Search - Peter Ekstrom :: O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi and The Last Leaf

Peter Ekstrom
O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi and The Last Leaf
Genres: Special Interest, Pop, Soundtracks, Broadway & Vocalists

Track Listings (22) - Disc #1
1. The Gift of the Magi: Overture / Opening Song
2. The Gift of the Magi: Tomorrow Is Christmas
3. The Gift of the Magi: Now I've Got You!
4. The Gift of the Magi: Jim and the Queen of Sheba
5. The Gift of the Magi: If We Had Money
6. The Gift of the Magi: Look at My Watch
7. The Gift of the Magi: What Can I Give Him?
8. The Gift of the Magi: I Shall Let My Hair Down / Madame Sofronie
9. The Gift of the Magi: Entre Scene / Della Returns
10. The Gift of the Magi: Your Hair Is Gone!
11. The Gift of the Magi: Jim and Della Open Their Gifts
12. The Last Leaf: Overture
13. The Last Leaf: What's She Like?
14. The Last Leaf: Let's Drink a Toast!
15. The Last Leaf: I Want to Paint the Bay of Naples
16. The Last Leaf: The Last Leaf
17. The Last Leaf: Tomorrow When You're Feeling Well Again
18. The Last Leaf: Come in to My Humble Abode
19. The Last Leaf: I'm a Failure in Art
20. The Last Leaf: Listen to the Wind
21. The Last Leaf: How the Wind Howled
22. The Last Leaf: The Last Leaf Finale

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CD Details

All Artists: Peter Ekstrom
Title: O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi and The Last Leaf
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Harbinger
Original Release Date: 10/19/1999
Re-Release Date: 1/1/2001
Album Type: Cast Recording, Import
Genres: Special Interest, Pop, Soundtracks, Broadway & Vocalists
Style: Musicals
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 632433170922

Synopsis

Amazon.com

The stories of O.Henry are the basis for this pair of one-act chamber-sized musicals by Peter Ekstrom (Kiss Me Quick Before the Lava Reaches the Village). "The Gift of the Magi" is the famous tale about a couple who sacrifice everything to give each other a Christmas present. (The story is printed in full in the CD booklet.) Emily Loesser (Frank's daughter) and husband Don Stephenson deliver the warm and witty score (the lilting "Tomorrow Is Christmas," the frenzied "Your Hair Is Gone!"), then are joined by Theresa McCarthy and Bruce Adler for "The Last Leaf," another tale of selfless giving. It's more somber than "Magi," but has some lovely, soaring songs, especially for the women ("Listen to the Wind," the title tune), and the minimal accompaniment of piano, cello, harp, and clarinet conveys the perfect atmosphere. --David Horiuchi

CD Reviews

O. Henry Christmas

Ted Shaffner | Washington, DC | 02/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a remarkable album. The music is profoundly moving and often very humorous as well. I listen to it constantly, and would recommend it very highly. Peter Ekstrom is among our most accomplished composers for the musical theater."

A perfect holiday entertainment

J. D. Coldren | Michigan City, IN | 11/24/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Ekstrom's musical adaptation of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" has been a traditional holiday treat at the Actor's Theatre of Louisville for 17 years. This CD combines that one-act musical with the slightly darker but touching O. Henry story, "A New Leaf". The singing is extraordinary. The orchestrations sparkle. We play "Magi" over and over again and find something new to sing along with every time.Now, if the producers could only find a "name" country and western singer to record the Christmas songs, the album would fly off the shelves."

The Last Leaf and The Gift of the Magi

Ken Sanden | New York, NY | 12/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having followed Peter Ekstrom's career for years, including several productions of The Gift of Magi and The Last Leaf, it is a delight to see these productions brought so beautifully to CD. Ekstrom is one of the most talented American composers writing today for musical theater; and this CD is a terrifc example of his skill. The cast interprets the story wonderfully. You will find this presentation truly irresistable."