Peters, Pops, REO Speedwagon at NPAC

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

It’s been a decade since the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio opened its doors and the Niswonger is putting on quite a show to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The First Federal Lecture Hall of the NPAC was nearly full as the media and area residents had the chance to learn what this season will bring.

The 2016-17 season will include 23 concerts and events, as well as five Community Concert Series events, with names like REO Speedwagon, Vince Gill, and Diamond Rio — as well as the classic Broadway hit 42nd Street — on this year’s schedule. Those attending Wednesday’s information event had the chance to watch a video detailing each of this year’s Grand Series concerts, as well as the 2016-17 Speakers Series.

In addition, to cap a season filled with outstanding performances and interesting speakers, the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation and Executive Director Paul Hoverman also wanted to put together a gala experience that would put a capital “WOW” on its 10th anniversary season.

Hoverman said the gala slated for April 2017 even has him floored. “Before we finished my jaw dropped at what we were able to put together,” he told those at the info event.

The NPAC executive director said that, when he started looking for someone who would be “a real great gala performer … someone who could connect really well to the audience” one name kept coming up: Broadway and movie star Bernadette Peters.

Of course, the electrifying multiple Tony Award-winning singer and performer, considered one of the foremost interpreters of Stephen Sondheim, would need a backup group, and Hoverman said he first thought about bringing in an area orchestra, possibly the Toledo or Lima symphony orchestras. He also decided, though, to talk to philanthropist and Van Wert native Scott Niswonger about who they could get to accompany her.

Hoverman said he told Niswonger he was looking for a “Boston Pops” type of group to provide musical accompaniment, and Niswonger then asked if he had looked at getting the Boston Pops Orchestra itself.

Thinking that the famed orchestra, which tours rarely, would not only be priced out of the NPAC’s budget, but also unavailable, Hoverman nevertheless called their agent and found that the Pops was doing a limited tour this coming year and would be in the Indianapolis area about the time Hoverman was planning for the gala.

Of course, neither Peters nor the Boston Pops come cheap, so Hoverman had to get some additional financial support for the gala. That support came from Niswonger himself, Central Insurance Company, and the Van Wert County Foundation, with additional financial support from The Kenn-Feld Group.

Those sponsors have combined to bring one of the biggest events Ohio has ever seen to Van Wert, featuring Peters and the Boston Pops Orchestra. And it’s definitely no joke that the concert will be held Saturday, April 1, at 8 p.m.

An evening 10 years in the making, this black-tie optional event is above and beyond anything the Niswonger has seen yet.

Here’s a capsule of the other concerts and speaker’s events that are part of the coming season’s Grand Series:

The Niswonger’s 10th anniversary season kicks off with two of the most influential men in the Jazz world. Sunday, September 24, at 7:30 p.m. Chuck and Karen Koch, along with Jim and Theresa Robideau, present Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright. These Jazz legends will have the audience dancing in the aisles and singing along the whole night. With Butler’s captivating and powerful catalogue of hit songs, combined with Albright’s signature searing and soulful sax arrangements, there is no better place to be than at the Niswonger!

These days are ours, happy and free, with “Happy Days Live” presented by Kevin Laing, D.D.S., at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 1. Take a trip down memory lane with Potsie and Ralph as they celebrate the classic television show’s 40th anniversary! Anson Williams and Donny Most will be sharing some of their favorite moments from “Happy Days”, along with rare photos, live music, and never before seen video about their coming-of-age experiences on the show.

Prepare to go into the wild right here at the Niswonger! Back by popular demand is America’s favorite zoo keeper and his favorite furry friends in “Jack Hanna Into the Wild LIVE” at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 8, presented by Belna Petroleum.

Hanna’s insight into the protection and conservation of the planet’s wildlife, combined with a live show full of some of your favorite endangered animals will leave the audience with a renewed appreciation for all creatures, great and small.

A night of praise and worship is coming to the Niswonger Sunday, October 16, with Christian chart-topper Colton Dixon, presented by Youth for Christ. This “American Idol” alum has been making waves in the Christian music industry with smash hits “More of You” and “Limitless” off his sophomore album Anchor. With his edgy rock sound and inspiring lyrics, this is a concert at the Niswonger area residents won’t want to miss.

You’ve have seen the movies, you’ve watched the award winning television competition, now get ready for some aca-mazing talent with the brand new a capella group Vocalosity Saturday, October 22, at 7:30 p.m., presented by Slusher’s Jewelry. Founded by Deke Sharon, artistic producer of both “Pitch Perfect” and “The Sing-Off”, this group features 12 dynamic voices singing some of today’s chart-topping hits in brand-new arrangements too incredible to miss.

We’ll start walkin’ your way if you start walking toward the Niswonger for a night of country hits with Diamond Rio, Saturday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m., courtesy of Celina Moving & Storage. This six-time vocal group of the year will take the audience on a journey through award-winning country history with some of their biggest hits off their timeless records from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Everybody’s favorite syrup-loving Christmas elf is venturing through the candy-cane forest to come to the Niswonger on Monday, November 21, at 7:30 p.m. in “Elf The Musical On Tour”, presented by First Federal Bank.

This heart-warming, side-splitting family musical will be sure to get people in the mood for Christmas and have them embracing their inner elves as Buddy the Elf helps his naughty-list father remember the true meaning of Christmas.

