Top 10 sales list at the Niswonger

As we enter the 10th season at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, it’s interesting to look at the top 10 selling concerts thus far. Now granted, we have four weeks before the start of the season and things can, and probably will, change. As example, today was the release of single ticket sales for the Christmas musical, Elf.  It just jumped from No. 7 to No. 2!

Selling trends are always interesting and helpful to learn from and analyze. We talk considerably about how we think a certain show or concert might appeal to buyers as we are planning a season. The proof is always in the pudding, or shall I say ticket sales.

I know many of you who have purchased tickets are oftentimes interested in how certain events are trending.  For those who have not yet pulled the lever, it may prompt you to make your move soon, before getting shut out as result of a sell-out.  So, as of Wednesday, here are the top 10 ticket sellers at the Niswonger.

1. Andy Williams Christmas featuring the Osmonds and Lennon Sisters — Saturday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m.
2. Elf the Broadway Musical — Monday, November 21, at 7:30 p.m.
3. Diamond Rio — Saturday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m.
4. The Hit Men — Saturday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. (note: this is part of the Community Concert Series, but can also be purchased separately).
5. The Time Jumpers featuring Vince Gill — Saturday, February 4, at 7:30 p.m.
6. REO Speedwagon — Saturday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m.
7. Doc Severinsen and his Big Band — Sunday, October 23, at 7:30 p.m. (also part of the Community Concert Series, but can be purchased individually).
8. Mutts Gone Nutts with Comedian Robert Post — Sunday, April 30, at 3 p.m. (also Community Concert Series).
9. Broadway’s Rain-A tribute to the Beatles — Monday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m.
10. Guy & Ralna from “The Lawrence Welk Show” — Sunday, September 18, at 2 p.m. (yet another Community Concert Series event).

What we are seeing is there is a logjam of many concerts. Those not making the top 10 are not far behind. A few of these will probably switch over to sellouts before long.

The juggernaut event of the year is likely our gala concert featuring Bernadette Peters with the Boston Pops Orchestra. It has not yet been released, and was not included in our Grand Series or available for Select Series purchases. There are some very special considerations we need to take care of. During the month of December, groups or individuals who either helped build the Niswonger and have been regular supporters throughout our 10 years will have early buying options.

If you want to make sure you do not miss this concert, you might want to talk to the box office about becoming a member of the Niswonger, guaranteeing early buying options. Any remaining tickets will go on sale beginning January 4 for those interested in seeing the concert of the decade featuring Bernadette Peters and The Boston Pops. We wish we could fit everyone in the Van Wert County Foundation Saltzgaber Music Hall, but we are limited to 1,200 seats.

By the way, I just took a peek at Bernadette Peters’ performance schedule. It reads: Royal Festival Hall in London, Manchester Opera House in Manchester, Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh (all three in the United Kingdom), San Diego, California, Charleston, South Carolina, Mesa, Arizona, and a few others before reaching the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, Ohio. That’s pretty good company!

We are humbled, honored, and indebted to you for the support you have given the Niswonger. Help us spread the good news of Van Wert’s crown jewel to all your friends, neighbors, and family members. We certainly have something to be proud of: “Ten Years of Wow!” at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center!

FINÉ.