This December, American Stage presents The Magi, an adaptation of O. Henry’s classic short story The Gift of the Magi, reimagined as a theatrical concert.
The original story follows a couple in early 1900s New York City, who give up their most prized possession to buy each other the perfect Christmas gift. In doing so, they sacrifice the one thing that would have given their partner’s gift meaning. Like the original, The Magi celebrates the ways love inspires selflessness. That’s where the similarities end.
American Stage’s Producing Artistic Director Helen R. Murray is also the playwright of the show, which originally premiered at D.C.’s Hub Theatre in 2016. “This is not the original Magi…it’s a rock concert adaptation of it,” she says. Emphasizing the relevance of the story in today’s world, she adds: “I think this idea of what we sacrifice for each other is something we should be exploring more often in our daily lives.”
This version centers on Nix and Jude, who have been touring as musical duo, The Magi, for eight years, spending nearly all of that time in a romantic relationship. As the holiday season approaches, both the band and the couple find themselves at a breaking point.
Music Director Eli Pafumi, who wrote the original music, is composing four new songs which will be premiered in American Stage’s production. “There was something about trying to capture that classic folk-punk, singer-songwriter attitude,” he says, citing Paul McCartney, Simon & Garfunkel and Carole King as some of his major musical influences. “When the opportunity to converge that with a theatrical piece comes, it’s like flexing a different muscle,” Pafumi adds.
Although The Magi will be performed at the Raymond James Theatre, it is part of the Beyond the Stage series, promising the audience an experience unlike anything St. Pete has ever seen. This storytelling format offers a uniquely immersive experience; a few lucky guests will be able to sit onstage, with tableside concessions service before the performance.
The Magi runs from December 4 to 21, 2025, at the Raymond James Theatre at American Stage. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.americanstage.org/shows/the-magi.
