WEYBURN - Crocus 80 Theatre will bring the magic of a holiday classic, The Gift of the Magi, to the stage at the Tommy Douglas Centre this Friday and Saturday.
The Gift of the Magi is a Holiday Play written by local playwright Wendy Lee Sidloski. She was inspired by the writer O. Henry, born in 1867 as William Sydney Porter. He passed away in 1910, but he spent much of his life writing plays. He wrote a short story about a young couple struggling to find funds to afford presents for each other. This inspired Sidloski's play, which is set in New York in the year 1905, and follows a newlywed couple trying to make Christmas magical for each other. The story is short and sweet, and features the voices of some local carollers.
The Community Carollers are a group of local Weyburnites lead by the Colleen Wiemer. This soon-to-be classic play features six talented voices singing many holiday favourites; Silent Night, Deck the Halls, Let It Snow, and more. These strong carollers pair well with the talented cast members.
The cast is made up of five main characters. Klara Leong portrays a new wife, Della alongside her new husband Jim, played by Emerson Jack. These two young actors breathe life into the play. Ron Wormsbecker, ever dressed to impress, plays a humble shopkeeper. Leslie Richards plays Madame Sophronie, a curious but honest character. The fifth and final character is the narrator, depicted by Bernadette Mullen, who also directed the play.
Together this ensemble will transport local residents back to a simpler time. Come and enjoy one of the three showings on Friday and Saturday. Opening night is Friday, December 15 and doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be two shows on Saturday, December 16, a matinee with doors opening at 1 p.m. and the final show with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. There will be a silver collection for updates to the Tommy Douglas Centre at the door. They are also collecting non-perishable food donations for the food bank at the door.