Production History

The Gift of the Magi, 2021

NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 19
Touchstone Theatre

Book by James DeVita
Lyrics by James DeVita & Josh Schmidt
Music by Josh Schmidt

James DeVita and Josh Schmidt's original musical based on O. Henry's classic tale of love and generosity returns to the Touchstone at long last. It's been hailed as "a Christmas Delight" (The Isthmus). We've also been told that "It’s difficult to imagine a more idyllic holiday escape..." (The Shepherd Express). But don't take our word for it (or even theirs). This is a play that longs to be seen. To be reveled in and celebrated with friends and family. So help us celebrate the end of this remarkable season along with Jim and Della, who, with full hearts and empty pockets, seek the perfect gift for one another only to find they already have all they need.

Featuring Kelsey Brennan, Brian Mani and Marcus Truschinski.

Cast

Della

Jim

O. Henry

Musician / Busker

Cellist

Staff

Assistant Director

Devin Christor

Voice & Text Coach

Eva Breneman

Costume Design

Samantha C. Jones^†

Scenic Design

Lighting Design

Jared Gooding

Sound Design & Original Music

Josh Schmidt^†

Choreographer

Jessica Bess Lanius^*

Associate Musical Director

Stage Manager

Evelyn Matten^*

^* Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers

^** Member of Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, an Independent Labor Union

^† Member of United Scenic Artists

Director's Note

What are you grateful for?

What matters most?

What is love?

What do you really need?

How many times have you asked or answered those questions over the last 20 months? When you have lost so much - what you counted on to provide for your family, foresight of what lies ahead - what have you gained? For many, when confronted with those very questions, the answer is clarity.

The Gift of the Magi is more relevant now than ever before. There was no need to explain in rehearsals what it means to put oneself in Jim and Della’s shoes; to imagine working with a shrinking budget, rising above disappointment, daring to ride the wave of hope, all while knowing there are so many going through so much worse. Returning to live theater has made us hyper aware of the humbling lessons we’ve learned in 2020 – the exponential growth and profound respect and admiration gained for those who choose this calling to create art and for those who choose to support it.

Look, we all deserve some cheer this holiday season! Things are not back to normal, there are still some things to reconcile, navigate through, and yes, in due time and with determination, we will. But you, my friend, are here. And I am grateful for you. I am grateful for the honor and privilege of being able to bring this story to you alongside the most talented team a girl could ask for.

I pray that The Gift of the Magi helps us all to remember the moment when the only thing that mattered was if your loved one was safe; that brief moment when everything was so clear, or unclear, that there was freedom in letting it just…be, reminding us of who and what is most important.

Thank you for supporting live theater, Wisconsin theater and American Players Theatre.

– Malkia Stampley