Opening a new season at NPAC

This Sunday, September 11, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio will open its brand new season.  Technically, this is our fourth complete season and we can’t wait to welcome new faces as well as loyal patrons to a season of exciting performances.

The season begins on a rather solemn, but most appropriate note.  The 9/11 tributes and documentaries are now springing up on TV seemingly each night. The news is filled this week with special broadcasts of 9/11 remembrances.  They are heart warming and breaking at the same time.

We at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center are doing our part to provide what we do best- live entertainment while honoring and remembering this anniversary.  Those of you who read my column weekly have heard me talk about the opening concert: “A 9/11 Musical Memorial and Celebration” featuring the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and guests.  It is so much more than just a concert; it is a uniquely professional production that can be experienced only at the NPAC in Van Wert.  Some tickets remain and can be purchased at the box office or at the door.  The program starts at 7 p.m. with lobby doors opening at 6 p.m.  Bring the kids; they also need to remember.  I know of one church youth group who is bringing their youth to the event.  What a great idea!

We do not stop our memorial and celebration on 9/11 however.  World Trade Center survivor and now inspirational speaker, Michael Hingson will be sharing his incredible experiences with us on Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. “Turning the Tables on Terrorism” is the title of his talk.  As a blind man, he shares the incredible story of how his guide dog, “Roselle,” led him and many others safely from the top floors of the collapsing World Trade Center.  If you watch the morning television shows, you will likely see him interviewed this week.  He told me he was heading to New York this week to appear on several shows. His book, Thunder Dog, is quickly rising in the bestseller charts and is already the No. 1 selling book at Barnes & Noble nationally.  He will have autographed books available at the NPAC. Tickets are available for this event at the box office.

By the time the 10th anniversary of 9/11 passes, we will have offered two events we hope will lift the hearts of Americans and especially those fortunate enough to attend.  Let your friends know about these very special events at the NPAC in Van Wert.  It will be a cleansing experience of triumph over evil you won’t want to miss!

Other experiences you will want to take in before the programs begin are the Upper Lobby display our Visual Arts Committee created.  Among the moving display is an actual piece from the World Trade Center, which is now the proud property of our Van Wert City Fire Department.  Other elements in the display pay a moving tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11.

In the Grand Lobby, another tribute is on display.  A creation by Swan Memorial of Van Wert can be seen.  It was on display at the Van Wert County Fair and now will reside for patrons and visitors to see at the NPAC.  Thank you Connie Swander for thinking of us!

The last piece to see is our newest permanent piece of art that was created especially for the southeast wall of the Grand Lobby. Window Creations and owner Reggie Buehrer have created an artwork of wrought iron and beautiful glass, which is titled “The Arts in Motion.”  It is a beautiful addition, which celebrates what the NPAC is all about.  I think you will enjoy it.  You will need to study it a few minutes to see everything it encapsulates.  We thank Reggie for his donation and also Linda Ridenour who saw fit to use funds given by her parents, Merle and Helen Knittle, respected Van Wert County citizens and lovers of the arts, to pay for the installation.  The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation appreciates these gifts that will add to the grace and beauty of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

Sunday starts a brand new season and we look forward to sharing many magical moments with you again at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio!

FINÉ.