Noble Fool to open comedy 'Christmas Story'

Noble Fool Theatricals presents “A Christmas Story.” Directed by Wheaton native John Gawlik, the production will be performed at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theater, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles.

The show previews this week, opens Saturday evening, Nov. 15, and continues through Saturday, Dec. 27, with performances Wednesday through Sunday.

The play is based on Jean Shepherd’s beloved memoir and the 1983 award-winning film about 9-year-old Ralphie living his middle-class American life in the 1940s, as he narrates his quest to get the ultimate Christmas gift of all time: a genuine Red Ryder BB gun.

Seven of the 11 youth actors come from the NFT Performing Arts Academy. The youth include Michael Etzkorn, 10, of Lisle; Max Lauser, 10, of Naperville; Kelsey Pettrone, 10, of La Grange; Sam Schumacher, 11, of Itasca; Garrett Lee Weaver, 13, of Darien; and Maddy Donatelli, 10, Rebecca Roy, 11, and Charlie Zimmer, 9, all of Geneva.

Show-only tickets and dinner-show packages are available by calling (630) 584-6342 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.noblefool.org.

Wine party benefit set for Child Link

Four downtown La Grange businesses will open their doors and host the sixth Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, to benefit the children served by Child Link. Guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, desserts and Beaujolais Nouveau, as well as other wines as they mingle at each business.

Malia Arnett, CEO of Child Link and a La Grange resident, said, “This event is a perfect way to celebrate with friends before we become busy with the holidays and hibernate for the winter. It’s sort of like Mardi Gras with lots of well-wishers enjoying an evening out together.”

The participating businesses are:
• Bella Bacino’s, 36 S. La Grange Road
• Emilio’s Sunflower Bistro, 30 S. La Grange Road
• Marconi’s Ristorante, 15 Calendar Court
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate, 50 S. La Grange Road

Main Street Liquors and Sam’s Wine and Spirits are additional sponsors and again are donating wine. DJH Investments, National City Bank-La Grange branch and David Groebe with National City Mortgage also are sponsors.

Tickets are $40 and can be ordered online at www.childlnk.org or by calling Child Link at (312) 377-4735.

Artist reception members show on tap

The Berwyn Art League presents its annual Members Fine Art Exhibition at the Triton College Boeger Fine Arts Center, where a reception is planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, the closing day of the show.

The exhibit is on display in building F on the campus at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. For information, call (708) 484-7825 or (708) 788-3695.