the stage is set fall '24
ready for action!
Since 2007, Van Wert has been known as an entertainment destination by bringing extraordinary artists to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center stage. Over 400,000 patrons have purchased tickets to see their favorite performers on this gloried stage in Northwest Ohio. This Fall, we open the Grand Lobby doors and lift the curtain on a myriad of diverse talent that continues the legacy of inspiring, educating, and entertaining residents of and visitors to Van Wert.
Here is what people are saying about their Niswonger experience:
"...absolutely beautiful performing arts center! Acoustics are great and staff working here are always super kind."
2024 Annual Sponsors
"Wonderful place to enjoy entertainment! Probably the nicest in the area. Very affordable and convenient."
"Absolutely flawless. The staff at the theater were out greeting people before the show, which turned it from just a concert into a true experience. I'm looking forward to other events at the Niswonger - even though it's a 2+ hour drive for me, it's worth it!"
On any given night the average Niswonger patron travels from 32 miles away. The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation Board, Staff, and Volunteers are honored to serve our patrons from both near and far. We aim to provide entertainment experiences to enhance your life. Uplifting your day or weekend is our mission in the 90 -120 minutes that we get to spend with you. We value you and are here to entertain you!
Now on with the show, The Van Wert Live Team
Bluey's Big Play [VIP option]............Sept 17 Yonder Mountain String Band...........Oct 04 The Texas Tenors.......................Oct 05 Charlie Berens........................Oct 10
Robert Cray Band [VIP option].......Oct 13 David Phelps.........................Oct 26 The Ozark Mountain Daredevils..........Nov 01
Case Live [VIP option]..............Nov 02
Olivia.........................Nov 08
Motown A Holiday Celebration....Nov 30 A Charlie Brown Christmas Live [VIP opt]..Dec 01 Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.......Dec 14 Dean Z - The Ultimate Elvis..............Dec 15
The Van Wert Live Team is programming in a dynamic way, so artist offerings stay FRESH! We send announcements of new artists to your inbox. Just sign up for the LiveWire Email Blasts. Visit us online at VANWERTLIVE.COM and select the link "Newsletter" in the header, shown above.
The LiveMic Text List is Van Wert Live in your pocket! Get direct messages on show releases, news, and more opportunities to be entertained. To get alerts on Van Wert Live happenings, scan the QR above to sign up on VANWERTLIVE.COM today!
12/15
2024 Fall Season
M. Niswonger Founder & Chairman
FOUNDING SPONSOR
The Niswonger Foundation pledges a return to the Van Wert community as an integral supporter of the Fall Season in 2024. Coming aboard as Founding Sponsor, Scott Niswonger and the Niswonger Foundation have contributed to make this impressive lineup of shows possible. The Niswonger Foundation is a charitable organization focused on the Learn-Earn-Return method of developing strong communities and devoted leaders.
fall sponsors
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is made possible by philanthropic investors in the community, businesses, and patrons who believe in the power we uplift that is live entertainment. Those commitments are still strong today, making possible a 2024 Fall Season of excellence in Van Wert!
Together with these valued community partners, Van Wert Live events become a catalyst for economic development, and so usher in a better quality of life for these people and the organizations in the region. The 2024 Fall Sponsors invest in the performing arts and entertainment because they believe in the power that comes with building a strong community. A community that thrives with LIVE arts!
Scott
Roger & Kay Okuley
Jim & Mary Pope
JoAnne Wolford
Bruce & Julie Kennedy
Tom & Julie Burenga
Sep 17, Tuesday 6:00 pm • TIX $29-VIP $124
“A glorious celebration of everything you love about the show.” – The Guardian
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy ® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer,
Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen her before, brought to real life. Bluey’s Big Play is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co.
Bluey's Big Play run time is approx 50 min. There is no intermission.
Photo Credit: Darren Thomas
At 26 years old, Grammy-nominated Yonder Mountain String Band continues to exist at the forefront of the progressive bluegrass scene as one of the undeniable innovators and pioneers of the modern jamgrass movement.
Blending bluegrass with elements of rock as well as alternative and improvisational music, Yonder Mountain brought their high energy, unique sound and psychedelic light show into rock n’ roll settings with tremendous success, proving it possible for bluegrass to not only exist but excel in a rock world without drums.
Yonder Mountain's original music and attitude helped cultivate a spirit that continues to fuel today’s progressive bluegrass and jamgrass scenes.
It is a testament to the legacy of Yonder Mountain String Band that their original songs and unique interpretations of covers are regularly performed by next generation marquee bluegrass bands.
