Holidays in the McGivern world

Storyteller and humorist John McGivern brings “It’s Holiday Time in the McGivern World” to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 6.

McGivern’s new show combines previously unheard recollections with classic stories of Christmases past and growing up as one of six children in an Irish Catholic working-class family in Milwaukee. New tales include “Childhood Snow Storms,” “Christmas Mass/Altar Boy Chronicles,” “Corned Beef/ Wooden Pews...Deadly Combination,” “St. Rose Orphanage-Orphans” and “Are those Ball Bearings on the Christmas Cookies?”

“In addition to making us laugh, John’s stories spark a personal connection because his humor reflects real families and their strengths and foibles,” said Ann Brusky, John Michael Kohler Arts Center performing arts coordinator. “We are very pleased to bring him back as a holiday treat for all.”

An actor and playwright, McGivern’s fans refer to him as the “Garrison Keillor of Wisconsin.” McGivern “…paints richly colored word memories that affectionately illustrate the quirks and benefits of Wisconsin culture,” wrote Damien Jacques, theater critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

“It’s Holiday Time in the McGivern World” will have just three performances in Sheboygan: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the Arts Center at (920) 458-6144. For more information, visit www.jmkac. org/Footlights2009.

Those attending the Friday or Saturday show can make a full evening of it with dinner in the ARTcafe. Chef Elizabeth Giovannetti has put together a menu of seared salmon with penne pasta, roasted vegetables, and a light white wine sauce; or roasted pork loin with cranberry chutney, roasted baby red potatoes, and a green side salad.

Dinner guests are asked to arrive between 5:30 and 6:15 p.m. if attending the performance. Reservations are recommended.