Holiday favorite turned on its ear; well-loved authors at Misty Valley; St. Luke’s Christmas celebration

Pickles Reese in Totally Scrooged!

Totally Scrooged! one man show in Grafton

It’s open season on the holiday season as comic actor Pickles Reese unloads both barrels and blows the doors off tradition in histour d’ farce Totally Scrooged!  This saucy solo sendup of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is presented one night only, at 7:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 14,  at Grafton’s Town Hall Auditorium, 117 Main St., in Grafton.

Reese, the Clown Prince of Mirth and Mayhem and Wizard of Wit, deliciously dishes up all the beloved characters and all of Victorian London, slightly pickled of course in this evening of live theater and cabaret comedy at its finest.

Now in its 20th season, this show has delighted audiences from Cape Cod to Cape Canaveral. Always cutting edge and topical, the evening overflows with local color and references as Pickles Reese masterfully transitions from character to character, and from scene to scene with ease, grace and good humor, yet preserving and tenderly delivering the story’s timeless beauty and message.  The performance  is suggested for mature audiences. Proceeds from the $15 suggested donation will help relieve hunger in our community.  For further information please call 802-843-1162

Talk and dinner with author of Lunch with Buddha

Roland Merullo, author of Breakfast with Buddha, will talk about his latest book, Lunch with Buddha, at Misty Valley Books, 58 The Common, at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15.  Following the talk, have dinner with Buddha — or rather Merullo — at Alice’s Restaurant, down the street at 70 The Common.

The most popular of Merullo’s 10 novels, Breakfast with Buddha is a quirky, funny road-trip book with a spiritual and philosophical dimension that has enjoyed wide acclaim.
Lunch with Buddha continues the story of Otto and his now brother-in-law, the Buddhist monk Rinpoche, who once again discover themselves on a long road trip, albeit under considerably different circumstances.

“A quiet meditation on life, death, darkness and spirituality, sprinkled with humor, tenderness and stunning landscapes,” wrote one reviewer. A reception and book signing will follow Roland Merullo’s remarks.

Contact Misty Valley Books at 875-3400 for more information and to make reservations to dine with Merullo — or visit www.mvbooks.com.

Gardening Guy branches out with children’s book

Henry Homeyer will introduce his new children’s book.

Henry Homeyer, best known as The Gardening Guy because of his informative and entertaining garden column in New England newspapers, is now a children’s book author with the release of Wobar and the Quest for the Magic Calumet.  He will be at Misty Valley Books, 58 The Common in Chester, to talk about and sign his book from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16.

Wobar is a fantasy-adventure about a boy, a cougar and a quest. Wobar was found on a doorstep shortly after his birth with a full head of hair – and a mustache. A big mustache that causes him endless trouble at school with other kids. He also has the magical ability to communicate with animals.

Wobar is illustrated by Homeyer’s stepson, Josh Yunger, who will also be on hand at Misty Valley Books. Holiday refreshments will be provided.  Contact the Misty Valley Books at 875-3400 for more information or visit www.mvbooks.com.

 St. Luke’s celebrates with Lessons and Carols

The Lessons and Carols Celebration at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 313 Main St. in Chester, might remind you of your childhood: those special verses about anticipating the birth of Christ, those very familiar Christmas carols you know by heart and more importantly the connection to people who are all in the same place,  to wait, watch and wish for a beautiful Christmas, centered on the birth of the Christ.

Following the service is a potluck supper — something St. Luke’s offers as a gift — good food, great fellowship. For more information, visit http://www.stlukesepiscopalvt.org/special%20%20events.html