The Gift of the Magi
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Based on the short story by O. Henry
Dramatized by Mark Bedell

 

Cast of Characters:

Jim
Della

 

Scenes:

I: Broadway, NYC (1908)

II: Jim & Della’s apartment (1905), 8 days before Christmas

III: Broadway (1905), 4 days before Christmas

IV: Jim & Della’s apartment, 3, 2 and 1 day before Christmas

V: Broadway, Christmas Eve

VI: Jim & Della’s apartment, Christmas Eve

 

 

"Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim’s gold watch that had been his father’s and his grandfather’s. The other was Della’s hair….It reached below her knee and made itself almost a garment for her…." (From the story)

Join Jim and Della as they each sacrifice their most prized possession to buy the other a gift. Probably O. Henry’s best-known and most beloved story, THE GIFT OF THE MAGI contains timeless messages of caring, generosity, sacrifice and love—that are not limited to a particular faith. (NOTE: Yes, this play mentions Christmas, but it is not a "religious" play!!!)

From 1988 to 2001, THE GIFT OF THE MAGI was KTC's most-requested production. 

"The production was very well done.  I like how you took a familiar adult story and adapted it for younger students.  It appealed to each age level, and each age got a different message from it according to their understanding.  You had everyone laughing and having a wonderful time!"
(Minot Consolidated School, Minot, ME)

"Absolutely wonderful! A very fine presentation in every way. Your set was divine in its period. It transmitted a special feeling as well as being visually attractive. The acting was very smooth. The rapport between you was very special; so much so, that the first thing the children asked me when we got back to class was—"are they really married?" (Algonquin School, Prospect, CT)

 

"I hope you can keep such a wonderful production as part of your repertoire. It is a real picture of the meaning of Christmas at a time when material things tend to keep our focus off what love is all about! It was truly a memorable performance." (Carroll L. McKusick School, Parkman, ME)



"I thought your play was fantastic!  The special effects, background, and everything else really show you put lots of time in the play.  The best thing, though, was the purpose.  To give not to receive, to give what you love most in sacrifice is a great task.  Thank you very sincerely." (Lucien, Grade 5)


"I loved it!!!  My class (5 yr. olds) was mesmerized.  Even though they didn't understand some parts, they really enjoyed the costumes, special effects, live performers.  The play was fast-paced so it kept their attention and the acting was superb!  I judge the value of performances by my children's reactions, and according to them, this was EXCELLENT!"  (Clinton Elementary School, Clinton, ME)

Available for production rights.
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The Gift of the Magi was written by Mark Bedell in 1988
This show has been produced by:

KRACKERJACK THEATRE CO. (Semi Natl. Tour)
Every December (40 performances each December) from 1988 to 2002

GARZA THEATRE (Post TX)
Main Stage Show 2008

THE PALACE THEATRE (Manchester, NH)
"Schools bussed in" 2008

Up The Gift of the Magi The Fisherman's Wife Christopher Columbus Stories From Planet Earth The Frog Prince The (Mis)Adventures of Don Quixote Androcles & the Lion The Emperor's Nightengale

setstats Copyright 2008 by Mark Bedell
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