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