Nostalgia and Heart (Bunbury Theatre)

Gift of the Magi Written by O.Henry Adapted by Peter Ekstrom

Misfit Christmas Written by Jack Wallen

Directed by Sharon Kinnison

Review by Erin Hargan

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     Bunbury Theatre’s holiday offering this season is a night of two one acts plays: The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, adapted by Peter Ekstrom (who once lived in Louisville), and Misfit Christmas by local playwright Jack Wallen.  The evening opened with a youth ensemble performing Somewhere Only We Know by Keane, a song rooted in nostalgia and genuine human connection, setting an appropriate tone for a night of two plays centered on relationships and new beginnings.

     The Gift of the Magi tells the tender story of a young couple, Jim and Della, striving to celebrate Christmas with what little they have, and Bunbury Theatre’s production presented this classic tale as a heartfelt musical. The story takes place in a small apartment in New York City on Christmas Eve in the early 1900’s.  The story reveals that each gives up something meaningful in an effort to buy the perfect Christmas gift for the other. 

     The stage was set to show the modest home of Jim and Della, with a simple bed, small desk, and kitchenette with a cityscape background. The simple setting of the stage highlighted the simple charm of the story.  The roles of Jim and Della were played by real-life spouses Jennifer Poliskie and Josh O’Brien, adding an extra layer of authenticity to their performances. Poliskie’s clear, expressive vocals paired beautifully with O’Brien’s steady  tone, making their duets a highlight of the production and emphasizing their commitment to one another.

     The second offering of the evening was Misfit Christmas, written by local playwright Jack Wallen. Inspired by The Island of Misfit Toys from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the play tells the story of Camron, a young man who discovers that his disability of being in a wheelchair does not define him.  The story follows a group of students who tease their classmate, Camron. After a particularly unkind prank, Camron appears to enter a dreamlike world populated by toys that have been rejected for perceived flaws or defects. His classmates become the toys in the dream. 

     The actors playing these misfit toys performed their roles with energy and heart, and Wallen himself brought charm and warmth to his portrayal of Ron, the asthmatic reindeer. With the actor’s careful portrayals, the play emphasizes that everyone, no matter how different or flawed, is valuable and has a place, and that what may seem like weaknesses can become strengths within the right context or community.  Wallen’s script blends humor and heart, exploring themes of acceptance, self-worth, and the importance of community during the holiday season.

     The evening concluded with a return to Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know,” providing the perfect ending to two plays centered on heart, nostalgia, and meaningful connection.

Gift of the Magi/Misfit Christmas

Bunbury Theatre

December 6-8, 11-14, 19-21 Henry Clay Theatre 604 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40202 https://www.bunburytheatre.org/