Aaron Frey, PR Specialist, 309.341.5301, afrey@sandburg.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GALESBURG — The year 1947 comes to life onstage in Carl Sandburg College Theater’s production of “The Gift of the Magi” at 7 p.m. Nov. 15-17 in the Fine Arts Theatre on the Main Campus in Galesburg, 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
On the set at the Columbia Broadcasting System, radio actors bring to life the heartfelt story of love and sacrifice, which mirrors the sentiments of the three wise men bringing gifts to the newborn Savior. But unlike that sacred night long ago, this night involves cranky radio actors, missed cues bad attitudes and overacting. Yet, somewhere in there, O. Henry’s original story is maintained. Complete with manual sound effects and radio ads of the time, the play has something for everyone.
“For those that love the classic story, it’s still there,” director and assistant professor of theater Susan Sharp said. “We want to transport you to 1947 in every way, and you’ll see that embodied visually throughout the production.”
The play involves the classic characters of Della (played by Grace Robbins of Victoria) and Jim (Noah Northrup, Kirkwood) as they celebrate their first anniversary and Christmas in their modest home. When Della and Jim can’t afford presents for each other, they each sell something very dear to them in order to buy something for the other. The rest of the cast includes June Detrick of Knoxville; Nicholas Phillips of Monmouth; Sheila Bowling of Cameron; Meghan Medhurst of Alexis; Nick Jacobs of Camanche, Iowa; Kolissa Newkirk of Galesburg; and Hannah Hitchcock of Monmouth.
“We hope to put you in the holiday spirit,” Sharp said, “even if it isn’t in the traditional sense. In this divisive time in American history, a lot of people find themselves facing family with political or ideological differences around the holidays, and this version of the story embraces that tension.”
Tickets are $8 for general admission; $4 for senior citizens and veterans; and $2 for non-Sandburg students. Admission is free to Sandburg students, faculty and staff with a College ID. The box office opens at 6 p.m. each night, and doors open at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Sharp at 309.341.5287 or ssharp@sandburg.edu.
***Report courtesy of Carl Sandburg College***
