Last Christmas, I starred in a little holiday show titled. “A Golden Girls Christmas.” I was lucky enough to fill Bea Arthur’s shoes (well, not really... I mean, that dame had some major hooves), and the entire run of the kooky parody sold out in days.
Lucky for me, the team at Purse String Productions and the gang at Hamburger Mary’s are back for more with an all-new show featuring everyone’s favorite golden gals. Our entire run sold out in days (even after adding shows), but there are plenty of toe-tapping musicals, laugh-out-loud comedies and caroling concerts for you to enjoy this season. Don’t believe me? Check out the list of events in my Social Calendar this week, darlin’! Take in a show, a recital or simply have some fun with your honey, buddies or family. Milwaukee has so much to offer during the holidays, so take advantage of its offerings! I’ll be back next week with advice to the lovelorn, but, until then, celebrate the holidays in style!
Ruthie’s Social Calendar
Nov. 29—Jolly Holly Folly at Marcus Center for the Performing Arts (929 N. Water St.): The gang at ARCW is decking the halls and hauling out the holly with their 23rd annual fundraiser. This popular night of holiday cheer features a 5 p.m. cocktail hour with tastings from local eateries, before the 7:30 p.m. performance of Doug Jarecki’s “’Twas the Month Before Christmas.” See arcw.org for tickets, information and more.
Nov. 30—The Twelve Dates of Christmas at Next Act Theater (255 S. Water St.): What happens when a gal gets dumped on Thanksgiving? Find out how a holiday heartbreak leads to comical Christmas with this delightful production by Ginna Hoben. Featuring the fun of 50s doo-wop girl groups, this toe-tapping musical promises to light up your holiday heart no like no other. The show stars the Doherty Sisters and Jack Forbes Wilson, and it runs through Dec. 9. See nextact.org for tickets and show times.
Dec. 1—Christmas Belles at Sunset Playhouse (700 Wall St., Elm Grove): When all hell breaks loose before the debut of a southern church’s Christmas program, hilarity ensues to keep you laughing well into the New Year. Three nutty sisters, a crabby Santa, a vengeful director and a hot-flash mamma round out the cast of merry misfits. Prance your way over to sunsetplayhouse.com for your tickets to the show, which runs through Dec. 23.
Dec. 1—World AIDS Day Commemoration: 30th Anniversary at South Division High School (1515 W. Lapham Blvd.): Enjoy a 6 p.m. interfaith service to honor this special day, remember those lost and reaffirm our pledge to protect those with HIV/AIDS. This event is free and open to the public. Take advantage of free HIV testing at 5 p.m.
Dec. 1—Repeal of Prohibition Party at The Iron Horse Hotel (500 W. Florida St.): Shake up your Christmas plans by stepping back in time for this 1920s shindig. Wear your flapper vest or gangster get-up to the 7-11 p.m. party and celebrate the 85th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition with cocktails, dancing and a costume contest. Local diva BJ Daniels acts as your emcee for the night.
Dec. 2—“The Where?House” A Musical Performance by Women’s Voices Milwaukee at Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (1110 N. Market St.): Let this 3 p.m. concert get you in the seasonal spirit! The free performance is great for families and features classic carols and new favorites.
Dec. 3—Monday Moonlight Karaoke at This Is It! (418 E. Wells St.): Can’t get tickets to a holiday show? Make your own fun with a performance during moonlight karaoke! Discounts on rail drinks, and the infamous “disco two-for-one” special rounds out the fun.
Dec. 4—A Christmas Carol at the Pabst Theater (144 E. Wells St.): The granddaddy of all Christmas shows magically reappears in Brew City for its annual run (through Dec. 24). The Milwaukee Rep hosts this classic family favorite, sure to put the biggest Scrooge in the mood for a bit of holiday cheer. See milwaukeerep.com for tickets.
Ask Ruthie a question and share your events at dearruthie@shepex.com. Follow her on Instagram @ruthiekeester and Facebook at Dear Ruthie.
