Kids get a chance to cast shadow puppets on the lobby wall of Chicago Children’s Theatre via old-school overhead projectors before watching Manual Cinema’s latest production, The Magic City. But even with this hands-on lesson, young audiences will still be filled with wonder when they see how the troupe creates a fully realized dream world on a large screen right next to the live-action whirl of people, puppets, props and music that is their hallmark.
Glance to your left and watch the actors spin a sweet story of sibling love out of highly choreographed chaos. Look to the right to see how it all comes together into a cohesive live-action movie onscreen. Or check downstage where Alicia Walter does triple duty singing, playing the keyboard and narrating the story.
The rest of the cast–Brandon Boler (Brandon), Ellie Duffey (Philomena until Feb. 9, when Sarah Fornace takes the role), Julia Miller (Helen) and Jeffrey Paschal (Lucas)–all do double duty as puppeteers.
Together they tell the story of how Philomena and her guardian older sister Helen immerse themselves in building miniature cities out of myriad household objects–until Helen marries her boyfriend Brandon and moves them into the house he shares with his annoying (but pretty sweet) son, Lucas.
Philomena has an understandably difficult time adjusting to her changed reality, so she retreats into the attic to build a fantasy world where nosy new step-cousins are not welcome–until one night when the city comes to life and traps Philomena inside. Can Lucas save her and help open The Magic City up to welcome the entire blended family? The answers to those questions won’t surprise the adults in the audience, but they’ll leave everyone with a smile.
This contemporary adaptation of Edith Nesbit’s 1910 novel of the same name was devised by company members Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace, Ben Kauffman and Julia Miller. It has special significance to both the troupe and the theater, as The Magic City was both Manual Cinema’s first all-ages show and the inaugural production when CCT opened its West Loop theater in 2017.
It’s a welcome return engagement for a beguiling piece of entertainment exploring the difficult moments of big change children are often forced to face, whether it’s the death of a loved one, a move to a new home or a not entirely welcome addition to the family.
The show is recommended for ages 6 and up. My 5-year-old found Philomena’s temper tantrums a bit scary, but not so much that it ruined his enjoyment of the enchanting tale.
The Magic City runs through February 16 at Chicago Children’s Theatre.
For a full roundup of reviews of this show, visit Theatre in Chicago.
Photo by Katie Doyle