She helped the Niswonger say hello in 2007, now we’re helping her say farewell. It’s “Sandi Patty: Christmas Blessings”, Sunday December 4, at 7:30 p.m. After a long, award-winning career, Sandi Patty is visiting over 90 cities across the globe to perform one last time for all her life-long fans. It will be a historic evening you’ll never forget full of Grammy and Dove award winning music.

Celebrate a family tradition as the legacy continues with “The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza” presented by Belna Petroleum on Saturday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m. Starring the Osmond Brothers and the Lennon Sisters, “The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza” brings all the variety that made Andy’s holiday specials so spectacular.

“Swinging” into town just in time for Christmas and back by popular demand is John Tesh’s “Big Band Christmas” on Saturday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m., presented by Bose McKinney & Evans LLP. You’ll be sure to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” with John Tesh and his 14-piece big band as they perform all your favorite holiday hits in bold, brassy, big band style! Fun for all ages, this popular media personality is sure to entertain all generations when this Grammy award winning Christmas spectacular hits the stage.

The Niswonger’s premier 2017 event will take you back in time with “The Time Jumpers Featuring Vince Gill” Saturday, February 4, at 7:30 p.m., presented by the Kenn-Feld Group. Every member of this multi-Grammy Award-nominated country group has made major contributions to the richness and vigor of country music. This time, The Time Jumpers are bringing along country music legend Vince Gill for a night of country nostalgia you can’t afford to miss.

All the glitz and glamour of musical theater is coming to the Niswonger on Sunday, February 12, at 2 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m., with the Broadway classic 42nd Street, presented by Bee Gee Realty. Bright lights, sparkling costumes, and huge dance numbers await audience members as they follow starry-eyed Peggy Sawyer as she leaves small town life to pursue her dream of becoming a Broadway star!

Won’t you be our neighbor? The Niswonger and Jeffery-Mohr Family Dentistry welcome “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live” for two kid friendly shows of pure Tiger-ific fun Saturday, February 25, at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. This award winning PBS KIDS show continues the legacy of “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood’ to a whole new generation with the friendly tiger, Daniel, and his friends as they explore the vibrant world of their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe. This interactive musical filled with singing, dancing, laughter and grr-ific surprises will warm the hearts of all generations.

Come together right now at the Niswonger as you go on a musical journey through the life and times of the world’s most celebrated band in Broadway’s “RAIN — A Tribute to The Beatles”, presented by Vancrest Health Care Centers on Monday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. This stunning concert experience takes the audience back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that has been nationally compared to the real thing. Enjoy all those favorite Beatles hits from “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to “Hard Day’s Night,” and “Yellow Submarine” to “Hey Jude.” You won’t be able to “Let It Be” when this live multi-media spectacular hits the stage.

Experience one’s favorite iconic artists through a whole new medium at the Niswonger with “Artrageous”, Saturday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m., presented by TAG Menswear. With a palette that mixes captivating vocals, intricate choreography, and huge portraits painted before one’s very eyes, this interactive artistic extravaganza takes the audience on a unique visual and musical journey packed with wild inspiration, creativity, and fun for the whole family! The artists pay tribute to a variety of art forms, pop icons, and musical genres culminating in a gallery of fabulous finished paintings. You’ll be part of the show at this one of a kind crossover experience — only at the Niswonger!

Last season he brought the house down with his rendition of “O Holy Night,” now he’s back for more! Joanne Wolford and Family, in memory of Roger Wolford, proudly present “David Phelps: Good Friday Concert” on Friday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. Phelps’ masterful melodies have been burned into critically acclaimed songs that have echoed the walls of Carnegie Hall, the White House, and countless churches around the world. Celebrate one of the most reverent days of the year at the Niswonger with the return of David Phelps for a Good Friday concert.

The Niswonger will close out the season with REO Speedwagon Saturday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m., presented by US Bank. With a long list of hits from the group’s incredibly successful career as an American rock classic, REO Speedwagon will have the Niswonger rockin’ long into the night. This high octane Grand Series finale will leave you wanting more.

The Niswonger Speaker Series brings noted names to the stage who further understanding, challenge one’s thinking and have the audience teetering on the edge of its seat to hear which Cincinnati Reds great just hit a home run.

It all begins on September 20 when Westwood Behavioral Health Center shares valuable and culturally relevant information by providing a free, and very insightful presentation by Los Angeles freelance journalist, Sam Quinones. On Sunday, September 18, at 3 p.m., Quinone touches on the increasing opiate usage and subsequent heroin addiction across the nation in his latest book Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic. This free presentation includes Quinone’s experiences, observations, and perspective, followed by a panel discussion comprised of local officials.

It’s time to be inspired at the Niswonger with inspirational speaker and author Jon Gordon, Sunday, October 2, at 3 p.m., presented by Central Insurance Companies. Gordon’s best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. Professional sports teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals, you name it, have put Gordon’s principles to the test with incredible results.

“And this one belongs to the Reds!” If you’ve listened to a Cincinnati Reds game in the past 40 years, you’ll be sure to recognize the final event of the Niswonger Speaker Series. The voice of the Cincinnati Reds, Marty Brennaman, Monday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. presented by Lee Kinstle GM Sales and Service.

Known for his opinionated, zealous style and love for the Cincinnati Reds that led him to be named “Ohio Sportscaster of the Year” multiple times, this Speaker Series finale belongs to the Reds with Marty Brennaman.

Member sales begin June 16, Grand Series sales begin June 29 and the Select Series provides early buying opportunities by bundling three or more events beginning July 7. Summer hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m., or get tickets online anytime at NPACVW.ORG. Jump in and celebrate Ten Years Of WOW! at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.