The Magic Garden cast refers to the group of performers who appeared on the popular children's television show called "The Magic Garden." The show aired from 1972 to 1984 and was produced and hosted by Carole Demas and Paula Janis. Carole Demas and Paula Janis played the characters of Carole and Paula, two friends who lived in a magical garden. The show featured a mix of live-action and puppetry, with the Magic Trunk as a central element of the show. The trunk would open to reveal various costumes, props, and puppets, which were used to entertain and educate the young viewers. The Magic Garden cast also included several recurring puppet characters, such as Sherlock the Squirrel, who would help Carole and Paula solve mysteries, and Pandora the Witch, a puppet magician who would perform magic tricks.
A limited number of tickets are still available for the 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. shows.
In 2021, it was announced that Hot Spaghetti Productions was running a crowdfunding campaign for an animated version of the show called The New Magic Garden, starring younger versions of all the characters, and featuring the voices of Demas and Janis. With three albums, a popular DVD, a Grammy nomination, and citations from Actions for Children s Television and the Children s Television Workshop, plus two additional one-hour specials A Magic Garden Christmas and Magic Garden- Still Growing , The Magic Garden legacy has been sealed.
The Magic Garden cast also included several recurring puppet characters, such as Sherlock the Squirrel, who would help Carole and Paula solve mysteries, and Pandora the Witch, a puppet magician who would perform magic tricks. Other puppet characters included Buster the Dog, Henrietta the Hen, and the Wise Old Tree. The show was known for its catchy songs, which the cast would perform throughout the episodes.
Magic Garden, The
In a magic garden of stories, songs and imagination, two eternally sweet women hosted a beloved children’s programme. The Magic Garden combined folk-style children’s songs, silly jokes, dramatised stories and life lessons, all provided by co-hosts Carole and Paula.
The garden itself was a park-like area with a large tree as its centrepiece. The tree had a little magic of its own, dropping written messages for Carole and Paula and lowering a pair of vines on which they could swing.
Inside the tree lived one of the show’s puppet friends, a pink squirrel named Sherlock. The deep-voiced Sherlock was a bit of a troublemaker, but the hosts could always ply him with a bribe of peanuts, his favourite.
The rest of the puppet cast included a bird named Flapper and the Chuckle Patch, a patch of daisies that delivered a new joke in each episode. When Carole or Paula read the joke, the Patch would shake and giggle with high-pitched glee.
One of the show’s most fondly remembered segments was “The Story Box”. When story time rolled around, Carole and Paula would open up an old steamer trunk and pull out props, costumes and masks to put on a staged version of a children’s story.
Every aspect of the show revolved around the winning personalities of its hosts. Carole Demas and Paula Janis were the kind-hearted friends every kid wanted, and their two-part harmonies and guitar accompaniment were like chicken soup for the hyperactive soul.
The Magic Garden only aired in local syndication, primarily in New York on WPIX, but it left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to watch it and became the most successful regional show in the history of American children’s television.
“You don’t need a key, so follow me, There are no locks on story box, On story box, on story box”
Carole Demas continued her distinguished career as an actress and singer in theatre, television and film. On Broadway, she created the leading role of Sandy in the hit musical Grease. She guest-starred on numerous television shows, including Kojak, Mannix, Barnaby Jones, Edge of Night and As The World Turns.
Carole Demas
Herself
Paula Janis
Herself
Sherlock
Carey Antebi
Flapper
Carey Antebi
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Inside the tree lived one of the show’s puppet friends, a pink squirrel named Sherlock. The deep-voiced Sherlock was a bit of a troublemaker, but the hosts could always ply him with a bribe of peanuts, his favourite.
Some of the most popular songs included "Hello, Hello," "The Candy Man," and "The Sun is a Mass of Incandescent Gas." These songs, along with the positive and educational content of the show, made "The Magic Garden" a favorite among children and their parents. Carole Demas and Paula Janis had a warm and friendly presence on the show, which made them beloved by their young audience. They would often interact with the viewers through letters and drawings that were sent to the show, fostering a sense of community among the viewers. After the show ended in 1984, Carole Demas and Paula Janis continued to perform together, bringing the magic and joy of "The Magic Garden" to live audiences. They have also released albums of their music and made guest appearances on various shows and events. The Magic Garden cast and their show left a lasting impact on the lives of many children who grew up watching them. Their catchy songs, creative puppetry, and positive messages continue to resonate with audiences even decades after the show's end. The Magic Garden cast will always be remembered as magical and beloved entertainers who brought joy and imagination into the lives of many children..
Reviews for "The Magic Garden Cast: Unlocking the Power Within"
1. Emma - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Magic Garden Cast". The story was so predictable, with no originality or surprises. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The dialogue was cliché and uninspired. The acting was subpar and the performances felt forced. The special effects were underwhelming and failed to create any sense of magic or wonder. Overall, I found the whole experience to be unengaging and boring. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this film.
2. Jack - ★★☆☆☆
"Magic Garden Cast" had potential with its unique concept, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was off, dragging in some parts and rushing through important moments in others. The visuals were lackluster and could have been more visually stunning. The plot felt disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to follow and become invested in the story. The acting wasn't particularly memorable, and the characters lacked development. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed by this film.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Magic Garden Cast" based on the trailers, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The plot felt overly simplistic and lacked depth. The dialogue was cheesy and overly dramatic. The performances were average at best, with no standout acting. Additionally, the CGI effects were unimpressive and felt outdated. Overall, I found "Magic Garden Cast" to be a forgettable and mediocre film. If you're looking for a magical fantasy experience, I would recommend looking elsewhere.