which range from $115 to $230, will go on sale on Sept. 19 at 10 a.m.

The Van Wezel Foundation's gala goes toward raising funds for the organization's educational arts services. These include busing Sarasota and Manatee County school students to see the myriad of touring musical and performing arts productions that reside at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall throughout the year. Last year's gala performer was singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan. 

“Josh Groban is the preeminent super star for our Foundation Gala," says Mary Bensel, executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. "He appeals to all age groups and concertgoers. When I heard Josh had recorded a CD of Broadway music called 'Stages,' my goal was to bring him to the Van Wezel. I couldn’t be more thrilled we were chosen as one of the three stops in Florida, and I was delighted to lead the charge to bring him to the ‘Sunshine State.'"

Groban's seventh and most recent studio album "Stages" focuses on the vocalist's lifelong love of Broadway musicals. The album features songs from such musical theater classics as "Les Misérables," "Carousel," "Sunday in the Park with George," "Sweeney Todd," "Into the Woods," "The Fantasticks," "A Chorus Line," "Phantom of the Opera" and two of his favorite movies from his childhood: "The Wizard of Oz" and "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."

In addition, joining Groban onstage during his "Stages" tour is the Tony Award-winning actress Lena Hall. Best known for her award-winning performance as Yitzhak in the Broadway production of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," Hall has also been seen in such shows as "Kinky Boots," "Tarzan," "Dracula, The Musical," "42nd Street" and "Cats." She will perform a number of duets with Groban during the course of the evening.