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           "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 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.  Regional and community theatres have been wishing for a show like "The Man Who Saved Christmas"--and now it has arrived.

 

And just in time for the holidays!

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

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

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