Biggest Broadway season ever at NPAC

In our planning sessions for the new season at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, we talked about Broadway touring shows; where we’ve come from and where we want to go.

It was 2009, our third year of existence, when we decided to take a leap of faith and schedule our first Broadway show, Annie.  I knew it would task our wonderful group of volunteers who assist in production, but it also allows many, many patrons the opportunity to see a great show at half the price of larger cities and with a better view and atmosphere.

Since Annie, we have been fortunate to bring numerous shows to Van Wert, such as Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma!, Shrek — the Musical, The Addams Family and many more. However, this year we have a true Broadway Series to offer. Three outstanding shows: two shows of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia! (two nights) and Million Dollar Quartet.

If you are a fan of Broadway shows, you can easily create your own Select Series of Broadway at the Niswonger. You know, you could get all three shows for less than most of us have paid for one show in New York or Chicago.  What a deal!

There are many reasons we can make such enticing packages available. Among them are the many volunteers who generously give of their time so you can enjoy a show. Most Broadway shows will incorporate over 100 people to produce it on our stage. This includes ticket takers, ushers, greeters, box office workers, coat checkers, carpenters, flymen, wardrobe, audio, lighting, prop workers, caterers, security, loaders, riggers and more. While we are enjoying a show, many people, mostly volunteers, are working behind the scenes to make sure everything happens as it should.

I look at the contracts and tech riders and am sometimes amazed at all it entails to put a show of this magnitude on. So, as you can see, the cost of your ticket covers many things. We can keep the price more affordable, though, because of the generosity of so many volunteers and friends of the Niswonger. “Thank you” can simply not be said enough!

Here is an update on ticket sales thus far at the Niswonger for the upcoming season. I will list the top 10 in order: 1. Texas Tenors, 2. Scotty McCreery, 3. Mama Mia!, 4. Home Free, 5. Midtown Men, 6. Peter Frampton, 7. Ethan Bortnick, 8. “Riders in the Sky Salute Roy Rogers”, 9. Million Dollar Quartet, and 10. Mercy Me. This could change, but for now, you have a working knowledge if anyone should ask.

Stop by the Commercial Building at the Van Wert County Fair this week and say “hi” to Jerry.  He will be there sharing information on all the Niswonger concerts and making new friends. You can even buy tickets while you visit. We are located at the east entrance.

Congratulations to Crestview’s Cody Klinker, one of the latest to make the Ohio State University Marching Band. Also, helping lead the trombones in the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Band is Robbie Trittschuh, a Van Wert graduate, and Danny Joseph of Crestview, taking his trumpet playing to the Ohio University Bobcat Marching Band. There may be others, but I think it’s great when local graduates continue making music at the collegiate level.  It’s a great learning experience and a thrill they will take with them for a lifetime. Just ask them. Congratulations guys!

FINÉ.