“The Gift of the Mad Guys” Starts Streaming Tonight at Pittsburgh Public Theater (Thurs., 12/17/20)

THE GIFT OF THE MAD GUYS (staged reading) by Brian Pope, inspired by “The Gift of the Magi.” Pittsburgh Public Theater. December 17 livestream 7 p.m., video recording streaming online through December 20. 

O. Henry’s 1905 short story “The Gift of the Magi” has been adapted and/or parodied many times in many media, but you will not find a version quite like The Gift of the Mad Guys, streamed by Pittsburgh Public Theater. Pittsburgh writer Brian Pope sets the tale in the here and now. The original young couple, struggling to afford Christmas gifts for one another, become mad-guy couple Wes and Andrew. Their wedding plans were scrapped by pandemic-related shutdowns, which also put a big dent in the guys’ budgets. Hair stylist Andrew is in grumpy Scrooge mode while Wes, inflamed by watching maybe too much Hallmark Channel, desires a splendiferous Yule. Intervening in the dilemma are bagpipers, a social-media influencer, and more. Will true love prevail? The Public presents The Gift of the Mad Guys in an online staged reading, live at 7 p.m. December 17 and viewable via video recording through the 20th. Donations of $10 or more benefit the theater company. (M.V.)

Additionally, The Public is offering a filmed version of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. This production is a stage play produced to stream and stars Tony Award-winning actor, Jefferson Mays, who plays over 50 roles in this innovative production. It was created as a fundraiser for The Public and other theater companies across the country. It is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee, Michael Arden. Streams through January 3. (R.H.)

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