Crocus 80 Theatre is ushering in the festive spirit this year with a rendition of "The Gift of the Magi." Originally crafted by O. Henry as a classic short story, the magical narrative has been adapted for the stage by local playwright Wendy Sidloski. Sidloski elaborates on the inspiration behind her creation of this short play.
“I was just thinking about the story because I love the story, I always did. I think it just occurred to me that this would make a great little play. And so, I started looking into plays that were already written because there are other plays written and there's films written, there's everything. I looked at other plays and I didn't like them because to me, they strayed too far from the original ideas, so I thought to myself, you know what I would like to try writing my own. The idea kind of came and it was really fun to do.”
Sidloski explained that the story takes place in New York City at the turn of the 20th century and is about a newlywed couple who are struggling financially, which is not a whole lot different from today.
“I am really grateful to everyone who's involved, from the actors to the behind-the-scenes people, the director, the choir. You know, to Colleen for being involved. I am so thankful and grateful and really excited to see this come to life,” added Sidloski.
Crocus 80 is set to feature three performances lasting approximately 40 minutes each. Admission for each show is a silver collection and/or a non-perishable food item at the door in support of the Weyburn Food Bank. The performances will take place at the Tommy Douglas Performing Arts Centre on the evenings of Friday, December 15, and Saturday, December 16, at 7:30, with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Doors will open one hour before each show.
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