The Last Leaf and The Gift of the Magi [Cast Recording]

Editorial Reviews
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

The Last Leaf and The Gift of the Magi, Music, Peter Ekstrom, Cast Recordings, Music Theater, Musical Theater, Original Cast Recordings, Pop, Showtunes / B'way
O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi and The Last Leaf
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • O. Henry Christmas
  • The Last Leaf and The Gift of the Magi
  • A wonderful treat!
  • The Perfect Holiday CD
  • "Magi is a Gift"
 O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi and The Last Leaf
Peter Ekstrom
Manufacturer: Harbinger
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00002SWKW
Release Date: 2001-01-01

Tracks:

  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

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars O. Henry Christmas.......2000-02-02

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.

5 out of 5 stars The Last Leaf and The Gift of the Magi.......1999-12-27

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.

5 out of 5 stars A wonderful treat!.......1999-12-22

I have enjoyed Mr. Ekstrom's music for years as a regular patron of Actors Theatre--I was thrilled to learn of the availability of a CD! This music is delightful! The story is a wonderful reminder of how Christmas ought to be for all of us! Buy it! Enjoy it! Most of all share the wonderful feelings it inspires!

5 out of 5 stars The Perfect Holiday CD.......1999-12-16

This is a wonderful holiday CD for one and all. The stories are beautifully told through the music. The artists are excellent singers...and the lyrics and melodies are all absorbing and transforming. It's one of the best new CD's I've heard in a long time!

5 out of 5 stars "Magi is a Gift".......1999-12-16

For all of us who are extremely cynical about how the meaning of Christmas has been twisted into into a world wide marketing ploy, Peter Ekstrom's "Magi" beautifully provides a remedy wherein we are made to understand again that the purest gift, love, is the only one that matters.

Music:

  1. The Phantom Of The Opera (1999 Japanese Cast) [Import] [Cast Recording]
  2. The Rocky Horror Show (2000 Broadway Revival Cast) [Cast Recording]
  3. The Stephen Schwartz Album [Soundtrack]
  4. The Wizard of Oz - Vintage Recordings from the 1903 Broadway Musical [Soundtrack]
  5. Top Hat / Shall We Dance [Soundtrack]
  6. Uncharted Territory
  7. Whistle Down the Wind (Songs From) [Import] [Soundtrack]
  8. Xanadu [Import] [Soundtrack]
  9. Ziegfeld Follies of 1936
  10. A Chorus Line [Cast Recording] [Karaoke]

Music

Music