H. R. Gertner on Americana Highways lauds Yonder Mountain String Band's "...high-octane mix of bluegrass’s traditional seriousness, a healthy dose of humor, and the tendency to jam without becoming a noodle-fest was perfectly balanced..."
the Texas Tenors
Oct 5, Saturday 7:30 pm • TIX $19-69
Celebrating 15 years!
The Texas Tenors are the most successful music group and third highest selling artist in the history of America's Got Talent! Since appearing on the series in 2009, JC, Marcus and John have performed over 1800 concerts, recorded five studio albums, produced two PBS Specials, and have written two hit children's books that have earned them impressive recognition including three Emmy Awards, The Gelett Burgess Award for Excellence in Children's
Literature and the distinction of being Billboard Magazine's #10 Classical Artist in the World. The tenors' most recent albums "Outside the Lines," "Rise" and "A Collection of Broadway and American Classics" all debuted at #1 on the Billboard Charts.
These classically trained, versatile tenors were recently honored to be included among the top 50 acts in the world and the only vocal group from
the United States invited to appear on NBC’s "America’s Got Talent: The Champions" and are filled with pride to be inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
The Texas Tenors will celebrate a huge milestone for the 2023-2024 season... 15 years together!
On TTT's 15th Anniversary Tour you will hear new music along with rousing patriotic favorites and everything
from Country to Classical! Come and celebrate with the boys and make some new and lasting memories at a concert experience that you'll never forget.
One fan says, "We loved it! I came because I love cowboys, but after the first couple of songs, my husband said 'Wow, don't let their hats fool ya, these boys can really sing!'"
Oct 10, Thursday 7:30 pm • TIX $19-69
Charlie Berens is a comedian, New York Times Best Selling Author, Emmyjournalist, musician and creator of the "Manitowoc Minute." He creates weekly content for his various social platforms and has amassed over 9 million followers online.
In 2017, Charlie began hosting his weekly comedic online news show, the "Manitowoc Minute." Since then, Charlie’s been creating Midwestfocused sketch comedy videos on his social media platforms. He’s also traveled the country with three sold out stand-up comedy tours.
In 2020, Charlie paired up with Horseshoes & Hand Grenades alum Adam Greuel to release the music/ comedy album, "Unthawed." The album, which is a mixture of bluegrass, country and Charlie’s comedy, hit #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart and #6 on the Bluegrass Comedy chart. The duo followed that up with "Dive Bar Dinner" in 2023, which also charted on the Billboard Charts.
Charlie’s first book, "The Midwest Survival Guide," was released in
Servingup Comedy!
November of 2021 by William Morrow/ Harper Collins and immediately became a New York Times Best Seller.
Charlie just launched his very own brandy! Berens Old Fashioned Brandy is being producing by the Dancing Goat distillery and is in stores now!
2023 also saw the release of his first stand-up special, "Charlie Berens: Midwest Goodbye."
Charlie hosts the "Cripescast" podcast where he interviews musicians, artists, comedians, creators and more to talk about their story and connections to the Midwest. Guests have included Nate Bargatze, Michael Yo, Kim and Penn Holderness, Jeff Foxworthy, and Roy Wood, Jr.
Charlie is currently touring America on his Good Old Fashioned Tour!
Oct 13, Sunday
Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller.
Robert Cray is all these things – and more. The Georgia-born, Washingtonraised musician first picked up a guitar after seeing The Beatles on TV then, having witnessed Jimi Hendrix perform in Seattle, determined that his destiny would also follow a similar path. And so he has: across the past half century Robert Cray’s developed into one of American music’s most singular artists.
"I guess you'd have to say that we were lucky,” reflects Cray on his life in music, “because, growing up in the 1960s, the different music played on the radio really opened us up. We even had Albert Collins play our High School grad party."
From forming a teenage garage band, through to striding the stage alongside several of the world’s greatest guitarists, Robert Cray’s story is one of struggle and commitment that led to Cray enjoying phenomenal success – selling millions of albums and countless concert tickets, winning five Grammy Awards, being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, recipient of the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award, designing two signature model Fender guitars – yet for Robert what’s always mattered most is the music, winning Cray both a loyal audience and the respect of many of popular music’s legendary figures.
Across five decades Robert Cray has created a richly inclusive American music, revitalising both blues and soul while rocking hard with the very best.
Oct 26, Saturday 7:30 pm • TIX $19-65
David Phelps is credited among today’s most spectacular voices. His seemingly endless vocal range, which extends more than three octaves, coupled with his gift for communicating a song, has brought the house down in the world’s most prestigious venues. He has received numerous Dove Awards, Grammy Awards, and multiple platinum-selling recording projects.
