Customer Reviews

O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi and The Last Leaf

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a remarkable album. The music is profoundly moving and often very humorous as well. I listen to it constantly, and would recommend it very highly. Peter Ekstrom is among our most accomplished composers for the musical theater.

Peter Ekstrom's musical adaptation of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" has been a traditional holiday treat at the Actor's Theatre of Louisville for 17 years. This CD combines that one-act musical with the slightly darker but touching O. Henry story, "A New Leaf". The singing is extraordinary. The orchestrations sparkle. We play "Magi" over and over again and find something new to sing along with every time.

Now, if the producers could only find a "name" country and western singer to record the Christmas songs, the album would fly off the shelves.

Peter Ekstrom's "Gift of the Magi"offers this tender O'Henry story of two young newlyweds down on their luck in a new form that all can enjoy. The wonderfully performed songs are sweet and funny, the story is classic and always timely. "The Last Leaf," from another O'Henry tale, also beautifully rendered, gives a tuneful perspective on the enduring power of hope and friendship, even at the darkest times.

Having followed Peter Ekstrom's career for years, including several productions of The Gift of Magi and The Last Leaf, it is a delight to see these productions brought so beautifully to CD. Ekstrom is one of the most talented American composers writing today for musical theater; and this CD is a terrifc example of his skill. The cast interprets the story wonderfully. You will find this presentation truly irresistable.

I have enjoyed Mr. Ekstrom's music for years as a regular patron of Actors Theatre--I was thrilled to learn of the availability of a CD! This music is delightful! The story is a wonderful reminder of how Christmas ought to be for all of us! Buy it! Enjoy it! Most of all share the wonderful feelings it inspires!

This is a wonderful holiday CD for one and all. The stories are beautifully told through the music. The artists are excellent singers...and the lyrics and melodies are all absorbing and transforming. It's one of the best new CD's I've heard in a long time!

For all of us who are extremely cynical about how the meaning of Christmas has been twisted into into a world wide marketing ploy, Peter Ekstrom's "Magi" beautifully provides a remedy wherein we are made to understand again that the purest gift, love, is the only one that matters.

Peter Ekstrom succeeds in remaining true to the original delightful O.Henry tales of selfless giving while adding exquisite music and delightful dramatization. Fantastic melodies, great lyrics, and a superb cast retell these classics of American short stories with all the humor and poignancy of the originals. A must have for the Holiday Season and throughout the year.

I have heard this album and think it is terrific. The story stands well on its own but the music truly does make it magical. Sometimes we need to sit back and think about what is important in life. This is a wonderful CD to own and it makes a great gift.