Warm up to ‘The Addams Family’

Okay, we all know it’s cold outside! Fourteen below zero is not just cold, it’s c-c-c-c-cold! Even with the cold weather and snow we have had this winter, it has remained warm and quite cozy inside the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.  Much of that has had to do with the entertainment we have experienced.

This Friday night, we bring Broadway once again to Van Wert with The Addams Family.  Many of you remember the TV show from the 1960s.  From this, as well as the movie series that more recently came out, we got to know the strangely adorable members of this “not-so-normal” family. From the TV show to the movie to the Broadway stage show, all the characters remain the same.

Here are a few comments from those who saw the show on Broadway: “This play was fun for the whole family, we loved it! It had us laughing from the beginning.” and “I really loved how funny the musical performance was. I laughed until I cried. I also enjoyed the incredible talent. Wednesday’s (one of the characters) singing voice is incredible. Uncle Fester was a little weird with the moon but it was still hilarious. I also enjoyed how they brought in modern day references.”

I just think that considering this long winter we have all experienced, we could all do well to gather in a warm, cozy atmosphere like the Niswonger Performing Arts Center and enjoy some good laughs, music and entertainment. Whaduya say? Sound like good medicine?  Some tickets remain for this Friday’s 7:30 p.m. performance.  The sooner you get them, the better your choice of seats.

Now is not too early to start thinking of Valentine’s Day either.  February 14 falls on a Friday this year. We decided to book our Valentine’s Day show on Saturday, the 15th.  I think we have one of the most appropriate Valentine’s Day shows possible in “The ‘Not So’ Newlywed Game” featuring none other than Bob Eubanks. How many of us grew up watching Eubanks’ Newlywed Game on TV? For a kid in the summer, watching the Newlywed Game, followed by the Dating Game was a regular occurrence.  For eight and a half years, ABC televised the Newlywed Game into homes, bringing entertainment, laughter, love, and good-natured angst between newly married couples.

Eubanks is an American icon of TV game shows. He now brings “The ‘Not So’ Newlywed Game” to theaters around the world and Van Wert will be his stop this Valentine’s Day weekend.  As I understand it, he will be showing film clips of hilarious moments on the TV show and give background commentary.  Then, he will actually re-create the TV show on our Central Insurance Stage with couples he selects from the audience.  We also have two local celebrity couples you won’t want to miss.  It will be a guaranteed evening of fun and laughter.  And of course, the couples will be competing for some very appealing prizes as well as parting gifts.

Finally, the weather has been wreaking havoc to the local school schedules.  The music teachers have been trying to prepare students for the annual solo & ensemble contest and it has been quite a challenge. The superior musicians will overcome and rise to the top, however, and we look forward to showcasing them on February 16 at the Van Wert County Foundation sponsored Young Artists Recital at 3 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church sanctuary.

Keep warm and I’ll see you hopefully this Friday for a night of laughter and fun with the Addams Family!

FINÉ.