The Gift of the Magi
Music by Randy Courts, lyrics by Mark St. Germain and Randy Courts
drawn from two short stories by O. Henry.
Players Theatre, Off-Broadway 1 December, 1975 (48 perfs)
Lamb's Theatre, Off-Broadway - December 4, 1990 (32 perfs)
Synopsis
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 outer 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 cosy 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.
Cast:
4 men 2 women.
- Jim Young - a young working man
- Della Young - his wife of one month
- Antionio Giordano - a street vendor
- Reilly - a Policeman
- Schiller - Owner of the jewellery shop
- Henry - Schiller's Clerk
- Salvation Army Band - 2 women, 1 man (who are actually singers, not musicians)
- Willie - Antonio's Son
- Three Other Youngsters - 2 of them girls, or any large number
- Madame Safronie - a hair and comb merchant
- Amelia - her Clerk
Note: All the characters, except Jim and Della, sing in the choruses.
Musical Numbers:
- The Beautiful Children
- Brave You
- Day After Day
- Della's Desire
- The Gift
- He Did It, She Did It!
- I've Got Something Better
- Kids Are Out
- The Magi Waltz
- Make Him Think I'm Still Pretty
- Mr. James Dillingham Young
- A Penny saved
- Pretty Lady
- Quiet Morning
- Sullivan Street Flat
- There You Go Again
- Till Tomorrow
- Washington Square
- You'd Better Tell Her
Place: a Big City
Time: Christmas, many years ago
Instrumentation:
Piano/Conductor, Drum (optional)