Planning for next year already!

It’s hard to believe but the Niswonger Programming Committee has already met twice and I will soon be off to New York again on another programming mission.  Contrary to popular belief, when attending the APAP (Association of Performing Arts Presenters) Conference, I rarely get to hear all the performers many dream of coming to the NPAC in Van Wert.  Don’t get me wrong, there are many performers who showcase (performing about 20 minutes of your best stuff), but most of them are people you’ve never heard of. It’s quite overwhelming how many performers throughout the world are looking for work. Unfortunately, many of them are far more talented than the ones widely known to the public. That’s why they are showcasing! This is how I often find performers for Fountain Park that many of you enjoy, but had never heard of.  If I only had a nickel for every time I have been told, “You need to bring them back!”  I’m glad we occasionally get to hear new performers who surprise us.

In the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, where the audience is usually paying for tickets, we realize there are certain performers people think they want to see.  This certainly is taken into consideration when the programming committee meets.  Not every concert can be like a hot fudge sundae, although many are.  Others might be meat and potatoes.  Whatever the next season ends up being, you can bet there will be something for everyone and many for most!  It’s already shaping up to be an exciting season with many wonderful possibilities.

Once in awhile, we get surprised, although we shouldn’t.  One example is our April 5 show with Vicki Lawrence.  Her two-woman show of Vicki, the actress and singer and then the loving, adorably cranky “Mama” from “The Carol Burnett Show” and then her own TV show, “Mama’s Family”, has already sold out!  Get your name on a waiting list at the box office.

The Rippingtons, one of smooth jazz’ legendary artists has been drawing attention from ticket buyers all over the region.  They appear at the Niswonger on Saturday, January 26, at 7:30 p.m.  I’m getting the feeling you might not want to miss this one!

I recently saw the movie Les Miserables.  I had the very distinct pleasure of also seeing this mega-Broadway hit musical (opera) on Broadway back in 2001 when the First United Methodist Choir visited New York City.  Although I really enjoyed the movie (I would highly recommend it), I couldn’t help but think how live is still better!  I’ve said this before and I still believe it. The same thing with Shrek: there is a human element that movies lack, but live stage productions only can capture. I guess this is why people still pay for live performances.

If you are looking for the next family entertainment to wow you- I have to mention Cirque Ziva featuring The Golden Dragon Acrobats.  Coming on February 16, they will perform two shows at the NPAC: one at 3 p.m. and the other at 7:30 p.m.  The Golden Dragon Acrobats are the very best acrobat troupe I have ever seen, and I understand in this Cirque show, there are incredible new feats they amaze audiences with.  Check with the box office at 419.238.NPAC (6722) or online (www.npacvw.org) for tickets.

I will catch up with you next week, hopefully from the Big Apple!

FINÉ.