O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi and The Last Leaf [CAST RECORDING]

Peter Ekstrom (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 1, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Harbinger
• ASIN: B00002SWKW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #352,259 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The stories of O.Henry are the basis for this pair of one-act chamber-sized musicals by Peter Ekstrom (Kiss Me Quick Before the Lava Reaches the Village). "The Gift of the Magi" is the famous tale about a couple who sacrifice everything to give each other a Christmas present. (The story is printed in full in the CD booklet.) Emily Loesser (Frank's daughter) and husband Don Stephenson deliver the warm and witty score (the lilting "Tomorrow Is Christmas," the frenzied "Your Hair Is Gone!"), then are joined by Theresa McCarthy and Bruce Adler for "The Last Leaf," another tale of selfless giving. It's more somber than "Magi," but has some lovely, soaring songs, especially for the women ("Listen to the Wind," the title tune), and the minimal accompaniment of piano, cello, harp, and clarinet conveys the perfect atmosphere. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars O. Henry Christmas, February 2, 2000

By	Ted Shaffner (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A perfect holiday entertainment, November 24, 1999

By	J. D. Coldren (Michigan City, IN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Christmas musicals, December 15, 1999

By	Musa Mayer (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

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.