The Reviews Are In for THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

Christopher Florentz praises Marisa Smith's adaptation of THE GIFT OF THE MAGI at Cape May Stage, calling it a modern adaptation O. Henry would approve of. Set in NYC in 2024, the story follows Lucy and Robbie, a young couple grappling with love, sacrifice, and life’s big decisions.

"(Iraisa Ann) Reilly and (Kevin) Herrera each have strengths they bring to their roles as a young husband and wife living in New York City in 2024. They are a reminder of what it’s like to be young and carefree in the greatest city in the world, and facing a life choice that many of us are facing or have faced. Their performances are highly relatable to the audience."

Iraisa Ann Reilly and Kevin Herrera deliver heartfelt performances that bring authenticity and emotion to this timeless tale. With its intimate setting, the audience feels like they’re right in the couple’s living room, experiencing their joys and struggles firsthand. Running through December 29, this production is a must-see this holiday season!

Read the full review here.

THE GIFT OF THE MAGI Runs Through Dec 29th!

The Gift of the Magi: A modern adaptation of the O. Henry story

by Marisa Smith

directed by Roy Steinberg

Kevin Herrera and Iraisa Ann Reilly

WORLD PREMIERE PLAY – Written exclusively for Cape May Stage.

Cape May Stage

Nov 20, 2024 through Dec 29, 2024

Wednesday – Saturday at 7 PM

Sunday at 3 PM

Playwright Marisa Smith won the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award.

Based on O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” a short story set in Victorian times, this modern adaptation updates the tale of love and sacrifice to the modern day. O. Henry wrote about disadvantaged young people living in New York City. In this version, Lucia and Rocky are a young married couple living in the city who love each other very much though they have different ideas of what to spend money on for this Christmas. Rocky would like to go cross country on his motorcycle and Lucia wants to save for the down payment on a house. When a baby comes into the picture, everything changes. This is a play celebrating love and sacrifice. Told with heart and humor, this play is a real holiday treat.

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Marisa Smith Wins VP 2024 Playwright Award!

The Board of Directors of the Valley Players Community Theater in Waitsfield, VT is pleased to announce the following award given to the 2024 Playwright Award winner.

This award was established in 1982, with the intent of promoting theater arts and encouraging and supporting the creation of original plays by residents of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. A cash prize is awarded to the winning playwright, and the winning play also may be produced by the Valley Players. This year, the winning play is Outrage by Marisa Smith Kraus of West Lebanon, NH.  The play takes place at a small midwestern college where a young African-American professor is up for tenure.  His Chairman invites him and his wife for dinner, where the conversation takes on the issues of a bruised and battered America with profound results.

Marisa’s previous full-length plays include The Naked Librarian, Venus Rising, Sex and other Disturbances, Saving Kitty, and Mad Love.

Her 10-minute plays have been produced in the Boston Marathon of 10-Minute Plays, Barrington Stage in NY and in other theaters around the country.  They include The Dress Rehearsal, Getting Into Vassar, The Pre-Nup, Polar Bear Swim, Day One, Welcome to the Beekman Arms, No Love, Please, Cubs Win! and Total Expression.

Film Credits include Second Wind and Surprise Engagement.