African American Repertory Theater to present The Gifts of the Magi

by PegNews wire

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The Gifts of the Magi is a heart-warming, captivating holiday musical treat! It is drawn from two short stories by O. Henry.

The African American Repertory Theater (AART) presents The Gifts of the Magi, books and lyrics by Mark St. Germain and Randy Courts. The Gifts of the Magi is a heart-warming, captivating holiday musical treat! It is drawn from two short stories by O. Henry and is warmed by sentiment and humor, filled with lilting songs, and certain to please audiences of all ages.

It’s 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 in order to by 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 going about their holiday business, and the hilarious plight of a cheerful bum named Soapy, all gracefully enhanced by tuneful songs and neatly tied together by a newsboy-narrator, Willy. The Gifts of the Magi is “... a bright and beguiling musical ... calculated to bring a laugh to the throat and a misty tear to the eye of theater goers, young or old," according to the New York Tribune.

AART's production will be directed by William (Bill) Earl Ray. The musical will open on Friday, December 4 and run through Sunday, December 20 at the Desoto Corner Theatre in DeSoto. A preview performance will be presented on Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. for $12. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20 to $25. The cast members of this holiday musical will feature Stomi Demerson, Major Attaway, Krystal Jemerson, Dennis Raveneau, Erick Finley, and Bryan Blanks.

For ticket information, please visit the AART website at www.aareptheater.com or call 972-572-0998. The African American Repertory Theater produces engaging, culturally diverse theater, while educating the community on African American History and the arts. The City of DeSoto has named AART as its resident theater company for the DeSoto Corner Theatre.

Source: African American Repertory Theater