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THE LAST LEAF
Adaptation, music and lyrics by Peter Ekstrom from the short story by O. Henry
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Ekstrom's lush melodies remind us that there are some people in the theatre who can still write like the pros. Together with "Magi," his gift to us is an evening with all the charm and magic of Amal and the Night Visitors...beautiful songs that audiences enjoy. -- Kingsport Times News
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The Last Leaf was developed as a companion piece for The Gift of the Magi, offering theatres an opportunity to present a full-scale, two-hour holiday production. Published in one volume by Samuel French, Inc. as An O. Henry Christmas. Together the two musicals add wonder and magic to the Christmas season.
The Last Leaf is also a love story. It heightens the spirit of giving celebrated in The Gift of the Magi with a touching story of friendship.
The setting is Greenwich Village, New York, 1905. The lively opening scene introduces the audience to Johnsy, a painter, and her new roommate Sue, a promising sculptor. The two women share an apartment and artist's studio. As time passes, a strong friendship grows out of their passion for art and the youthful hopes and dreams they share with each other. Mr. Behrman, their elderly neighbor and unsuccessful artist, is first a source of amusement to the two friends. The comical German serves to inspire when Johnsy falls ill with the pneumonia that has ravaged the city. Despite Sue's constant nursing, Johnsy does not recover. Staring at a vine through the window from her bed, she is certain she will die by the time the last leaf falls. Battling his own health problems, Mr. Behrman defies the cold, wet night to paint a leaf on the outdoor vine to restore the dying Johnsy's will to live. The next day, Johnsy's fever finally breaks. The doctor who has befriended the two women accepts another artist's sketch as payment -- this time, Sue gives him a picture of Mr. Behrman. The doctor tells her that Mr. Berhman died of pneumonia during the night. "They found his body in your alley, next to a ladder and a lantern, and a palette of green and yellow paints. Heaven knows what he was doing out there." Mr. Berhman has sacrificed himself, leaving behind the masterpiece that alluded him in life.
Ekstrom's music in The Last Leaf ranges from haunting to hopeful, with beautiful songs that capture the generous spirit of O. Henry's story. While The Last Leaf is more serious than its counterpart, Ekstrom's wit adds humor and fun to the musical. Audiences of all ages once again identify with the comedy and drama of everyday living as Peter Ekstrom brings classic American literature to life on the stage.
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