The Northfield Arts Guild announces Donata's Gift

In celebration of the warmth and joy of the upcoming holiday season, the Northfield Arts Guild would like to announce our production of Donata’s Gift, a musical written by local playwright Christine Kallman with music written by local composer Daniel Kallman.  Tickets for Donata’s Gift are available at the Northfield Arts Guild’s Center for the Arts.  Tickets can be purchased in person, by visiting the web site at northfieldartsguild.org, or over the phone at 507-645-8877.

Inspired by the Italian Christmas legend of Old Befana, Donata’s Gift is a story of giving and redemption.  Donata is an embittered and eccentric old woman accused of a terrible crime.  A young orphan helps to show her and the community that there is a fresh beginning in generosity, love, and acceptance.  Filled with music and dancing and well seasoned with humor, this play is a perfect addition to the holiday season.

The musical score, originally written for piano four-hands, has been recently rescored for chamber orchestra by Daniel Kallman.  The production is being directed by Christine Kallman with music direction by Daniel Kallman.  Members of the cast include Ariana Beeby, Charlie Black, Synneva Bratland, Vanessa Dimick, Melinda Emanuel, Jordan Ett, Tom Ett, Ann Etter, Esme Etter, Scout Gregerson, Brad Haugen, Christoph Hodel, Julia Hodel, Louisa Lawler, Josie Luhman, Hannah Mahr, Erik Mandsager, Myrna Mibus, Rose Mibus, Sasha Middeldorp, Michelle Olsen, Emily Rhoades, J.P. Sacha, Christina Schwietz, Paul Seguin, Jim Stenglein, Ruth Sylte, Patrick Walker, Ben Wang, and Zoe Webb.

The Northfield Youth Choirs’ Concert Choir will be celebrating Donata’s Gift and the holiday season by singing in the Northfield Arts Guild Theater prior to the performances on December 5.  Those patrons with tickets for those performances will be able to hear the Concert Choir sing starting 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the performance of Donata’s Gift on those days. 

This production is financially supported, in part, by a Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council Original Works Grant.  Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council grants are funded through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature.