Give something everyone enjoys

Do you have someone on your list that is hard to find a gift for?  I think most of us do.  Gift cards seem to be one of the most popular ideas at Christmastime.  Give someone something they do not need to pay for.  May I suggest giving the gift of the performing arts?  Based on our nearly 9,000 patrons on our mailing list, it seems to be a very popular activity.

This year, for the first time, we have beautiful gift cards that display a gorgeous twilight picture of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on the front.  The words on the front say it all, “You can see the stars at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center!”  Obviously, this is a play on words.

You can load up any amount on the card to give as a gift.  The recipient can use the card to purchase tickets to any show or event that is presented by the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.  If you happen to know of a particular concert or show that someone wants to attend, you can also just purchase the tickets for them and surprise them in a very special way.

We have two Christmas events coming this week: The Legends of Christmas as presented and told by folklorist, Ceci Wiselogel and Shrek the Musical.  The Legends of Christmas is Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.  This will be a delightful hour presentation of many stories of Christmas legends, such as the candy cane, mistletoe, camels, and wise men.  Where have these Christmas traditions come from and what do they represent?  We may think we know, but Ceci Wiselgel has the real scoop!  It should be an interesting, informative and entertaining event at the NPAC.

Shrek the Musical is a huge Broadway show that will be filled with dancing, music, and entertainment.  It’s certainly one of the biggest shows we have ever brought to the Niswonger.  Four huge semi trucks will start unloading at 4 a.m. Saturday, in hopes of being ready for a 2 p.m. matinee show.  After a break, there will be a 7:30 p.m. show for the evening crowd.  Both shows will probably have tickets available at the door. So don’t miss this one even if you make plans at the last minute.

Our normal box office hours are Monday through Friday noon-4 p.m.  With the holidays rapidly approaching, we will be closed December 24-26 and December 31-January 2, so plan your gift card shopping accordingly.  Of course, tickets may always be purchased 24/7 online at www.npacvw.org.

From all of us at the Van Wert County Foundation and the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, we wish you the merriest of Christmases and the most happy of new years.