Dear Ruthie is proudly brought to you by C3 Designs — Award Winning Fine Jewelry. C3 Designs offers a variety of services performed in-house, including custom jewelry design, jewelry and watch repair, appraisal, pearl and bead stringing, engraving and flip guards. C3 Designs is the winner of the Jewelers of America 2019 CASE Award.
Dear Ruthie Rooters,
The holidays are here, and it is truly the most wonderful time of the year. This is a time for celebration, reconnections and reflection. As such, I just want to thank you all for your incredible support, friendship and love.
I receive so many heartwarming messages from my readers in addition to kind comments at my appearances. Some of you even stop me at grocery stores, shops, bars, restaurants and airports. Thank you all. It means the world to me to connect with you in person, even if just for a few moments.
You showed up and showed out during the recent “Golden Girls Christmas Special: A Drag Parody.” After six years of doing these all-original comedies, the entire run sold out faster than any other year. Your compliments after each performance touched me in ways you can’t imagine. (Ok…that sounded dirty. Stop it! It’s Christmas, damnit!)
You watched my silly little show “Camp Wannakiki” on YouTube so much so that we were picked up by OutTV and we’re now international. Wow! Thank you. Truly.
I want you know that whether you watched this kooky drag reality competition, came to a live performance or simply stopped by at a happy hour to introduce yourself and say hello, it meant the world to me.
As we head into 2023 (wow … that felt weird), I’d like to wish you all nothing but happiness. And isn’t that really what life is all about? Focus on being happy, and I bet your bottom dollar that success, friendship and love will follow. That’s my wish for you dear readers—that the upcoming year envelops you with complete joy and happiness.
OK, OK! I’m done being all weird and schmaltzy. You caught me in the holiday spirit, and I just had to share. I hope you don’t mind my forgoing a bit of advice this week, but I just had to tell you all how much I appreciate you. Have a wonderful holiday and a truly happy 2023.
XXOO
Dear Ruthie
Ruthie’s Social Calendar
December 22—Twilight Tour at The Pabst Mansion (2000 W. Wisconsin Ave.): If holiday lights are your thing, you won’t want to miss this opulent option. Relish the glory of the Pabst in all its sparking splendor during a self-guided tour. Live music, glühwein and pecan whiskey cider round out the change-of-pace attraction. See www.pabstmansion.ticketsocket.com to register for a time slot and purchase tickets.
December 23—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at Todd Wehr Theatre (929 N. Water St.): The team at First Stage brings the enchanting television special to life with this whimsical production. Santa and his merry troupe are waiting to spread some holiday cheer alongside Rudolph and the characters you’ve loved since childhood, so be sure to check it out! Ideal for family fun, the show closes on Dec. 24, so you’ll need to order tickets soon via www.firststage.org.
December 24—The Nutcracker at Marcus Performing Arts Center (929 N. Water St.): Add a bit of magic to Christmas Eve when you take in a production of this legendary ballet. As heartwarming as it is playful, The Nutcracker remains a tradition for many Milwaukeeans, so be sure to order tickets quickly at www.ticketmaster.com.
December 26— Kwanzaa 2022: Opening Ceremonies at Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum (2620 W. Center St.): Enjoy live music, dancing, a marketplace, speakers and so much more when you kick off this special season. The 6 p.m. celebration includes discussions about advancements in the city’s African American community. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences, observations and successes.
December 27—Screen Queens at This Is It (418 E. Wells St.): Join Dora Diamond for this weekly viewing party where she plays everything from holiday films and horror movies to comedies and cult classics. What will play when the bar fires up its massive movie screen? Come down to the 6:30 p.m. party to find out.
Have a question for Ruthie? Want to share an event with her? Contact Ruthie at DearRuthie@ShepEx.com.