ALBANY (Nov. 10) — Capital Repertory Theatre continues its 2026-27 season with “The Magi,” a contemporary holiday play with music, inspired by O. Henry’s classic short story “The Gift of the Magi.” Blending original folk rock, humor, and romance, the production explores the meaning of love, sacrifice, and giving during the holiday season. Performances run Nov. 27 through Dec. 24 on the MainStage at theREP.
A fresh take on a beloved holiday tale, “The Magi” follows Nix and Jude, a songwriting duo who nearly break up in the midst of their Christmas Eve concert on a snowy night in Albany. Through live music and quirky humor, the production explores what it means to love someone completely, imperfections, and all.
At the heart of the production is a family collaboration between playwright Helen R. Murray and her son, composer Eli Pafumi. Murray, an award-winning playwright and director, brings her storytelling experience to the production, while Pafumi, a Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, provides the original music. Together, the mother-son creative team offer a contemporary interpretation of the classic holiday story, bringing a personal connection to a production centered on love, and the spirit of giving.
The cast of “The Magi” features Scott Redmond as Nixon and Madeleine Anne Fraser as Judevine. Redmond is a New York-based actor whose credits include the national tour of Daniel Fish’s “Oklahoma!,” “Once” at Syracuse Stage, “RENT” at Theatre Under the Stars, and “Ride the Cyclone” at Alliance Theatre, where he appeared in the original cast recording. His screen credits include the Amazon Prime series “After Forever,” and he was most recently seen in “White Christmas” at Weston Theater.
Making her Capital Repertory Theatre debut as Judevine, Los Angeles native Madeleine “Maddi” Fraser is a singer-songwriter and actress who tours internationally with her one-woman musical, “The Gypsy That I Was,” celebrating the life of Stevie Nicks. She appeared as a contestant on season 19 of NBC’s “The Voice” and was featured as a background vocalist on season 20 of “America’s Got Talent.” Fraser also works as a session singer for television and performs improv and sketch comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles.
Rounding out the cast is Miah Pafumi, a multidisciplinary musician and performance artist whose recent credits include “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and “100 Days” at American Stage Theatre. Her experience spans theatre, live music, and experimental performance.
In addition to a unique story, “The Magi” offers a unique immersive seating experience. A limited number of onstage seats are available, allowing ticket holders to see the show from the point of view of patrons at the bar where Nixon and Judevine are performing. Just steps away from the actors, onstage ticketholders will be a living part of the dynamic concert environment.
Directed by Dave Solomon (Associate Director of Broadway’s “Tootsie,” “Elf,” and more), “The Magi” features musical direction by Chris Ranney (Broadway’s “Come from Away”), scenic design by Jeffrey D. Kmiec (theREP’s “Mystic Pizza”), lighting design by Rob Denton, costume design by Vasilija Zvanic, and sound design by Jeffrey Salerno. Lisa R. Stafford serves as stage manager, with Michaela Savoie as assistant stage manager.
Previews for “The Magi” are Friday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 27, with opening night Tuesday, Dec. 1. Performances are scheduled through Thursday, Dec. 24. Tickets for both traditional and onstage seating are on sale now. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at Proctors 12-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at (518) 346-6204, or visit attherep.org. Groups of 10 or more can call (518) 382-3884, ext. 139.
Special nights:
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 — Opening Night
Includes complimentary pre-show champagne toast and pastries from Bella Napoli.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 — Chef’s Table
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by a local restaurant.
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 — ASL Performance
This performance features sign language interpreters. To request access to the designated seating section, please call the box office at (518) 346-6204.
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 — Thirsty Thursday
Enjoy tasting samples from local cideries, breweries, or wineries.
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 — Behind the Scenes
12:30 p.m. complimentary coffee and pastry before the pre-show discussion with Producing Artistic Director Miriam Weisfeld. Free and open to the public.