Lions and Tigers and Bears (and more)

Starting this Thursday and running all the way through Sunday, the Niswonger will be turned into a real wildlife setting.  The Wizard of Oz is running Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7 p.m. This is the Van Wert High School production and it sounds like it is going to be something very special!

I had took the opportunity to see the characters this past Saturday when they held a “Meet the Characters” in the Grand Lobby and Lecture Hall of the NPAC.  I was amazed with the costuming.  I swear if the show were put on film, you would think you were watching the original MGM film.

Chad Kraner and Matt Alessandrini took over the responsibilities this year from Michele Stoller as director. I know they have been in preparation for this show for months.  These two directors have directed the Wizard of Oz previously and are veterans at taking this show to the stage and making it come alive.

Many other student and adult volunteers have been involved in this production.  I won’t begin to name them, but everyone involved knows of their value.  We at the Niswonger have been involved on the technical and production side as well as selling tickets from the NPAC box office. You can get your tickets from the box office now from noon-4 p.m. and avoid lines the night of the performance.  Get off to see the Wizard this weekend at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio.

Now, I said that the wildlife (lions and tigers and bears, oh my!) would be present at the Niswonger through Sunday.  After The Wizard of Oz finishes its run on the Central Insurance Stage, National Geographic award-winning photographer Joel Sartore will take the stage. Instead of seeing the animals in costume, you will see real-life photos of some of the most amazing of God’s creatures!  You know that no one captures wildlife like National Geographic, and I believe no photographer captures it like Joel Sartore.

When our Speaker Committee was looking for an amazing photographer and speaker, Joel was their No. 1 choice … and we got him!  Not only does he show amazing vivid photography of wildlife, but he also has amazing stories to tell behind the pictures. I think you are really going to enjoy this 3 p.m. show with Joel Sartore on Sunday afternoon. Tickets are just $20 for adults and $10 for students.

Some of you know that we have been holding an amateur photography contest to go along with Sartore’s presentation.  Through social media, this contest has just exploded!  We have had submissions from all over the country.  We have received permission to show these pictures also, so you will have the chance to see amazing pictures of all kinds.  And then to have the opportunity to see and hear from one of National Geographic’s prized photographers will just make the whole day an outstanding event.

To round out the season at the Niswonger, we have Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band on April 27, pianist Thomas Pandolfi on May 5 and then our huge finale of the season is “A Rock Symphonic Spectacular: Music of Queen” on May 11.  Get your tickets now as we conclude another wildly successful season at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio!

FINÉ.