Rosebud Theatre has for years possessed the gifts of story telling, entertainment, evoking emotions and inspiring.
This Christmas they are also sharing “The Gifts of the Magi.”
This musical is based on the classic O’Henry short story of selfless giving and irresistible love. Mark St. Germain and Randy Courts took the simple story and created a tale of the hardship of a young couple in New York City facing the hustle, opulence and poverty of the berg, and a Christmas without snow.
Cassia Schramm, recent graduate of Rosebud School of the Arts,commnded he stage last season with roles in Oliver! and The Secret Garden. In Gift of the Magi she plays Della, one half of the young couple in their tiny flat furnished with a shabby little couch. Jim, played by Aaron Krogman, who is also recognizable from the Rosebud stage after playing roles in Fiddler on the Roof, Christmas on the Air and a Bright Particular Star, hits the pavement each morning in search of work. While his love for his young bride is unquestioned, being part of a faceless, jobless mass is taking its toll on the young man with Christmas just days away especially when Jim has no means to buy a gift for his wife.
Those who are touched by the simplicity of the original story would certainly be curious how a musical production could carry the fable without losing its charm.
Rosebud succeeds. The flavour of New York and all of its hustle is captured through a simple set and the versatility of “City Him” (Joel Stephanson) and “City Her” (Laura Gillespie) who help set each scene. Mike Thiessen, through his homeless character “Soapy” provides comic relief and Natalie Gauthier as a newspaper boy provides a gentle narration to keep the play moving.
While much is added to the original story in the production, the emotion of the “two foolish children” whose sacrifices pale in comparison to their love, is not lost.
One of Rosebud’s continual successes is bringing in the Christmas season with its final production of the season. Year after year, the productions warm the heart of its audience, delivering them their first gift of the season.