When Josh Martin realized that Garden Spot High School (GSHS) was scheduled to host a music festival on the weekend when Garden Spot Performing Arts (GSPA) would normally present its fall play, he had an idea. "In 2020, we had done Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' at the park (in Terre Hill)," recalled Josh. "We did it outside because of COVID-19, but it was really well received, so we thought to mix it up this year by going back."

GSPA will present "The Gift of the Magi" in the Terre Hill Park, 210 Lancaster Ave., Terre Hill, during Christmas in the Park. The 30-minute adaptation of the O. Henry short story will be presented in Pavilion Three at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3. The show will be free, but donations of nonperishable food items and cash will be accepted for CrossNet's Food and Nutrition Center. "All the proceeds will go to the food pantry in keeping with the spirit of the message of the show," said Josh.

"The Gift of the Magi," which was first published in 1905, tells the story tells of a young couple living in New York City. In the GSPA production, Della is played by Morgan Watt, and Jim is played by Andrew Herman. "It's their first Christmas together, and each one wants to give the other something special and meaningful and neither can afford that," explained Josh. In the end, each gives up something important of their own to buy the other a gift. The show features Jenna Zueno as Mrs. Boyd, Alie Buck as Madame Sofronie, Mikaila Whenry as Felice, Ashton Martin as Mr. Hartman, and Brandon Herman as the narrator.

Josh has chosen a number of traditional a capella carols to enhance the tale. "We have added some Christmas carols to underscore the story and add a little flourish to the program," he said, noting that the music will be utilized for scene changes and to give the feel of being on the streets of New York. Singers featured in the play are Lila Albertson, Johalys Bencosme, Luke Canales, Isabella Colon, Alida Gauthier, and Bri Remlinger.

According to Josh, he and the students are not daunted by the thought of performing outside in December. "The cold is part of the fun of the season," Josh pointed out, adding that the holidays often bring out individuals who do not attend musical performances throughout the year. "Around Christmastime, people want to hear music and attend concerts," he noted. "We want to take advantage of people's desire to see the arts."

Josh pointed out that those who wish to may bring portable chairs so they can enjoy the show more comfortably. He noted that in the case of inclement weather, the performances will be moved to Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 10, which is the second weekend of Christmas in the Park.