Lyric Opera gives 'Gift of the Magi'

Few authors are more famous for writing twist endings than American author O. Henry.

His "Gift of the Magi" is famous for its ironic twist ending, so much so that other authors have copied the story since it was first published.

The Borgamaria Lyric Opera will perform its take on "The Gift of the Magi" beginning Friday.

"This a wonderful story of love, devotion and beauty," said Joaquina Johnson, the opera's director. "It's about everything love should be. It's also one of (O. Henry's) most famous stories; in many schools, it's required reading. And it has a wonderful surprise ending."

"The Gift of the Magi" is the story of Jim (baritone Thor Campbell) and Della (soprano Kathryn Donovan Rueb). The couple live in New York City in 1903 and are so poor, they can just barely afford their tiny one-bedroom apartment.

Still, they love each other and want to get each other a gift for Christmas. Della wants to buy Jim a chain for his prized pocket watch. Jim, meanwhile, wants to buy Della a set of combs for her beautiful hair.

To raise the funds for the items, Della sells her hair to make a wig while Jim sells his watch. Thus, the gifts are rendered useless.

"It's the classic ironic ending," Johnson said.

Despite the outcome, the couple reaffirms its love, and such love is like the gifts given by the wise men — or magi — to the newborn Jesus Christ.

Johnson chose the opera based on the talent available and out of interest in performing something fresh for the community, she said.

The operatic take on "The Gift of the Magi" was composed by David Conte, with a libretto by Nicholas Giardini. It premiered in 1997 at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and just recently came into the repertoire for small opera companies.

"I'm very excited about the music," Johnson said. "It's so lyrical, so melodic and very interesting and challenging but accessible."

Also in the cast are baritone Brant Bordsen as Henry and Bronwyn Eisermann as Maggie.

"It has a very nice length — approximately 72 minutes," Johnson said. "It's suitable for the whole family. ... It should be a nice evening of opera."

"The Gift of the Magi"

Times: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays; runs to Nov. 14

Where: Lee Burrows Center for the Arts, 624 E St., Marysville

Tickets: $5 to $25. Call 742-2787 or go online at www.ysrac.org.