 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.
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