By Patrick McDonnell, Aaron Posner, and Erin Weaver
Featuring the beloved characters from Mutts comics.
Marin Theatre proudly presents for the holiday season the West Coast Premiere of The Gift of Nothing, a charming musical based on the Patrick McDonnell book and featuring the beloved characters from Mutts comics. The story follows best friends Mooch the cat and Earl the dog as Mooch searches for the perfect gift for his friend-only to discover that the most meaningful gift of all isn't something you can wrap, but is simply friendship itself.
With gentle humor, playful songs, and a deeply touching message, this delightful production reminds audiences of all ages that spending quality time with quality friends are the greatest gift of all.
This production is being presented in partnership with Muttville Senior Dog Rescue and coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the publishing of The Gift of Nothing children's book, which will be available for sale at the Theatre alongside the newly released companion book, The Gift of Everything.
This production will last one hour and five minutes with no intermission. Join us for live storytime in our lobby 30 minutes before every performance!
Saturday, December 20th, 11:00 AM is our Relaxed Performance. These are designed for anyone who needs a more flexible and comfortable theater experience. These shows adjust house rules to create a more inclusive environment. Click here for more information about our Relaxed Performances!
Sunday, December 21st, 1:00 PM is our ASL performance. Tickets for patrons who use ASL are marked with the letter A.
Additional Events (free and open to the Marin Theatre community)
Saturday 12/13 at 5PM - Author Patrick McDonnell Book Signing and Meet & Greet in the Marin Theatre Lobby
Sunday 12/14 at 3PM - Author Patrick McDonnell Book Signing and Meet & Greet in the Marin Theatre Lobby
Sunday 12/14 at 5PM - Meet & Greet with the cast of The Gift of Nothing in the Marin Theatre Lobby
Friday 12/19 at 7PM - Meet & Greet with the cast of The Gift of Nothing in the Marin Theatre Lobby
Saturday 12/20 at 7PM - Meet & Greet with the cast of The Gift of Nothing in the Marin Theatre Lobby
Sunday 12/21 at 12 - 3PM - Muttville Dog Adoption Event! Take home your very own Earl! (Dogs available for cuddles from 12-1 and 2-3)
Sunday 12/21 at 5PM - Meet & Greet with the cast of The Gift of Nothing in the Marin Theatre Lobby

"The Gift of Nothing" actors Alicia M.P. Nelson, Amanda Le Nguyen, and Charisse Loriaux share the tale of Mooch and Earl with the pooches of Muttville. Photo: Peter Samuels
| Date | Performance Times | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Buy Tickets | ||
| Dec 20, 2025 | 11:00 AM | Buy Tickets | ||
| Dec 20, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Buy Tickets | ||
| Dec 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Buy Tickets | ||
| Dec 21, 2025 | 1:00 PM | Buy Tickets | ||
| Dec 21, 2025 | 4:00 PM | Buy Tickets | ||
| Dec 22, 2025 | 4:00 PM | |||
| Dec 22, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Buy Tickets | ||
| Dec 23, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Buy Tickets |