The Gifts of the Magi is a Gift to Atlanta!

My favorite Christmas story is O. Henry's tale The Gift of the Magi, so I was thrilled to be the guest of Theatrical Outfit for their musical version. This was my first trip to the Balzer Theatre, but I assure you, it won't be my last. This is a fantastic venue with a very wide stage and steeply teared seating, so everyone is close, has a great view and can her even the slightest whisper. 

This is the story of a pair of young, penniless newly weds at Christmastime in 19th century New York. With no job and no money, they are struggling just to survive and are beginning to wonder if they should admit defeat and just go back home. Though their situation is bleak, they have three great treasures, Della's beautiful waist length hair, Jim's heirloom gold pocket watch and their deep love for each other.

Told through the eyes of Willie, the newspaper vendor, The Gifts of the Magi combines this love story with another O.Henry tale about Soapy Smith, a cheerful bum who wants to get arrested so he can spend Christmas in a warm jail cell. His song and dance duet with Jim, "Bum Luck"is delightful!  Masterfully portrayed by Glenn Rainey, Soapy will win your heart in spite of his larcenous deeds! 
The music is gorgeous.  Bernardine Mitchell (Willie) is magnificent! Her rich voice filled the theatre and thrilled our hearts. Her final solo is breathtaking.  Her wise demeanor and sparkling eyes make you believe in Christmas miracles. She is truly an Atlanta treasure and I hope to see all of her future performances.

Kayce Grogan-Wallace (City Her) and Jeff McKerley (City Him) deserve a Tony for playing the most roles in one production! I lost count, but I'm sure there were more than twenty costume and accent changes by these two including very funny French waiters, a "lady of the night", a mean landlord, the policeman, a kind hearted butcher, an indignant Irish wash woman and many, many more. They were hilarious and I loved their song "Greed", spoofing the commercialism of the holidays.