WESTFIELD – Collaborators Kathleen Palmer and Marion Dunk couldn’t imagine working on a Westfield Theatre Group musical production without each other.
On a recent late afternoon, the women sat down to talk about their unique partnership which has spanned more than a decade.
“Our connection was serendipitous,” said Dunk, as Palmer added that one day she was struggling to find the words to complete a song.
“It all started with a show with children and I needed a song,” said Palmer. “One of the young girls said ‘I think my mom can do that.’”
From that moment on, the duo have been producing shows for the Westfield Theatre Group, a department of the Westfield Woman’s Club on Court Street.
In a few weeks the women will conduct auditions for their latest original adaptation of the O. Henry short story, “The Gift of the Magi.” Auditions are planned June 20 and 21 with callbacks on June 23 at 6:30 p.m. Children auditioning should arrive at 6 p.m. and adults should arrive at 6:30.
“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is a short story about a young married couple who find a way to purchase Christmas gifts for each other with little money. The story’s plot and its twist ending has been considered comic irony since it was first published in The New York Sunday World under the title “Gifts of the Magi” on Dec. 10, 1905.
“Born William Sydney Porter, O. Henry was one of the most prolific short story writers in American literature,” said Palmer. “I do believe he was one of our greatest story tellers. His humor, characterizations, and ‘Aha!’ ironic plot endings make him a joy to read for all ages.”
Palmer explained that when she undertakes writing a script, her research on the subject can take up to three months.
“As I read everything I can about the subject which also involves researching the time period and author, I work up an outline of the scenes,” said Palmer. “The actual writing only takes maybe a week.”
Palmer added she finds the story can take on a life of its own and “sometimes is different from what I started with.”
For her writing inspiration for the holiday show, Palmer studied four short stories, “The Gift of the Magi,” “Lost on the Dress Parade,” “Ransom of Red Chief,” and “A Retrieved Reformation.”
“The trick is to find where those stories are in the play,” she said of the musical comedy titled “Gift of the Magi.”
Once the cast has been chosen, the focus then turns to Dunk who puts her creative license to work on the score.
“I read the script and the themes and characters float around in my head for a couple of weeks to a couple of months,” said Dunk. “Then I sit down at the keyboard and the lyrics and melodies come out.”
Dunk said she can’t explain how that happens but knows it is a gift.
“We all have things we can do,” said Dunk. “Some people can paint, some can invent things, or play a sport, or write a book. The music is just what I do.”
Dunk added that once the cast has been decided, she can custom fit the music to the person who will be portraying each role.
The backdrop of the play is centered in downtown Westfield in 1914 and has a cast of characters that will delight audience members of all ages.
“We are also working with Westfield Athenaeum archivist Kate Deviny who is helping us with photographs from the turn of the 20th century in Westfield to use on our projection screen as scenes change throughout the production,” said Palmer.
The women have also planned a “surprise” for audience-goers as part of the production.
The script calls for at least six male speaking and singing roles, 10 female speaking and singing roles, with an unlimited chorus (large male chorus is desired), and at least 10 children.
“Our auditions are informal and low stress because we are here to have fun,” said Dunk.
Palmer noted that those chosen will need to be available for rehearsals which start in earnest the Tuesday after Labor Day. The rehearsal schedule is planned Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Performance dates are Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.
Copies of the script are available on request by emailing Palmer at [email protected].
“We are looking for comedic, fun characters,” said Dunk.
Palmer echoed those sentiments.
“Marion and I make it an ensemble show because everyone is important,” said Palmer. “We keep people busy and involved in all aspects of the show.”
Just as the biblical Magi – also referred to as the Three Wise Men – brought gifts to the newborn King of the Jews in the manger – both Palmer and Dunk will also be bearing gifts this holiday season with a new show that is light-hearted and family oriented – a perfect gift to all in the Greater Westfield area.
On a related note, auditions for The Heidi Chronicles, the fall production by the Westfield Theatre Group, are planned June 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. at the Westfield Woman’s Club. Callbacks will be June 16 at 7 p.m. Roles are available for three males and five females. Performances are slated Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29. For more details, contact director Tom LeCourt at [email protected] or visit www.westfieldtheatregroup.com.
