By Eric Gelb
The magical smell of pine trees and home cooked meals fill the air at this time of year – November and December are two incredible months. Not only are they filled with festive celebration and the close of a year, they’re an incredibly exciting time for the theatre! New shows open on Broadway, christmas shows and concerts galore. It’s an exciting time of the year, and what better way to make your holidays a little theatrical with a fun twist!
While most people at this time of year might be hoping to splurge on a special jacket or coat – perhaps a new car or even a new phone, those of us that work in the theatre may want something different. Even if you aren’t a theatre fan yourself, I can bet that you know at least one person who might enjoy a theatre-inspired gift rather than a gift card. Here’s ten things that any theatre fan would love to have in their life.
1) Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical; Parrot Head Umbrella; $49.95; The Disney Store.
This practically perfect nanny is known for her tendency to keep everything spit-spot spic and span everywhere she goes. One of her classic tools that she totes around with her (aside from her magical carpetbag) is this truly unique parrot head umbrella. A fully-functioning umbrella inspired by the very same one that Mary uses in the show, this real-life tool offers a way to add a tiny bit of theatre magic in your everyday life.
2) Les Miserables Inspired – 24601 – A Hand Stamped Aluminum Necklace or Earring; $11.00; Etsy.
A staple in musical theatre, “24601” is Jean Valjean’s prison number in the famed musical Les Miserables. You can carry a little bit of Valjean with you every single day with this moderately priced and hand made necklace and show your love for Mis!
3) Be More Chill Cast Recording; $14.99; Sh-K-Boom Records
The cultivation of new work in musical theatre is extremely important – this is what Audra McDonald told me when I saw her live in-concert and I agree with her. Be More Chill, a musical adaptation of the book of the same name, has just released its cast recording to the general public. Seamlessly weaving together the immensely popular teen book with a score by Joe Iconis, Be More Chill has garnered acclaim across the board with its music. Even if you aren’t a fan of the book or music quite yet – take a chance and not only support a new musical but expose yourself to a new work in musical theatre!
4) Avenue Q: The Musical: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical; $11.48; Amazon.com
Avenue Q is love letter to anyone who’s ever struggled in their life, and the topics the musical took when it made its splash on Broadway is a groundbreaking one, winning the Tony for Best Musical over WICKED and debuting themes and presentation of theatre new to the Broadway stage. This copy of the full book and lyrics brings home the charisma and humour of the real-life production in a way that theatre fans and non-theatre aficionados alike will enjoy. Avenue Q, still a very popular show Off-Broadway, is truly a timeless show. This book is the perfect compliment to your theatre collection!
5) SMASH: Season 2 DVD; $27.07; Amazon.com
One of the very first of its kind, SMASH was a NBC prime-time drama about the onstage and offstage trials and tribulations of bringing BOMBSHELL, a musical about Marilyn Monroe, to the stage. SMASH featured several musical numbers each episode with its star studded cast that transcended genres – Debra Messing, Megan Hilty and Jeremy Jordan to name a few. Take home the entire second season and enjoy this special TV series that was completely about the theatre, because it may be a while until we have the opportunity to watch a show that showcases the world of the theatre for a very long time.
6) Better Nate Than Ever; varies; Books of Wonder
Tim Federle has perfectly crafted a world in which we all know and love – and that’s Nate’s world. Weaving Nate seamlessly through the wonders and bright lights of the theatre and coping with his identity is an exciting and delectable read. Federle, a Broadway vet, has published several successful NATE books as well as books for adults. Federle’s sharp wit and fast-paces stories make this book a perfect gift for anyone with a passion for the theatre. Readers will love becoming apart of Nate and his story.
Tim has recommended New York’s BOOK OF WONDER to visit to pick up a copy of NATE. 18 W. 18th, New York, NY 10011
7) Billy Elliot the Musical: LIVE from London’s West End; $18.26; Amazon.com
This long-running musical about the boy who wanted to dance is now available for you to take home for the holiday season! Billy Elliot the Musical has enjoyed a long-running residence in the London’s West End for several years, and has attracted critical acclaim and buzz throughout its entire run. The show follows Billy, who falls into ballet by accident, who has a gift for dance. Billy overcomes not only hardships in his craft but at home, too – finally finding comfort in his passion for dance. Professionally filmed live in London, this recording is a true treat for any theatre fan.
8) Camp Broadway; varies; CampBroadway.com
A love for theatre is valuable, but the gift of expression is even more valuable. Camp Broadway has provided a platform for students with a passion for the theatre to showcase and hone their love and craft of the theatre in a nurturing, exciting environment. Offering several different camps in a multitude of cities, Camp Broadway is a perfect place to sharpen up a love for performing, or to start one. Time spent with Camp Broadway is an unforgettable experience that leaves students with a more profound understanding of the theatre. Save $100 when you enroll before December 31, 2015!
9) The Ultimate Playbill Binder – Archival Quality Storage for Contemporary Playbills; $31.95; PlaybillStore.com
If you visit the theatre a lot, you might have (like me) a hefty stack of Playbills, programs and brochures from shows you’ve gone to see. For some people, Playbills are a staple and a memento from the experience. To cherish and save their Playbills, this Playbill Binder is absolutely perfect for any theatre fan! Compact and sturdy, the binder fits right in with my other books on my bookshelf and protects my Playbills in viewing pouches. It’s a delightful addition to any theatre fan’s room and is an excellent conversation starter that may be included with any coffee table books.
10) The King and I Cast Recording; $16.55; Barnes & Noble
Take home this lush and rich cast recording of one of the greatest musicals of all time. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I features a score that showcases the talents of all involved, most notably Tony Award-Winner Kelli O’hara and Ruthie Ann Miles. Exquisitely recorded and performed, The King and I follows the collision and compromise of two different cultures, spearheaded by two strong personalities. Even if you aren’t familiar with this staple in musical theatre, it is extremely rare Broadway is blessed with a gift like this wonderful production, and is worth a listen.
What’s on your list of gifts for theatre fans in your life?