The Magic City
Philomena and her big sister Helen love building miniature cities out of books, toys, and household objects. When Helen begins seeing a new boyfriend, Brandon, Philomena's world falls apart. Even worse, she's expected to make friends with Brandon's son, Lucas: the most annoying boy in the world. Forced to share her perfect life with Helen, Philomena retreats into building the biggest tiny city ever: a magic city only for her. Then, one night, Philomena's city of found objects comes to life, and she finds herself trapped inside. Will Philomena find her way out—and will she let her new family in? Brought to life through Manual Cinema's magical fusion of actors, puppets, miniatures, and live music, The Magic City encourages us to build bridges rather than walls.
Adapted from Edith Nesbit’s 1910 novel “The Magic City”.
Runtime is 55 minutes. Recommended for ages 6+.
Based on the novel by Edith Nesbit
Devised by Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace, Ben Kauffman, and Julia Miller
Brandon Boler and Julia Miller, Photo by Manual Cinema
Ellie Duffey and Jeffrey Paschal, Photo by Katie Doyle
Ellie Duffey and Jeffrey Paschal, Photo by Katie Doyle
Ellie Duffey and Jeffrey Paschal, Photo by Katie Doyle
Alicia Walter, Photo by Katie Doyle
Manual Cinema's The Magic City, Photo by Katie Doyle
Jeffrey Paschal and Julia Miller, Photo by Katie Doyle
Ellie Duffey and Julia Miller, Photo by Manual Cinema
Manual Cinema's The Magic City, Photo by Manual Cinema
Ellie Duffey and Jeffrey Paschal, Photo by Manual Cinema
Manual Cinema's The Magic City, Photo by Manual Cinema
Manual Cinema's The Magic City, Photo by Manual Cinema
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.
Commissioning and Support
Credits
Conceived by Manual Cinema
Based on the novel by Edith Nesbit
Devised by Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace, Ben Kauffman, and Julia Miller
2025 PRODUCTION
Screenplay and Storyboards by Drew Dir and Sarah Fornace
Art Direction and Puppets by Drew Dir
Music, Lyrics, and Sound Design by Ben Kauffman
Additional Sound Design by Kyle Vegter
Assistant Sound Design by Spencer Meeks
Music Preparation by Nate Williams
Lighting Design by David Goodman-Edberg
Wig and Costume Design by Mieka van der Ploeg
Assistant Costume Design by Noël Huntzinger
Stage Manager and Board Operator Ryn Hardiman
Cast
Brandon Boler (Brandon, Puppeteer)
Ellie Duffey (Philomena, Puppeteer)
Julia Miller (Helen, Puppeteer)
Jeffrey Paschal (Lucas, Puppeteer)
Alicia Walter (Narrator, Vocals, Keys)
Alternate Cast
Kasey Foster (Puppeteer)
Sarah Fornace (Philomena, Puppeteer)
2017 PRODUCTION
Storyboards by Drew Dir
Art Direction and Puppets by Lizi Breit and Drew Dir
Music and Lyrics by Ben Kauffman
Sound Design by Ben Kauffman and Kyle Vegter
Costumes and Wigs by Mieka van der Ploeg
Miniatures by Andrea Everman
Shadow Masks by Julia Miller
Cat Puppet by Sam Deutsch and Julia Miller
Lighting Design by Claire Chrzan
Stage Manager Kate Hardiman
Production Manager Mike Usrey
Puppetry Build Interns Nicole Nienow and Jacky Kelsey
Puppeteers
Sarah Fornace (Philomena)
Jeffrey Paschal (Lucas)
Julia Miller (Helen)
Linsey Falls (Brandon)
Musicians
Alex Babbitt (Keyboard, Flute, Vocals)
Maren Celest (Narration, Vocals, Live Sound Effects, Ukulele)
Ben Kauffman (Guitar, Percussion, Vocals)
Understudies
Lily Emerson (Helen)
Drew Dir (Puppeteer)
Sima Cunningham (Vocals, Live SFX)
Ayanna Woods (Guitar, Percussion, Vocals)