Marsha Waggoner: Joe Rykert and friends put on a great show at Gallo
Who were the luckiest people in Modesto on Aug. 10? Those in the audience at “A Show for Joe” at the Gallo Center. If ever Modesto had a right to burst its buttons, it was in the presentation of the talent of this community. The groups that shared their talents, YES Co.’s “Mary Poppins” participants, the Dance Academy’s dancers, the cast of MPA’s “Guys and Dolls,” and the Camaratta Singers have every right to be proud.
The voice that stole the show belonged to the man for whom the show was being done, Joe Rykert. Despite his medical condition, he brought the house down. The show would not have been possible if not for Jeremy Stolle. He came home from his role in “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway in New York. His rich baritone showed why he is starring on Broadway.
For those of you, and there were many, who missed the show, I am truly sorry. It was an evening to remember. My prayers go out to Joe and his family as he faces this challenge. As the show proved, he is doing so with class!
Marsha Waggoner, Modesto
This story was originally published August 12, 2015 at 11:35 AM with the headline "Marsha Waggoner: Joe Rykert and friends put on a great show at Gallo."