Holiday classic ‘Nutcracker’ gets a different take at Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Arts
Christmas classic “The Nutcracker” gets its jazzy take from Central West Ballet, while the Gallo Center’s repertory company offers its own holiday show. Those are just two of the holiday events in the Modesto region from Dec. 9-15.
Jazzy “Nutcracker”
Central West Ballet brings back its one-night-only performance of “Nutcracker in Jazz.” CWB’s show at the Gallo Center for the Arts features the popular holiday classic with a jazzy, swing twist in the style of movie musicals. Tickets include a reception in the lobby after the performance.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 15
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $45-$73
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Riverbank Christmas celebration
The Riverbank Christmas Parade & Craft Fair returns to mark the season. There will be country Christmas crafts with handmade items from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe St. The city’s parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. in downtown, with vendors also there from 3 to 7 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at a tree-lighting ceremony following the parade.
WHEN: Various times Dec. 9
WHERE: Various locations
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 209-863-7150
Candlelight tours
Modesto’s McHenry Mansion will be decorated in Victorian-era Christmas splendor for the community to view. Tours will be held by candlelight.
WHEN: Beginning 5 p.m. with last entrance at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16
WHERE: McHenry Mansion, 906 15th St., Modesto
ADMISSION: $10, $5 age 10 and under
ONLINE: www.mchenrymansion.org/events.html.
“Winter Wonderettes”
The Gallo Center Repertory Company presents a seasonal celebration with the musical “Winter Wonderettes.” The show finds the Wonderettes singing group entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware holiday party when Santa goes missing. The production features 1960s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run” and “Winter Wonderland.”
WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16, 2 p.m. Dec. 16-17
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $25-45
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
“Polar Express”
Turlock Community Theatre invites young and old to show up in their pajamas or other comfortable wear to view the holiday classic “The Polar Express” on the big screen. Santa Claus will make an appearance after the movie for children to whisper their wishes.
WHEN: 2 p.m. Dec. 10
WHERE: Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 E. Canal Drive
TICKETS: $5
ONLINE: www.turlocktheatre.org