From the Desk of Jim R, Take 2, Column 286, A Review: "The Gifts of the Magi" (The Arts at Angeloria's)

By James V. Ruocco

"Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are the wisest. Everywhere they are the wisest. They are the Magi."

(O. Henry. "The Gift of the Magi.")

The Victorian ambience of The Arts at Angeloria's  beautifully designed, intimate venue lends itself nicely to the theater's charming holiday presentation of "The Gifts of the Magi," an 85-minute musical based on O. Henry's 1905 literary classic "The Gift of the Magi" and his lesser-known story "The Cop and the Anthem." Here, room by room, are Christmas trees, garlands, ribbons, fairy lights, ornaments and candles that reflect the bygone Victorian era, offset by period lamps, dining room tables, sofas, loveseats, cabinets, curios and buffets that prompt glorious visions of late 19th and early 20th century life. It's all yours to peruse and enjoy prior to the start of the show, during a 15-minute intermission and after the show has ended.

Lori Holm, the artistic director of the venue, is also on hand to entertain theatergoers with memorable stories about the property, its Victorian splendor, its design, its history, its people and its treasured antiques and gifted donations. Looking as if she stepped right out of a Victorian postcard, utilizing some beautifully designed period costuming and accessories, Holm, is a vision of loveliness and charm befitting the days of a nostalgic past. She was last seen as Donna Sheridan in the theater's exhilarating summer presentation of "Mamma Mia!" where she gave a showstopping turn as an independent woman confronted by her very colorful past.

Inside the theater, a cast of eight, dressed in choice period costumes, nicely coordinated by Kim Turret and Liz Parsons, await the start of this festive offering, which tells the familiar story of a young husband and wife, who, due to a lack of money, address the challenges of gift-giving by making certain sacrifices and choices to fulfill each other's dreams on Christmas morning.

Adapted for the stage with a book by writer Mark St. Germain, this musical telling wisely retains the sentiment, spirit, morality and invaluable lessons and themes set forth by Henry, mixed with dialogue, characters, irony, truths and plot twists that move the story forward with wit, pathos and profundity that is sweet, palpable and inviting. 
Retaining the stylized technique of Henry, Germain outlines this "Magi" with the well-knit suspense, observation, coincidence, conflict and suspense that made the original work so popular. All of the scenes are strategically placed and realized. The characters themselves are smartly envisioned to fit the play's musical format and its story progression. Nothing is overplayed or preachy. And the ending - a happy one, of course - rings loud and clear, reminding everyone that, in life, a greater good can ultimately be achieved through love and sacrifice.

Directing "The Gifts of the Magi" at The Arts at Angeloria's, director Sara Fabrizio creates a completely immersive, exciting theatrical experience that exemplifies the heartfelt sentiment and enchantment of the original O. Henry story. Using the theater's small, intimate space to full advantage, she moves her cast of eight briskly throughout this familiar tale with simple, important blocking techniques and movements, some of which take place center stage, to the left, to the right or downstage and off into the center aisle for reflection, song and genuine pitter-patter. It's a choice that is awash with thrust and continuity, time and place, hope and generosity and a lens of togetherness that serves the material well. The production also benefits from Amelia Nemeth's cheeky music hall-style choreography, a flavorful mix of period rootedness, artistry and highly spirited dashes of humor, gaiety and playful arrangement.

The songbook for "The Gifts of the Magi" was created by Randy Courts (music) and Mark St. Germain (lyrics). It contains thirteen musical numbers, all of which are cleverly interspersed throughout the story and sung by the show's principal and supporting players. They are: "Star of the Night," "Gifts of the Magi," "Jim and Della," "Christmas Is to Blame," "How Much to Buy My Dream?" "The Restaurant," "Once More," "Bum Luck," "Greed," "Pockets," "The Same Girl," "The Gift of Christmas," "Gifts of the Magi (reprise)." 
The songs themselves, all serviceable to the plot and the advancement of the story, are well worth hearing and performed with an ardent synergy and style that rightfully portrays the thoughts and feelings of the characters who sing them. As the story evolves, musical director Ed Rosenblatt allows his performers to pour their hearts out in song, always making sure they are vocally correct, distinct and stirring with their musical assertiveness. He succeeds nicely.
There is genuine sparkle here with some simply delightful orchestral touches, reminiscent of music created by both Stephen Sondheim and Alan Menken. Off to the side but onstage throughout the performance, "The Gifts of the Magi" accompanist Bill D'Andrea (at the piano), taking his cue from Rosenblatt, creates many fine musical moments that are rendered with excitement, refinement and wonderfully controlled effect. Clarity is key here, and all of the music - ballads, comedic numbers, duets - is played out, performed and executed with deep affection for both composer and lyricist.

"The Gift of the Magi" stars Joey Abate as Willy Porter, Jason Michael as Soapy Smith, Kaity Marzik as Della Dillingham and Charles Clark as Jim Dillingham. Kassiani Areti Kontothanasis, Joe Berthiaume, Samantha Gamez and Kuhlken Gorman also lend support as members of The City, Him and Her. Casting wise, all eight performers are exactly right for the parts they are asked to portray. The show's major two stand outs are Porter and Michael who bring plenty of personality, charm and charisma to their parts throughout the "Magi" story. One anxiously awaits their next character turn, song, joke or dramatic stance.

As Willy Porter, the affable newsboy who tells the "Magi" story through song and narration, Abate beguiles, charms and cajoles his audience with a nostalgic enthusiasm that is real, truthful and honestly conceived. Vocally, he's polished and controlled, always knowing when and how to make a point, sell a lyric or carry the story forward through song. In the role of Soapy Smith, a homeless individual hoping to be arrested to secure a warm bed and a holiday meal, Michael brings so much zest and personality to the role, you can't help but cheer him on in his quest for a warm cell and a Christmas feast of turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. Kontothanasis, another determined, charismatic performer, offers a committed, powerful character turn, fueled by imagination, wit and great comic timing. Vocally, she is also is fine voice. 

Everyone else, in turn, has his or her own moment in the spotlight and delivers both different and engaging performances that are entirely memorable. What's also gratifying about this particular group (great casting on Fabrizio's part) is that they all work so well together as one, in pairs or in groups. There is trust here. There is dedication. There is passion. There is a great love of performance. And yes, they are unstoppable.

A sweet-tinged scrapbook of a memory's past, "The Gifts of the Magi" is a thoroughly enjoyable holiday confection that is front-page news for anyone willing to succumb to its pioneered Christmas delights. It is afresh with an emotional story arc that is compassionate, cheery and openly mirthful. Musically, it charges forward with precision and snap that's playfully delivered under the tutelage of musical director Ed Rosenblatt and assigned accompanist Bill D'Andrea. The cast - all eight of them - immerse us in the "Magi's" musical merriment and awakening. And director Sara Fabrizio's wondrous mindset evokes a spirt and copious surrender that is vibrant, great fun and bristling with the kind of life you find once-a-year at Christmastime.

The Gifts of the Magi" is being staged at The Arts at Angeloria's (223 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike, Southington, CT), now through December 5, 2021.
For tickets or more information, call (860) 426-9690.