TNB Presents The Gifts of the Magi

December 1-4 at the Fredericton Playhouse

It’s Christmas in New York, but for two young lovers the prospects are bleak. Will parting with their most precious possession solve their gift-giving dilemma? What will happen to cheerful bum Soapy’s plan for an unusual winter getaway? And with all this hustle and bustle, will newsboy Willy find any warmth and giving in the cold impersonal city?

“O. Henry’s The Gifts of the Magi still has tremendous resonance with a modern audience,” says TNB Artistic Producer Caleb Marshall who directs the production. “This show also draws on the great O. Henry story The Cop and the Anthem; both are stories I certainly remember from my childhood but rarely dramatized on stage. This heartfelt musical telling of O. Henry’s work is sure to put audiences in the Christmas spirit.”

Playing the couple at the heart of The Gifts of the Magi are Patrick Cook (Jimmy, Chairmaker,TNB 2004) and Jacqueline Thair (Mary, It’s a Wonderful Life, TNB 2009). Veteran New Brunswick character actor Sheldon Davis returns for his fourth TNB production having previously appeared in Kringle’s Window (1996), Jasper Station (2003) and Dear Santa (2003). They are joined by Vaughn Harris, Robert Yeretch and New Brunswick native Martha Farrell (Elaine, The Graduate, TNB 2006)

“This gifted cast of New Brunswick talent, returning artists and new faces bring exceptional acting and musical talent to this holiday production,” says Marshall.

As Musical Director, local composer and ECMA winner Michael Doherty will bring the music and lyrics of Mark St. Germain and Randy Courts to the stage. Local architect John Leroux brings his expertise in heritage architecture to the production to create an early 20th century New York streetscape. Costumes are by TNB Resident set and costume designer Patrick Clark, who was recently recognized with a Lieutenant Governor’s award for high achievement in the arts. Jeff Fevens from The Fredericton Playhouse provides the lighting design.

“Our wonderful artists both onstage and behind the scenes are creating a magical holiday story full of humour, heart and the gift everyone wants… to find the true meaning of Christmas,” says Marshall.

The Gifts of the Magi runs December 1-4 at The Fredericton Playhouse with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday –Saturday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Theatre New Brunswick would like to thank their Production Partner Tim Hortons.

Tickets are available at The Fredericton Playhouse box office (506)458-8344, or online at tnb.nb.ca
Adults $40 | McCain Student Tickets only $10

Media Contact: Heather Allaby, Director of Marketing and Development, Theatre New Brunswick,(506) 460-1381 ext 105