One of the best known Christmas stories makes your tongue hurt if you remember the poor kid, with his tongue stuck to the flagpole. That story will be brought to life by the Gallo Center Repertory Company this month as the story comes to the stage.
The Based on the 1983 film of the same name, as well as on Jean Shepherd’s book “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash,” this play about growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved movie are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more. Adaptation by Philip Grecian, Directed by Patrick Norris
December 9, 10, 11 Tix at www.galloarts.org
Please note that this is the stage play adaptation of A Christmas Story, not the musical.
Note: This classic also inspired us to take this MJ Mangano photo for the Gallo Center production and make it a little more “Modesto”. – Chris Murphy
Ring the Bell
The Salvation Army needs you. What I like about the Salvation Army is that over 85% of all funds donated go directly to programs that help people directly. This is a really high percentage and you know your donations are being cared for. If you have even two hours to spare, you can ring the bell to collect donations at a place that works for you, your family and friends if you want to do it as a group. Sign up here at www.registertoring.com
The Giving Tree Needs You
By Chris Murphy
The Giving Tree has made such a big difference in so many lives. This year the Modesto Soroptimists and Modesto Sunrise Rotary are teaming up to make this better than ever. Located on the 2nd floor of Vintage Faire, right above Santa’s Workshop, you can stop by the tree, pick the tag of a family or person that is in need and you can sponsor that gift. They will take care of the rest, getting it wrapped and delivered to those who signed up. You can also volunteer to work this project if you are able to. Stop by and sponsor a gift from noon-8 pm daily until December 19th
