Theatre Review: 'The Gifts of the Magi' at The Arts at Angeloria

SOUTHINGTON - The Arts at Angeloria’s is presenting a lovely production of their holiday musical comedy “The Gifts of the Magi” in the black box on the Victorian property in Southington.

This work, adapted by Peter Ekstrom, tells the classic O. Henry short story, through music and lyrics, of the young couple in New York on Christmas Eve 1905, who loved each other so much that each sold their most prized possession to buy the other a Christmas present. Their special gifts exchanged at the end of the performance bring a touching reaffirmation of their unselfish love.

There is some touching humor in the script and a lot of charm in the supporting characters. The musical compositions are a bit uneven, with some unmemorable and some with beautiful harmony to enjoy.

Charles Clark (above) plays Jim Dillingham, who has nearly given up on New York City, the city in which he is a new arrival with his beautiful bride, Bella, portrayed by Kaity Marzik. She wants nothing more than to give beloved Jim a special Christmas gift but she is dirt poor.

Joey Abate stars as Willy, the omnipresent newsboy in 1905 New York City, who serves as the narrator of the piece. Abate brings an admirable charm to the role. Jason Scot (above) plays Soapy Smith, a bum looking for a warm bed and a meal in New York City. The city also keeps a cop busy, played here by Kuhlken Gorman.

Christmas is a beautiful thing in bustling New York City in 1905 when money is no object for the character of “City Her” played by Kassiani Areti Kontothanasis. She sings some lovely melodies with a glorious singing voice. “City Her,” a sweet, impoverished young girl wishing for a white Christmas, is played by Samantha Gamez and “City Him” is played convincingly by Joe Berthiaume.

Lori Holm, the “Angeloria” of this theatre company, is the stage manager of the production dressed in beautiful turn of the century garb. In fact, the entire cast is outfitted in period-appropriate ensembles, with Bella in two very yellow wigs, one long for most of the show and one very short for the final scenes. The set does not overpower the small stage in the black box, but fits the various scenes nicely.

Three more chances remain to see "The Gifts of the Magi" Tickets available for 12/3, 12/4, and 12/5. Please support local artists and small businesses like the Arts at Angeloria’s by attending a show this holiday season. “We’ve created a beautiful piece of art and we’d love to show it to you! Thank you and happy holidays!” Get your tickets for “The Gifts of the Magi” at theartsatangelorias.com