About the Play:

The Gift of the Magi is a one-act drama by Anne Coulter Martens, based on the classic O. Henry short story of the same name. Della and Jim, the main characters, are a young married couple who are very much in love, but have very little money, certainly not enough to give each other the "perfect gift" for their first Christmas together. Nevertheless, they find a way to surprise each other with a gift that expresses how truly deep their love is.

The Gift of the Magi is a touching and beautiful story of a young couple unable to afford presents for each other on their first Christmas together. It is Christmas in New York, but for two young newlyweds, Jim and Della, the prospects are bleak as they are nearly penniless. Each sacrifices a treasure to provide a gift for the other but, in so doing, they work at almost tragically funny cross-purposes. This is a play about young love and the value of giving. Indeed, the Magi were wise – and their gifts were wise gifts, however foolish in the eyes of the practical. But as those familiar with the famous O. Henry story, are aware their dilemma is solved when both show love and compassion for one another with a heart-warming Christmas sacrifice that creates – at least for a magical moment – an aura of warmth and giving in the cold, impersonal winter city. The Gift of the Magi is a story that presents us with the true meaning of the holiday season.

The Gift of the Magi is a timeless Christmas classic. It has become a popular choice for school and community theatre productions.

Cast: 5 female, 2 male

What people say:

"The Gift of the Magi was a wonderful adaptation of the O. Henry story. There were enough characters in the cast for an interesting rendition, yet the entire scope was still small enough for the intimate performances we desired." — Tammy Franklin, Rising Curtain Theatre and Dance

About the Playwright:

Anne Coulter Martens (1906-1977) was an American author and playwright. Virtually all of her work was written for school community theatre.