David has topped the Billboard charts time and time again with releases like: the 2017 live DVD "The Best Of David Phelps" (#1 topping such popular video releases as The Beatles’ "Eight Days A Week") and the 2018 live DVD "It Must Be Christmas" (#2), amongst others.
The various recordings have been featured on a number of television networks, including PBS (the Public Broadcasting System) and have received acclaim in both secular and gospel music genres.
Phelps says of his work, “I am and always have been a stylist, and that makes my music and career very eclectic.”
While studying vocal performance at Baylor University, David met Lori, who has been his wife and a constant source of support throughout his career spanning over three decades. Together, they have four children and live on their farm near Nashville, TN.
Nov 1, Friday 7:30 pm • TIX $25-65
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have been aptly described as “a ragtag collection of hippies, bohemians, and musicians of no fixed ambition.” They have always been indefinable in terms of music genres, producing sounds of country-rock and electric bluegrass
all on the same record; writing lyrics both whimsical and poetic, singing harmonies that give you shivers.
The Daredevils’ formal beginning as a band was in Springfield, MO in 1971.
Cosmic Corncob & His Amazing Ozark Mountain Daredevils was shortened to The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.
The Daredevils have released a number of major label and independent record
label recordings, performed throughout North America and Europe, and they continue to grow and maintain a loyal fan base throughout the world.
Writer Mike Warren of KCUR.org says they "were cult favorites, perfect for singalongs around bonfires at the lake... the Daredevils did things their own way."
Songs like “If You Wanna Get To Heaven,” “Jackie Blue,” “Chicken Train,” “Standing On The Rock" cemented the band's place in music history.
With two original co-founders, their signature style remains vibrant. The band's talented members can perform any song from their vast catalog. New songs are proof to their evolution as songwriters and musicians.
Nov 2, Saturday
7:30 pm • TIX $19-VIP $149
Cold Case Live launches September 17 and will visit The Niswonger in Van Wert for one show only on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
This fall, true-crime fanatics and web sleuths will have their chance to be in the detective’s shoes with Cold Case Live, a brand-new live show that will take audiences on a fascinating journey to unlock the mysteries of – and potentially help solve – America’s most notorious cold cases. Hosted by retired NCIS Special Agent Joe Kennedy (“Real NCIS” and Starz TV’s “Wrong Man”), the international cold case expert has successfully solved hundreds of murders while working with detectives around the world to implement his methodology. The nation-wide tour of
This show dives deep into the world of unsolved crimes. The show will feature analyses, firsthand insights, and more. Together, you'll inspect clues from cases like The Zodiac Killer, The Golden State Killer, The JonBenét Ramsey case among others.
“'Cold Case Live' will give you a much deeper understanding of why these cases go cold in the first place, and how my methodology helps successfully resolve them – the same method detectives around the world are using to solve their cases today,” says Kennedy.
Olivia Newton-John sold over 100 million records worldwide, won four Grammys; numerous Country Music, American Music, and Billboard Awards; an Emmy Award; ten #1 hits; and more than fifteen top-10 singles. In 1978, her costarring role as Sandy with John Travolta in "Grease" catapulted Olivia into super-stardom.
Always Olivia authentically captures the essence and sounds of Olivia’s timeless music. The show stars Annie
Van Wert Live at the Niswonger / 419-238-6722 / Vanwertlive.com
Chicago’s best singers and musicians. Expect to hear Olivia’s oh-somemorable hits spanning the 70’s to the present day including: Hopelessly Devoted, You’re The One That I Want, Physical, and more! This tribute incorporates five decades of Olivia’s music, dialogue about NewtonJohn’s history, humor, audience participation, costume changes and video projection Always Olivia is in perfect lock-step with authentic Livvy.
Nov 30, Saturday 8:00 pm • TIX $25-59
Forever Motown – Direct from New York
– The Original Cast of Forever Motown backed by an All-Star live band, is a full stage production of your favorite hit songs. Plus, the performance will bring the soul to all the classic holiday songs from your favorite Motown legends. A sell out in every market, this show is not to be missed!
The show features these all-star performers:
• G.C. Cameron, original lead singer of The Spinners and Member of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
• Glenn Leonard, former lead singer of The Temptations
• Traci Robinson, former lead singer of The Marvelettes
Be there for a night of Motown hits and holiday magic sung by the stars!
Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in a spectacular new touring production of "A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage." Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story, with the music of Vince Guaraldi, A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage is a present for the whole family! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy,
Dec 14, Saturday 7:30 pm • TIX $19-65
One of the greatest stories in the history of English literature, Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" has become a best beloved Christmas tradition for families everywhere. This powerful tale of redemption follows Ebenezer Scrooge on his epic journey from nasty curmudgeon to benevolent saint.
