Americana Theatre Company Presents THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

Americana Theatre Company (ATC), Plymouth's professional theatre company, presents the heart-warming holiday season musical The Gift of the Magi, from December 5 through 16, with performances at Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North Street, Plymouth. The Gift of the Magi is based on the book by O. Henry, adapted by Randy Courts and Mark St. Germain. The production is directed by audience favorite Marianne Savell.

It is 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 (she her beautiful long hair, he his heirloom pocket watch) in order to buy presents for each other, thereby creating for a magical moment, an aura of warmth and giving in the cold, impersonal winter city. Catch glimpses of various city folk going about their holiday business, and the hilarious plight of a cheerful bum named Soapy, who wants only to get arrested so he can spend the night in a cozy cell. The Gift of the Magi is gracefully enhanced by tuneful songs and neatly tied together by a newsboy-narrator, Willy, who adds his own melodious contribution and observations to the delightful proceedings.

The Gift of the Magi cast features ATC members David Friday, Erin Friday, Jesse Sullivan and Gavin Killea, as well as guest performers from New York.

Marianne Savell's professional directing credits include: The critically acclaimed Jeff nominated Someone Who'll Watch Over Me (Victory Gardens, Chicago), in Los Angeles: the world premiere and LA Weekly award winner Gulf View Drive, LA Weekly award winner Wit, King Lear, Angel Street, Translations, the critically acclaimed and multi-award nominated As It Is In Heaven, It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, The Crucible, Hamlet and Molly Sweeney. Closer to home, she's directed A Christmas Carol at New Stage Theatre and Americana Theatre Company's An Inspector Calls and Moonlight and Magnolias. Marianne is an associate artist at Taproot Theatre Company in Seattle, the former producing director of Actors Co-op in Hollywood and served on the advisory board of Provision Theater Company in Chicago.

Tickets for The Gift of the Magi are $35 general admission, $30 for students and seniors. Evening performances begin at 7 pm, Sunday matinees are held at 2 pm. The production is recommended for ages 6 and up.

For tickets to The Gift of the Magi, or more information about Americana Theatre Company, visit www.americanatheatre.org, or call 508-591-0282. Advance ticket purchases are recommended, as seating is limited to capacity. Plymouth Center for the Arts is handicap accessible, and public parking is available street side and in nearby public lots.