By Chris Murphy
2025 starts off fresh and fast. Scratch the word boredom from your vocabulary as 2025 is going to be a great year for our arts community. Our community is what we make it, and the Gallo Center is at full speed, the Gallo Rep has found their place with Ryan Foy directing, and expect great things at the Prospect Theatre with their artists lab and this spring, our local arts organizations are collaborating and there should be some good school presentations. January starts fast so let’s go.
Gallo Center has everything, from Shen Yun to Charo and even the Police Academy!
Shen Yun is a traditional look at Chinese culture, before the communist revolution. This group tours with a magical performance highlighting thousands of years of history with dance and symphonic music. It is a beautiful show on January 7 & 8.
The Book of Mormon rings the right doorbells on a world class and humorous journey for a missionary to make it to Orlando, by way of Africa, from the creators of South Park. Don’t miss this multi-award winning Broadway hit here in Modesto. Jan 16 & 16.
Can you say Cuchi Cuchi? If you were a fan of Johnny Carson, Charo was a mainstay. Underneath the show and dance glitz, Charo is a great flamenco guitarist and this show is a tour de force. Jan 26 5 pm
Other great shows include a 70s flashback with Atlanta Rhythm Section (remember Imaginary Lover sounds like Stevie Nicks when played at 45 rpm?) and the band Firefall and the Yacht rock sounds of Walter Egan. This is a date night absolute must.
Also on deck:
Garrison Keeler – Jan 19
David Foster & Katherine McFee – Jan 21
The Magic & Mystery of Aluminum Show – Jan 24
A Blond, a Brunette & some Duets: Eric McCormick & Laura Bell Bundy – Jan 25
Finally, Jan 31, watch the original Police Academy with star Steve Gutenberg and following the movie, he will take you behind the scene and take audience questions
Tix, info and to become a Friend of the Center:
www.galloarts.org<www.galloarts.org>
State Theatre
The State is off to a rockin’ 2025 with some power tributes with a January 11, 8 pm Tribute to Jeff Beck featuring Stu Hamm and members of Jefferson Starship, Elton John Band, Tower of Power and more. The amazing voice of Shannon Rae as Linda Ronstadt on January 25 at 7:30. Black History month in February starts off with the annual Gospel Jam on Feb 1.
New cool Jazz combo shows in the art deco elegance of the Intemission with Denise Choate’s Jazz Trio featuring Latin and American Jazz. Jan 17, 7-9 pm
Plan ahead now so you enjoy all of the State programs on stage, on screen and in the Intermission and Jewell. Are you a member? Learn more and join at www.thestate.org<www.thestate.org>
Opera at the State!
The story of Hansel and Gretel’s dark forest rendezvous with a wicked witch is well known, but there is a fun family show at the State. Opera Modesto’s magical production is filled with beautiful tunes, great voices and joyful fun for the entire family (plus a few scary moments with the Witch)! Sung in English, Hansel and Gretel is a treat for the entire family. Jan 18 & 19 at 2 pm.
Skylight!
Prospect Theatre Project gets going on Jan 31, with a special opening night event for the David Hare play, Skylight. Before the show, enjoy Benni’s Night, a full Italian dinner from Christopher Bonora. For more info, tix and to subscribe www.propecttheatreproject.org
CBS
We love Yacht Rock and all of the fun memories, new and old that come with it. Congregation Beth Shalom’s music series L’Chaim is presenting a Yacht Rock Showcase with the band Ride Captain Ride.
You will know and love every song at this CBS event. January 18. Tix at www.cbsmodesto.org<www.cbsmodesto.org>
We need laughs now more than ever, so don’t miss a great comedy show January 24 at the Post in Salida with Bob Zany hosted by KRVR’s and comedian Roman Guzman. Call 209- 818-3032 for info. Tix on Eventbrite. Also on January 18, you can also get your laughs at the 108 Sports Lounge in Riverbank on January 18, featuring Bryan Hicks and Roman Guzman @108sportslounge
West Side Theatre
There are two good tributes in January. Journey Revisited, Jan 18 and Heavy Petty on Feb 1. Both shows are at 8 pm. Get tix & Info www.westsidetheatre.org<www.westsidetheatre.org>
Turlock Community Theatre is presenting comedy with Whitney Cumming – February 8
Tix and info at www.turlocktheatre.org<www.turlocktheatre.org>
Sierra Repertory Theatre is dark until March when they present Legally Blond. Tix & info at www.sierrarep.org<www.sierrarep.org>
MJC Plays coming soon! Don’t miss the Spring 2025 Auditions for ‘From Pirate to Princess’ written and directed by Lindsay Bryan and ‘Noises Off’ written by Michael Frayn and directed by Lynette Borrelli.
Auditions: January 21-22, 2025 at 6:00pm
Callbacks: January 23 at 6:00pm
Check for more details at www.mjc.edu/aph/activities.html<www.mjc.edu/aph/activities.html>
NEED YOUR HELP NOTE: School drama and music teachers, please email me to get your shows listed. events@modestoview.com<mailto:events@modestoview.com>
PROMOTERS – If you want to help us out so we can post links directly to your tickets, please supply a shortened link to buy, ie Bitly or Tiny URL. Some of the Eventbrite or 3rd party tix have ridiculous long URLs. Thanks
