The Magic City

Manual Cinema has adapted Edith Nesbit’s 1910 novel “The Magic City” for a live, cinematic shadow puppet show. Using overhead projectors, paper shadow puppets, actors on camera and live music, Manual Cinema’s adaptation of The Magic City updates the novel with a modern retelling.

The Magic City tells the story of nine-year-old Philomena, whose great love is building miniature structures out of books, toys, and other found objects from around her house. One day, her older sister (and only legal guardian) Helen announces that she is engaged to marry, and the two go to live at the mansion of Helen’s fiancé, Brandon. Left alone in her vast new home, forced to make friends with her annoying stepbrother Lucas, Philomena secludes herself in the attic where she builds the biggest miniature city she’s ever made. Later that night, Philomena wakes up to discover that his city has come alive. As she steps through the city gates, her adventure begins.

Magic City is for ages 5+.

theater, music

Casting for this touring production changes per performance. Please email Julia Miller at julia@manualcinema.com to confirm casting for your production.

Download The Magic City Visual Assets

Download The Magic City tech rider

The Magic City trailer

“Manual Cinema’s ‘Magic City’ lets everyone in”

– Chris Jones, The Chicago Tribune

“…one would have to lack a pulse to not be transported back to a state of childhood wonderment…”

– Patrick McDonald, The Advertiser, March 2017

“…a brilliant way of awakening interest in theatre, puppetry, and storytelling for the next generation. “

– Barry Lenny, Broadway World, March 2017

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Lead commissioning support for Manual Cinema’s The Magic City provided by the Chicago Children’s Theatre. The Magic City premiered at the Chicago Children’s Theater in January, 2017.