I remember when I was a kid growing up in the Bronx and saving empty soda bottles so I could put…read moretogether 25 cents and go to our local movie to see a double feature. For another 10 cents you got a big bowl of popcorn and a drink! Ah yes, those were the days! I saw all kinds of movie musicals in those days, but when I saw West Side Story I knew that I loved musicals and so my longtime passion with live theater began. Over the years I have seen dozens and dozens of Broadway musicals, and so when I moved permanently to Greensboro in 1989, I was thrilled to discover the incredible theater scene in our area. Between community theaters, colleges and universities and grassroots and professional offerings, Greensboro has it all, or should I say did and will have it all again once this crazy pandemic is over. So when I heard that New York had decided to try out Phantom of the Opera in a university setting and they handpicked Elon University's theater department to present this pilot project, I knew I had to be in the audience. So in 2008 for the first time I traveled 70 East to Elon's campus and was blown away by the beauty of it all. Gorgeously landscaped, great dining options, outstanding buildings and amazing facilities. I eventually ended up at the Center for Performing Arts and The McCrary Theatre to see this production of Phantom. For over two and a half hours I sat there with my jaw dropped to the floor. These were college students? How could that be? They were all triple threats; with professional acting dancing and singing skills. The costumes were out of this world. It was beautifully directed and choreographed. The scenery and lighting were lush and innovative. The orchestra and music was outstanding, and I could go on and on and on. After that I was hooked! One of my favorite things to do is to get two tickets and turn one of my friends in Greensboro on to this amazing jewel right down the road . I love to watch their jaw drop as well!! LOL Some of the more outstanding productions that stick out in my mind are rent Ragtime, We Will Rock You and Sweeney Todd. But I also loved In the Heights and Crazy For You. See what I mean? Before the pandemic you could not attend a Broadway production without noticing several Elon students in the cast. Several times I have seen students in an Elon production to joyfully see them playing the lead in shows like Cinderella and Newsies on Broadway just months after their graduation. Parking is easy, the price is very modest and you're going to see performers and future stars at Elon on and back stage right before the professional world gobbles them up. My heart breaks for all these talented Elon musical theater students waiting for the stage to reopen, but when it does, I will be heading over to campus to get my ticket and hope to see you sitting next to me in the audience! Intermission candy is on me!!

What a great package! Grounds and buildings are emaculet. The students presented the school well…read moreand the statistics are very impressive. The cost is what you would expect from a private University.

Awesome!!! Such a fun girls night. Laurie is really flexible. Works with you to create a fun…read moreexperience. Great communication, either by text or email. Was able to schedule and then stop by the studio to "tour" and scope out what we wanted to do for our party when we couldn't decide on a design at first. Was so much fun and easy with her instructions. Great for any girl outing, bachelorette party, team building or family get together. Will definitely be coming back for another event!!

From the owner: Paint parties and art classes for all ages!read more

I love this place it's a find for anyone who loves to just browse or shop!! We found a cowhide and…read morea goat hide once ! Small cafe for food and drinks as well!

Beautiful store can't wait to keep checking in on new arriving treasures! Nice serviceread more

Moving from Miami, Florida I was worried about adapting to life in a small town. Though I saw a lot…read moreof postings to the change, I was worried about finding things to do. Also I love culture, theatre, art and was worried I would have to travel far to experience that. My realtors from Beegee Realty, The Gambles, gave me a tour of Van Wert and one of the third stop on the tour was Niswonger Performing Arts Center. It's a beautiful theater, and I was pleased to know I can see quality theater blocks from my soon to be home. We went up to the ticket counter and we spoke with those working there and they gave me a short tour of the theater, they also explained to me it was already well into their season but they showed me which shows remain. I got a chance to come here, when I won some orchestra tickets at a company raffle (in my first week working there! Score!) to come see Jeanne Robertson at Niswonger. I love to laugh! So I was excited to see her. I have seen many stand up comedians in the past, but I noticed she is a humorist. That is something I had not seen before. There is a difference... more high brow and sophisticated. Per wiki: "Humor is the quality which makes experiences provoke laughter or amusement, while comedy is a performing art. The nineteenth century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer lamented the misuse of humor (a German loanword from English) to mean any type of comedy. A humorist is adept at seeing the humor in a situation or aspect of life and relating it, usually through a story; the comedian generally concentrates on jokes designed to invoke instantaneous laughter. The humorist is primarily a writer of books, newspaper or magazine articles or columns, stage or screen plays, and may occasionally appear before an audience to deliver a lecture or read a piece of his or her work. The comedian always performs his or her work for an audience, either in live performance, audio recording, radio, television, or film." So I was excited to experience something new... something I had not seen even in Miami. Walking into the theater, I walked around and looked at the art. I checked my coat with my family in their coat room and relaxed before going to find our seats. It was easy to get to them and everyone who worked there was helpful. Watching Jeanne was a pleasure. I was in tears most of the show because she is just so funny! She is also very personable and endearing and you cannot help but love her and her show. Truly it was an amazing experience. If you want to get an idea of her humor, she has gotten a lot of notoriety on YouTube... with 12 million views with her story on her husband (who has a PhD) epically failing at buying the necessary ingredients at a grocery store for 7-Up cake. Which oddly is one of my favorite cakes, but I digress. Just look up on YouTube: "Don't send a man to a grocery store!"... you will laugh I guarantee you! Wonderful show! Enjoyed every moment! I am truly happy to be able to go to such an amazing performing arts center in my new home!

I had a pure blast in this store. They had so many creative items. I wound up buying catnip in…read morethese cute shapes. My cat actually played with these more than any catnip toy I've given her. They had clothing, jewelry and very cute and creative art work for your walls and other furniture. I absolutely enjoyed my visit. I think I would find something every time I visited. The back has an art studio. If you are downtown...go!

Such a cute shop with art from local artist! I love supporting small business and they had a ton of…read morecute items. I love the crochet goodies, and the cool mood rings. I didn't purchase anything because I wasn't greeted. Maybe next time.