by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
The holidays are truly a time when tradition is cherished. We go through the ritual of untangling strings of lights to decorate a Christmas tree. We spend hours shopping for, hording, and wrapping gifts for our loved ones. We read stories to our children that stress peace on Earth and goodwill toward men. Tradition plays a big role in our entertainment during this time of year too. Movies like A Christmas Story and It’s a Wonderful Life play on a loop in most homes and I don’t know of any other time of year when I would listen to Bing Crosby on purpose. One of my family’s traditions is to see a holiday-themed performance. Last year it was A Christmas Carol at the Alhambra. The year before that it was a concert at the Landing. This year we headed out to the newly reopened St. Augustine Amphitheatre for Theatre Saint Augustine’s production of Gift of the Magi.
In this adaptation of the classic O. Henry short story we’re transported back to Christmas, 1931. America has been struck by the Great Depression and trivial things like Christmas gifts are reserved only for the incredibly wealthy. Our protagonists are Jim (Paul Ramey) and Della (Anna Meade) Dillingham Young, a married couple hit hard by the poor economy. Despite this, both want to get a special Christmas present for the other. Unfortunately, all the scrimping and saving the two have secretly done has amounted to very little. In order to give their loved one the perfect gift, each sacrifices their most beloved treasure. Balthasar (Gerald Eubanks), a wise homeless man whose life intersects with the couple’s, serves as our narrator. The play also features Grayson Ross as wig-maker Madame Sofronie.
Gift of the Magi is Theatre Saint Augustine’s inaugural production. Founded earlier this year, the new company promises to bring the best of classic and contemporary theatre to the area. One such production they are hoping to revive is The Cross and the Sword, Florida’s official state play. That particular piece hasn’t been performed in a decade due to lack of funding. Theatre Saint Augustine will also be developing programs, workshops and classes to help build St. Johns County’s theatrical community.
The company is no doubt off to a great start. A third performance of Gift of the Magi had to be added to accommodate all who wanted to see the play on Winter Wonderland’s opening night. On my way into the evening’s final presentation, I overheard people on the way out commenting on how great the show was. I can’t say I disagree. The performances were admittedly a bit shaky at times, most likely due to opening night jitters, but all in all the play was delightful. This particular adaptation called for Jim and Della to do some a cappella singing and both Ramey and Meade do a wonderful job. Naturally, the show hinges on these two roles and these actors pull it off thanks to a great deal of chemistry and charm. In supporting roles, Eubanks embraces the character of wise old Balthasar with gusto and Ross’s Madame Sofronie was an audience favorite, despite her limited time on stage. The play itself is brief, clocking in at around a half an hour, so young theatre-goers should have no problem sitting through the show. Both my five and three-year-old were captivated by the story and the ever-changing sets – they’d never seen a revolving set before and were amazed each time the lights came up to reveal a new room.
Of all the things to see and do at Winter Wonderland, Theatre Saint Augustine’s Gift of the Magi is the one most likely to get you into the holiday spirit. The heartwarming tale is perfect for family viewing and is a fine way to begin the season.
Gift of the Magi is currently being performed at Winter Wonderland at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre in the 56-seat Legacy Room. Because of the limited seating, be sure to arrive early to be guaranteed a chair. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 and 8 pm and Sundays at 2 and 4 pm. Tickets are just $5.
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