Up with People Brings 50th Anniversary Celebration to Sarasota County September 11 and 12 at Venice Performing Arts Center; Up with People is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an all-new production entitled “The Journey,” which features the energy and talent of a cast and staff of 100 representing 21 countries

Up with People

Brings 50^th Anniversary Celebration to Sarasota County

September 11 and 12 at Venice Performing Arts Center

Up with People is celebrating its 50^th anniversary with an all-new production entitled “The Journey,” which features the energy and talent of a cast and staff of 100 representing 21 countries. The live, two-hour performance includes both original and popular music and is a dynamic blend of feature soloists, full cast production numbers, fast-moving choreography and colorful costumes. Up with People’s visit to Venice is in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry and Martha Jarrett for their impact on UWP and the local community.

When the multinational cast of Up with People takes the stage at Venice Performing Arts Center on September 11 and 12, at 7 p.m., audience members will find something for virtually every musical taste and interest. Long before American Idol began discovering and refining new talent or High School Musical tapped into the exuberance of young ensemble casts, Up with People pioneered these attributes while touring the world with their optimistic message of global cooperation and goodwill.

Established in 1965, Up with People is celebrating its 50^th anniversary with an all-new production entitled “The Journey,” which features the energy and talent of a cast and staff of 100 representing 21 countries. The live, two-hour performance includes both original and popular music and is a dynamic blend of feature soloists, full cast production numbers, fast-moving choreography and colorful costumes.

“’The Journey’ celebrates the 50th anniversary of Up with People, while acknowledging that UWP’s mission is an ongoing journey, and is as relevant in 2015 as it was in 1965,” explains Up with People Executive Producer Eric Lentz. “The show will feature historical highlights from throughout Up with People’s existence, including pop medleys from the last five decades, and a medley of iconic UWP international dances. Original UWP songs will introduce timeless themes, and include messages of hope, movement, peace, and an “overriding sense of motivation to go out and make a positive change in the world.” Lentz adds.

In addition to Venice, Cast B 2015’s spring tour includes 12 cities in the U.S., Europe and Mexico. Up with People’s visit to Venice is in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry and Martha Jarrett for their impact on UWP and the local community.

Tickets are $30 reserved seating; $15 adults;  $10 students and children; and are now on sale at http://www.upwithpeople.org/venice. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Venice High School Foundation.  The Venice Performing Arts Center is located at 1 Indian Avenue in Venice.

Up with People’s visit to Sarasota County is sponsored by Gulf Coast Community Foundation with media support provided by the Venice Gondolier Sun and Venice Magazine. Those interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Angel Cancino at 915-226-2616 or [email protected].

Up with People is seeking young leaders who are ready for this unique and life-changing experience.   Everyone knows someone who is perfect for Up with People! Learn how you or someone you know can travel the world and make a difference in Up with People by visiting www.upwithpeople.org or calling 303-460-7100.

Up with People is an independent nonprofit, [501(c)(3)] organization without any religious or political affiliations.  It provides young adults an international and intercultural experience that teaches service leadership and uses the performing arts to deliver messages of hope and goodwill throughout the world.  Up with People exists today to spark people to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace. For more information visit www.upwithpeople.org.