This preview article originally appeared in The Star & Wave newspaper on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Cape May Stage Retells “Gift of the Magi” in New Production
By Lynn Martenstein
The award-winning playwright Marisa Smith took a few liberties in re-imagining the beloved classic, “The Gift of the Magi,” written by O. Henry in 1905. The play is set in the present, the couple have good jobs, and each has different ideas about how to spend their money.
Making its world premiere at the historic theater, Smith’s remake of the story is the culmination of a yearlong collaboration between the playwright and Roy Steinberg, producing artistic director at Cape May Stage. Last winter, Steinberg reached out to the writer to suggest that she write a two-person play loosely based on O.Henry’s Christmas classic.
“I have always loved this iconic tale and was excited about putting a modern spin on it,” Smith explained.
Since then, Smith and Steinberg have exchanged notes and drafts on the nascent play. More recently, Smith sat in on several days of rehearsals, during which she, Steinberg and the actors continued to tweak the script.
“All of us worked together beautifully,” Smith said. “We made a lot of progress in understanding the characters and the story, and finding the humor in all of it,” she said.
“It was a master class in what the creative process could be,” Steinberg added. “I think the final product is a good example of how collaboration can create better theater.”
Iraisa Ann Reilly plays Lucy in the play and Kevin Herrera plays her husband, Robbie. Both deliver excellent performances. Their chemistry is infectious, and their love and laughter help them navigate some of life’s trickier passages.
Reilly started her acting career at Cape May Stage when she was 10 years old and got her first role as a kid sister in “Cape May Kids” in 2011. She later appeared in the theater’s production of “Blithe Spirit” in 2014 and its one-woman show, “The 12 Dates of Christmas,” in 2015. She currently lives in New York, where she writes, performs and teaches.
Kevin Herrera is making his debut performance at Cape May Stage in this play. He has also performed at the New York Public Theater and leading regional theaters in the Northeast.
“I hope people walk away from this play with a reinforced sense of the importance of communication, loyalty, and love during tough times,” he explained. “Life is difficult but if you can navigate it together with loved ones, it gets a little bit easier.”
The playwright was pleased with the show’s casting. “I think the actors captured the essence of Lucy and Robbie very well.” said Smith. “I love how their love for each other is tangible and relatable.”
“I also think there are clues in this play about how to have a good relationship and how the special sauce is always communication,” she added. “The great message of the original story is that the best relationship is one where you both put each other’s needs first, then, magically, you get your own needs met, too.”
It’s a winning recipe for the holidays and the new year.
“The Gift of the Magi” runs November 20-December 29. For tickets or more information, visit capemaystage.org or call the box office at (609) 770-8311