The Gifts of the Magi

“a singing and dancing Christmas card” — NY Times

“crisp and entertaining” — NY Daily News

“a bright and beguiling musical…calculated to bring a laugh to the throat and a misty tear to the eye of theatregoers, young or old.” — NY Tribune

Prospect Theater Company presents a benefit concert reading of The Gifts of the Magi, featuring music by Randy Courts and lyrics by Mark St. Germain and Randy Courts. The work is adapted from O Henry’s stories “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Cop and the Anthem.”

It is Christmas in New York, but for two young lovers, Jim and Della, the prospects are bleak, as both are out of work and penniless. But as those familiar with the famous O. Henry story are aware, their dilemma is solved when both part with their most precious possessions (she her beautiful long hair, he his heirloom pocket watch) in order to buy presents for each other thereby creating, at least for a magical moment, an aura of warmth and giving in the cold, impersonal winter city. In addition to their story there are glimpses of various city folk (played by the same two performers) going about their holiday business, and the hilarious plight of a cheerful bum named Soapy, who wants only to get arrested so he can spend the night in a cozy cell, all gracefully enhanced by tuneful songs and neatly tied together by a newsboy-narrator, Willy, who adds his own melodious contribution and informative observations to the delightful proceedings.