UCM Theatre and Dance Presents a Special Holiday Production of The Gift of the Magi

By Jeff Murphy, November 22, 2019

WARRENSBURG, MO – University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance will present a production of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. The play is adapted by Jon Jory, and the production will run Dec. 5-8 in UCM’s James L. Highlander Theatre. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5- 7 and 2 p.m.
Dec. 7-8.

A food drive will take place prior to the show. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to drop off under the Christmas tree in the lobby on their way into the theater.  The donation that includes the largest number of items will receive free tickets (limit 6) to our next production of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor.

This heartwarming romantic comedy, narrated by a group of Christmas carolers, tells the story of Della and Jim, two penniless paramours who are desperately in love with each other. In their attempts to buy each other proper Christmas gifts, a strange twist of fate leads the couple to find the perfect gifts for one another, but at an unexpected cost. In a whirlwind adventure, Della and Jim learn the importance of the gift of love in this beautiful adaptation of O. Henry’s classic tale.

The play is directed by Dr. Julie Rae Mollenkamp.  When asked about the show, Dr Mollenkamp stated, “"The design team, a mix of students and faculty, have crafted a stunning Christmas card for this tale to be told in. Lovely and heartening," She added that The Gift of the Magi is “A beautiful story of the true meaning of community and love. You will laugh through your tears and the beloved Christmas carols will surely put the whole family in the holiday spirit!"
     
The cast of The Gift of the Magi includes: Zach Kujath as Jim, Emily Coffin as Digsby, Kelsi Richardson as Della, Camryn Bringham as Dot, Charlotte Sipple as Clarice, Cougar Lang as Art, Zoe Lepper at Cobbler, Bailey Collins as Shopgirl, McKenzie Mick as Madam Vodvaskaya and the Carolers are Chad Burkhart, Sabrina Ortiz, Drew Sinnard, Mekdelawit Keller and special appearances by Jenn Van Buskirk and Colette. E. Tilden.

The Production Team includes Director Dr. Julie Rae Mollenkamp; Assistant Directors Emily Layt and Tony Smith; Stage Manager Ally Fields; Scenic Designer and Technical Direction, Ken George; Costume Designer, Kenlyn Shettlesworth; Costume Design Mentor, Jennifer Van Buskirk; Lighting Designer, Ben Gonzales; Sound Designer, Lili Garcia; Sound Design Mentor, Ben Gonzales; Assistant Costume Designer and Wardrobe Head and Hair and Makeup Head and Hair and Makeup Designer, Maryn Edwards; Musical Direction and Choral Lead, Sabrina Ortiz; Props Master, Elise Marshall; Assistant Stage Manager, Caitlin Whitehead; Assistant Lighting Designer, Luke Habjan; Assistant Hair and Makeup Designer, Hair and Makeup Crew, Daisha Jackson; Master Electrician, Madison Brown; Light Board Operator, Trisha Agueros; Sound Board Operator, Kyle Yorg; Dramaturg, Emily Layt; Set Construction, Stagecraft THEA 1600, Kyle Yorg, Seth Holt, Emily Coffin, Sofia Gotto, Te’ Nickerson, Alexis Brown; Deck Crew, Anna Braman, Cassandra Rodenbaugh, Rachel Curry; Wardrobe Crew’ Savannah Tracy, Dalton Grafton, Stitchers, Demetrius Hampton, Kayla Gross, Kelsi Richardson, Maryn Edwards, Alec Bridges, Cydni Stanford, Alexis Kratz, Christina Foster, Seth Holt, John Keller; Costume Shop Assistants, Kenlyn Shettlesworth, Maryn Edwards, Cydni Stanford, Demetrius Hampton and Kelsi Richardson; Box Office Manager: Heather Marsh; Assistant Box Office Manager, Iliana Miller; Marketing/Publicity Director, Dr. Aaron Scully; Assistant Marketing/Publicity Director, Sabrina Ortiz; Social Media Marketing Lead; Ashton Bennett; Marketing Media Content Manager, Derek Caswell; Publicity/Marketing Team, Emily Layt, Paige Tretter, Elizabeth Henks, Demetrius Hampton and Ally Field; Marketing/Publicity Videographer, McKenzie Koppe; Podcast Engineer, Danielle Sachse; Graduate Shop Assistant, Callie Carmosino; Office Professional UCM Theatre and Dance, Jane Tackett; CAHSS Administrative Assistant, Heather Stringer; Theatre and Dance Office Assistants, Matthew Briggs, Emily Layt and Tony Smith.

This production of The Gift of the Magi is for all audiences.

Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for UCM faculty/staff and $20 for the general public. They can be purchased online at ucmo.edu/theatretickets, by calling 660-543-8811, or at the Box Office at the Highlander Theatre between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., beginning Wednesday, Nov. 20.