Dec 13–Dec 29
Jan 08–Mar 09
Leonardo!

Minneapolis, MN

Jan 25–Feb 16
The Magic City

Chicago, IL

Mar 01–Mar 02
The Magic City

Costa Mesa, CA

Mar 28–Apr 06
Leonardo!

Washington, D.C.

001 Sarah Fornace and Jeffrey Paschal in The Magic City Photo by Chuck Osgood

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”.

Recommended for ages 6+.

Conceived by Manual Cinema
Based on the novel by Edith Nesbit
Devised by Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace and Julia Miller
Written by Drew Dir and Sarah Fornace

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

CCT White Logo 2020
Henson award

Credits

Conceived by Manual Cinema

Based on the novel by Edith Nesbit

Devised by Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace, Julia Miller

Written by Drew Dir

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)


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