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A Note from the Director

I was approached by the MCT Board and asked to direct this year’s December show.  New board member, Jason Kern, was looking for the opportunity to serve as an assistant director in preparation for taking on the director’s chair himself.  I am sure the lack of theater activity during the Covid pandemic made me an easy mark, so I willingly agreed even though I am most comfortable working on costuming or acting.

I first read “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry as an assignment in the fourth grade.  I have always loved this story as well as O. Henry’s other writing.  I read one version of the play that was terribly sad and maudlin; then I read Jon Jory’s adaptation and was pleased at the tone of this play.

I dislike rushing into the Christmas season right after Thanksgiving as I think the Advent season is very important. The script calls for carols throughout the play and stipulates that “The Twelve Days of Christmas” be sung at the close of the play.  I’ve chosen carols that are in the public domain, keeping things simple and not having to request rights.  Our set and props are also kept to a minimum to avoid the overblown sensation that could be possible in a “Christmas story”.

I hope this simple story and our portrayal of it helps to put you in a watchful, waiting, preparatory mood as Christmas approaches, especially when we realize that gathering with many people may be difficult again this year. After all, there is much more to the season than gifts.