THE GIFT OF THE MAGI: THE MUSICAL to Run 11/21-12/1 at Players' Ring

Based on the beloved, classic short story by O. Henry, The Gift of the Magi: the Musical rings in a magical holiday season at The Players' Ring in Portsmouth. This original adaptation for the stage written by David Mauriello with music and lyrics by Robert Johnson, is a production of Awareness UNlimited of Stratham, and is directed by Deb Barry. Musical direction is shared by David Moore and Sabrina Avedisian. The show runs for ten performances from November 21 through December 1.

The Gift of the Magi: the Musical is an enduring story of love and sacrifice in the midst of the Christmas season in 1918 New York City. The world is at war. Times are difficult for many Americans. In this closely-knit community, everyone works hard to get what little they have. For Jim and Della, it's their first Christmas together as a married couple. What each wishes for most of all is to give "the perfect gift" to his/her beloved. Through their struggles to obtain these elusive gifts, Jim and Della let Christmas remind them what truly is most important.

Emily Karel and Ben Bagley lead the cast in their roles of Della and Jim. Joining them on stage are Lauren Bamford, Michael Staley, Todd Fernald, Jennifer Hill, Daisy Hill Spear, and Alex Pease, each appearing as multiple characters.

The live musical accompaniment for the show will be lead by co-music director, David Moore. Several other local musicians will contribute to the underlying folk atmosphere of the production with traditional instruments such as guitar, fiddle, and accordion.

Gift of the Magi: the Musical is a production of Awareness UNlimited, a NH non-profit organization. The mission of Awareness UNlimited is to facilitate awareness and diversity programming with schools, businesses, civic groups/organizations, and communities, fostering understanding and respect, opening minds and opening worlds. www.awarenessunlimited.org