This unique one-woman show performed by professional actress Michèle LaRue features three vintage stories. O. Henry’s “A Chaparral Christmas Gift” transports us to Wild West California; Stephen Leacock’s “Hoodoo McFiggin’s Christmas” to a big-city boarding house; and Mary E. Wilkins Freeman’s “The Balsam Fir” to hardscrabble Eastern Massachusetts.

“Short stories were very popular in the late 1800s, and now most are online,” notes LaRue. “I read a bunch to find just the right mix. O. Henry’s ‘Chaparral Christmas Gift’ is set a continent away from his ‘Gift of the Magi,’ and concludes with another kind of surprise. Writer Stephen Leacock is new to me, and I laughed out loud when I discovered his account of young Hoodoo McFiggin’s Christmas expectations. Choosing Wilkins Freeman’s ‘The Balsam Fir’ was a no-brainer. She’s my favorite writer to perform; I’ve been fond of this tale for years and have often presented her related springtime story ‘The Apple Tree.’ ”

For 23 years, Michèle LaRue has toured nationally with her rich collection of Tales Well Told. She began performing America’s Gilded Age literature in the parlors and on the porches of Cape May, New Jersey, for the historically minded East Lynne Company. Her rave reviews from 600 sponsors include, “What you have to offer is priceless” (Pennsylvania); “You could hear a pin drop!” (Kentucky); “I was spellbound!” (Seattle); “Perfection” and “Best Christmas present ever!” (NYC).

A Chicago native, LaRue returned long ago to her ancestors’ East Coast, straight from the University of Kansas, where she earned her degree in Acting. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA. As a writer and editor, she has collaborated on many notable theatre books and periodicals.

Tales Well Told is an adult program, recommended for ages 12 & up. It runs one hour, plus talk-back. This event is free, ADA accessible, and open to the public.