A+E INSIDE: EATING WITH EMMA: Pondering pho, the national dish of Vietnam. 3 >
BLACK
TIE INSIDE:
< FORKS & CORKS: Attendees toast to local restaurants. 9
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 1, 2024
YOUROBSERVER.COM
J. Antonio Rodriguez stars as Orpheus in the “Hadestown” North American Tour.
HOMECOMING FOR ‘HADESTOWN’ PRODUCER Longboat Key homeowner Tom Kirdahy brings a Broadway smash to his ‘other’ hometown.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
W
ill it play in Peoria? That was the
IF YOU GO
“HADESTOWN” When: Through Feb. 4 Where: at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamami Trail. Tickets: $75-$125 Info: Visit VanWezel.org.
question asked back in the
But will a show that’s a smash on Broadway be a sensation in Sarasota? That’s the question facing Tom Kirdahy, producer of “Hadestown,” which is play-
days of vaudeville. Yes, hay-
comes a hit on Broadway,
seeds had a say in whether
producers take a touring pro- Feb. 4.
a show would make it to the
duction on the road so local
A part-time resident of
big time. Later in the 19th
audiences can see “The Lion
Longboat Key, Kirdahy is not
century, theater producers
King,” “Wicked” and “Ham-
a household name, unlike his
would first try out a show in
ilton” in their hometown.
late husband, Terrence Mc-
Philadelphia and New Haven
In fact, many Broadway
Nally, the celebrated play-
to get it ready for Broadway.
shows make more money on
wright who died of COVID
These days the tables have
the road than they do on the
complications in 2020.
turned. After a show be-
Great White Way.
ing at the Van Wezel through
SEE KIRDAHY, PAGE 2
Courtesy images
Longboat Key homeowner Tom Kirdahy is the producer of “Hadestown,” which is playing at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall through Feb. 4.