This dazzling new adaptation bursts onto the stage with first class professional actors, gorgeous costumes, stunning sets and puppetry.
CMI Entertainment, collaborating with Entertainment Central Productions Orlando, returns to its roots with a beautiful version of this classic tale.
Tour 2024 is written and directed by award-winning theatre artist Scott H. Severance, who has traveled the country for over 10 years spreading Holiday joy as Uncle Scrooge.
Over two dozen timeless Christmas carols are woven throughout this glorious production, the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present,
and Future are alternately horrifying and hilarious, and you will find yourself awestruck and spellbound by this theatrical spectacle.
Celebrate the true Spirit of Christmas at a show filled with haunting special effects and an enormous dose of laughter. "A Christmas Carol" is the perfect holiday event for all ages.
Dec 15, Sunday 3:00 pm • TIX $35-65
You requested Elvis, and we listened! Dean Z, Entertainer of the Year and star of the hit internationally touring production “Elvis Lives” is bringing his all-new high energy Elvis tribute show to The Niswonger. “Dean Z - The Ultimate Elvis” is a musical journey spanning the 20 year career of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll," from his rise to fame in the 1950s, to his infamous Las Vegas performances of the 1970s. “Dean Z -
Van
The Ultimate Elvis” boasts a powerful 11-piece band, horn section, incredible background vocalists and immersive video content for a truly unforgettable concert experience! For nearly two decades, Dean Z has performed thousands of shows for millions of people around the globe, being named by Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) as the world’s greatest Elvis tribute artist in 2013. Dean was officially awarded
EPE’s “Ultimate” title, and starred in their international touring production
Elvis Lives (with over 500,000 tickets sold). Dean Z has thrilled Elvis fans across Europe with his portrayal of the King performing to sold out audiences in some of the UK’s most historic venues including the London Apollo, Manchester Arena and The Echo in Liverpool. He is the only Elvis tribute artist to host SiriusXM’s Elvis
Radio channel, and currently serves as an ambassador and contributor to Graceland and the Elvis Presley estate. Dean Z says, “I feel so honored to sing this great music. Making people happy when I’m on stage is so fulfilling, all because of Elvis. He stands the test of time, and as long as the world wants to hear his music, I’ll be ready to sing it.”
Seating
Section
Box Office Hours:
Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
TICKETING FEE:
$5.00 / Ticket
This fee is low compared to the industry-wide average. Fees support venue expenses, quality entertainment, and seamless processes.
The Box Office is open one hour before Niswonger events for last minute purchases (unless sold out). Tickets can be scanned easily from a mobile device or printed ahead of time for entry into the venue. Note: additional fees apply if the Box Office prints your tickets. If you need any ticketing assistance, alert the
group ticketing value
Group sales are coordinated by the Box Office– discounts, guest seating arrangements, tips for local restaurants and lodging, a welcome message on our digital sign, and other touch points are
Available through the Box Office and on the MyTix ticket manager, Gift Cards make
BuNDLE & SAVE on tix
Buy More, Save More! Select 3 or more shows and Save 20%*. Maximize value and enjoy the variety Van Wert Live has to offer. *The B&S discount is exclusive of all other promo discounts. VIP experiences for some specific shows do not qualify for the B&S discount.
NEW! MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
Member - $125
• Advanced notice of upcoming events
• Opportunity to purchase up to 4 tickets per event during member presale for most shows
• Donor Recognition in Playbill
silver member - $550
• Advanced notice of upcoming events
• Opportunity to purchase up to 8 tickets per event during member presale for most shows
• Donor Recognition in Playbill
• 2 Complimentary Concessions Vouchers annually
• Exclusive Silver Swag Item
gold member - $2,000
• Advanced notice of upcoming events
• Opportunity to purchase up to 8 tickets per event during member presale for most shows
• Donor Recognition
• 4 Complimentary Concessions Vouchers annually
• Name Recognition in Lobby and Playbill
• VIP Meet & Greet Opportunities annually
• Exclusive Gold Swag Item
vip Member - $4,000
• Advanced notice of upcoming events 5 days prior to event announcement.
• Opportunity to purchase up to 8 tickets per event during member presale for most shows
• Donor Recognition
• 8 Complimentary Concessions Vouchers annually
• Name Recognition in Lobby and Playbill
• VIP Meet & Greet Opportunities
• Opportunity for First Right of Refusal 5 days prior to event announcement to purchase 4 premium tickets per show in the seat of your choosing
• Invitation to Members Only Special Events
• VIP Reserved Parking Space upon availability
• Exclusive VIP Swag Item
