“Gift of the Magi” opens this Friday, Nov. 30, at the Belle Starr Theatre.The musical is based on the 1905 short story “Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry.Showings will be Friday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m.The Belle Starr is at 113 E. Booneslick Road, Warrenton.Jim Mossop is directing the musical, which tells the story of a young couple struggling to buy Christmas gifts for each other. In the end, they buy gifts but only after selling something they hold personal and dear.The couple, Della and Jim, are played by Ally Padgett and Joseph Mason respectively.“People will enjoy it. It’s a different kind of Christmas play, but it has the same themes — giving to others, appreciating what you have and loving one another,” said Padgett, who spent her school days in theater. Her last play was about 12 years ago, she said. She was up to the challenge, jumping in to play the lead and singing.Two children add comedy to the performance. Benjamin Wombacker, 12, plays Nester. Benjamin said his character’s function “is to annoy his parents.” He added that the annoying things his character does is all done in a funny way.Benjamin played Tiny Tim in last year’s holiday play at the Belle Starr Theatre.The holiday play is timed to open the same weekend as Warrenton’s Hometown Christmas. That event is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, along Main St. The event will feature letter writing to Santa, snacks, games, local merchants, and chances to win raffles and gift baskets.Mason plays Della’s husband Jim. This is his third play. Previously he performed in dinner theater and with his church.“It’s fun. It’s like playing pretend in adulthood,” he said of acting.This is his first musical. He said it is a good pick.“The play has a good message of what the holidays are all about,” said Mason.Mossup said the “Gift of the Magi” musical has about 13 characters and just as many songs. A few cast members are playing multiple roles.Tickets are $10. For tickets call 636-456-7937 or 636-456-2510.The music and lyrics are by Beverly Brewers, book by Faith Grant, based on the short story by O. Henry, produced by special arrangement with Heuer Publishing LLC.Mossup directed Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” at the end of December. The next production for the group at the Belle Starr Theatre will be scheduled in the spring.

Ally Padgett as Della, left, and Joseph Mason as Jim perform “If Only Money Grew on Christmas Trees” at a rehearsal at the Belle Starr Theater Nov. 26. They are the lead actors in a musical version of “Gift of the Magi.” Opening night is Friday.

Record photo/Kate Miller