Light, Love and Beautiful Music (Bunbury Theater)

The Last Leaf and Gift of the Magi Adapted from the stories of O. Henry by Peter Ekstrom Music and Lyrics by Peter Ekstrom Directed by Sharon Kinnison Presented by Bunbury Theatre Company  

Review by Regina Harris   Entire contents are copyright @2024 by Regina Harris. All rights reserved.  

If you know anything about Louisville, you know we love our traditions. We go into holiday hyper mode around the end of August, the official beginning of spooky season followed quickly by Thanksgiving. Then it’s suddenly time to light up Louisville for Christmas. A plethora of theatrical events surround the happiest time of the year, many being longstanding traditions for area families. This year Bunbury Theatre Company has gifted us one more.

The Last Leaf and The Gift of the Magi are delightful remounts of a double bill that ran consistently through the 1980’s – 90’s. Adapted from stories by O. Henry by Peter Ekstrom, these rich musicals may not each be lengthy, but they are long on lessons of the true meaning of love.  

Under the musical direction of John Austin Clark, both are set in New York City, 1905. The Last Leaf is a poignant story of three struggling artists in Greenwich Village. Narrated by The Doctor (Aaron Taylor), Sue (Madi Redecker) and Johnsey (Harper Taylor) are two new roommates, getting to know each other and their upstairs neighbor, Mr. Behrman (Jackson Becker). He also an artist - who can’t find his artistic voice. They develop a deep friendship that is tested when one of the women falls ill.

 The Gift of the Magi (written specifically for Actor’s Theatre of Louisville) tells the tale of a couple, Jim (Jackson Becker) and Della (Jenna Day) who are financially poor, but very rich in love. They each long to give each other a Christmas gift; and each makes a huge sacrifice to do so. It’s as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking.  

Collectively, the vocal talent of this cast is breathtaking. Their voices resonate through the theatre, filling the space as well as your soul. Of special note is Harper Taylor, a high school junior, whose onstage presence is as strong as her vibrato. I had to double check my program to confirm her age-she presents as seasoned professional.   Also remarkable in a cast of impeccable actors and vocalists is Jackson Becker, who had little more than a couple of days to stand in as Behrman for the original actor who could not perform Saturday night due to illness. Had that not been stated, I might not have known. His and his castmates’ performances were regal and flawless. They were backed by a delightful youth choir made up of MJ Alt, Payton Dodrill and Landon Dodrill.  

The Last Leaf and The Gift of the Magi are the perfect starts to the holiday season. If you, like me, find yourself feeling a little “bah, humbug” this year, practice some self-care and treat yourself to some light, love and beautiful music. Better yet, share this gift with family and friends. It could just become your new holiday tradition.  

The Last Leaf & The Gift of the Magi Bunbury Theatre Company November 15-17, 20-24 & 27, 29-30 The Henry Clay Theatre 604 S. Third St. Louisville, KY 40202 https://www.bunburytheatre.org/tickets (https://www.bunburytheatre.org/tickets)