"A charming new musical...brightened by 16 hummable songs"
The Oakland Tribune
THE SHOW
The
Story
"The Man Who Saved Christmas" is loosely based on the true story of toymaker A.C. Gilbert (the inventor of The Erector Set.) Set in 1917, as America is embroiled in the first World War, this 'new old-fashioned’ crowd-pleaser focuses on Gilbert's battle with the U.S. government as it attempts to ban toy sales during the holiday season.
Added to the mix: A secretary who keeps her heart on ice and a visiting reporter determined to thaw it out; the nefarious Iago of the toy factory, Mister Dixon; Gilbert's loving wife Mary; and the Gilberts' precocious niece Ellen, who untangles the myriad complications in which the young lovers--and the Toy Tycoon--find themselves.
In addition to these characters, the stage is populated by the singing/dancing workers of the A.C. Gilbert Toy Factory, doughboys and their families, a chorus line of high-stepping kiddies, and the pompous Washingtonians who wind up sitting on the floor and playing with toys by the time A.C. Gilbert is finished with them!
Boasting 16 new songs that instantly feel like old friends, this is the holiday show that has left reviewers scrambling for superlatives. “The Man Who Saved Christmas” is the new show that regional and community theatres have been wishing for--and now it has arrived.
And just in time for Christmas!
The Cast Size
As few as 15
As many as 100!
7 Principal Roles (4 M, 3 F)Speaking Parts for Adults & Kids
Adult Chorus
Kids Chorus
The Orchestrations
The Man Who Saved Christmas is orchestrated for a 14-piece orchestra. A small combo version is also available.
The
Characters
A.C. GILBERT:
The blustering but kind-hearted head of the A.C. Gilbert Toy Factory.
JOHNNY ELI:
A young newspaper reporter from Boston. He comes to New Haven
to find a story, but finds love instead.
ALICE FINCH:
Gilbert's loyal and efficient personal secretary, who takes an
immediate dislike to Johnny (but not for long).
MARY GILBERT:
Gilbert's loving and wise wife, whose brother has been deployed to
France, and is missing in action.
ELLEN:
The Gilberts' niece who is staying with them while Daddy is 'over there.'
DIXON:
A supervisor at the Factory who admires Alice and loathes Johnny.
DADDY:
Missing in action. Seen as a memory in Ellen’s dream.
THE ENSEMBLE:
Factory Workers, Doughboys and families, Washingtonians
THE KIDS:
Buddy, Sammy, Cricket, Gertie (add more to the Kid's Chorus!)
The
Songs
CLICK TO HERE TO HEAR CLIPS
"We've Got A Lot To Do!"
"Nice Lady"
"Dream A Dream"
"Daddy Has To Leave You"
"It's Very Dangerous"
"You And Me"
"I Think, I Think"
"A New Man"
"See You In The A.M."
"All I Want For Christmas"
"For America"
"What's Wrong With The Grown-ups?"
"No More Love Songs"
"You And Me" (reprise)
"Leave The Toys Alone"
"Dixon's Turn"
"A Very Merry Christmas After All"
Dixon and Factory Workers
Johnny and Alice
Gilbert and Ellen
Ellen's Daddy, Doughboys
Alice
Gilbert and Johnny
Johnny, Alice, Gilbert, Dixon
Johnny, Factory Workers
Mary
Johnny, Alice
Gilbert, Mary, Full Company
Ellen and the Kids
Johnny and Alice
Mary and Gilbert
Gilbert, Johnny, Washingtonians
Dixon
Full Company