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Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Holiday traditions returning to Van Wert

This Saturday brings another Christmas tradition back to the Van Wert community. The Ballet Theatre of Toledo returns to the Niswonger for their holiday production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet. The last time The Nutcracker was performed in Van Wert was 2014. I believe this is a holiday tradition that we should bring back every few years.  It is such a beloved story and the Ballet Theatre of Toledo’s production is so family friendly!

I remember writing in this column nearly 14 years ago about how “cool” it would be for people in our area to be able to attend a Nutcracker performance right here in Van Wert, if we actually had a performance venue that could handle such a performance.  Now, 14 years later, we are bringing this wonderful Christmas tradition back for everyone to enjoy at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

One of the features that separates our performance from many others is that our performance will be done with live music. A large pit orchestra will fill our pit, and remember — live is always better!  Not only will the music be special, but our production will also include some local dancers, our local boychoir, and a few other local surprises.

Nigel Burgoine, artistic director of The Ballet Theatre of Toledo, likes to make his production entertaining and relative to an Midwest audience, while still maintaining a high level of artistry. If you would like to hear Nigel speak about the production and learn interesting and fun facts about the performance, I invite you to the First Federal Lecture Hall at 6 p.m. before our evening performance.

Nigel will be giving a pre-performance talk and we would love to have you be a part of this unique experience. It is free to any ticket holder, but we will need to limit it to the first 175 people, as that is capacity of the Lecture Hall. He plans to have some dancers and performers as part of his talk/demonstration. We hope this makes your Nutcracker experience even more special.

The Nutcracker has two performance times on December 1: 2 and 7:30 p.m.  Unfortunately, due to production requirements and preparations, Nigel is only able to offer this pre-performance talk before the second performance. However, any ticket holder is welcome to participate in our 6 p.m. pre-performance talk.

Tickets are still available for both performances.  With two shows, we are able to accommodate many patrons.  So call or visit the box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or order your tickets online if it’s more convenient. The website is www.npacvw.org and the box office phone number is 419.238.6722 (NPAC).

There will be other surprises in the lobby before each show. Christmas is a very special time of the year at the Niswonger and we try to pull out all the stops to make your experience extra special and memorable.  Plan to arrive early, get a cup of hot chocolate at the concession booth, and enjoy the beautiful decorations, music, and fellowship in the lobby.  And don’t forget to check out the upper lobby for more fun experiences, whether you are sitting in the balcony or main floor. We certainly appreciate our Visual Arts Committee members and thank them for their great work in making the Niswonger so welcoming at Christmas and throughout the year.

Don’t forget Michael McDonald’s “Season of Peace” concert at the Niswonger on December 8. I think it will be a real musical Christmas treat. It may not be exactly what you think!  This is a chance to hear a legendary performer who has headlined blockbuster bands such as Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers. From what we have seen, he and his fellow musicians will showcase their many talents during the great holiday concert.

I also want to mention the Messiah performance at First United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 9, at 7 p.m.  Watch for details about our four outstanding soloists, chamber orchestra and community chorus. The chorus has been rehearsing since November 4 and the performance is shaping up to be a powerful and inspiring one you won’t want to miss. This concert is non-ticketed and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis with doors opening at 6 pm.

What a pleasure it is to bring such wonderful entertainment to you right here in Van Wert. There is also a fine performance going on at the Van Wert Civic Theatre. This Christmas gives you all the reasons to be home for the holidays!

FINÉ.

POSTED: 11/29/18 at 12:26 am. FILED UNDER: News