Life In The Arts
Remembering The Magic Carpet
Wednesday, April 18, 2001 - 10:30 - 11:30 AM
LONGTIMERS PRODUCTIONS AND THE MONTEREY COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION PRESENT
Do you remember the Magic Carpet Band?
If you attended elementary or middle school on the Monterey Peninsula in the 1970's and 1980's, you may remember a touring children's theater company that performed at your school.
One of the unique things about the Magic Carpet was that they performed original material written by the very students for whom they performed.
The band wore white bib overalls and colorful shirts and performed their plays without sets, lighting, costumes or props.
Plays were done with lively music, catchy songs, energetic dancing, and humorous pantomime.
But the Magic Carpet wasn't just for kids. Grown ups loved the performances just as much as the kids.
They also put on shows during the summer months at Hidden Valley Music Seminars in Carmel Valley.
They started out locally but soon became in demand regionally and they toured up and down the state playing as many as three or four schools a day.
Before long they were touring Oregon, Washington Wyoming and Colorado. Soon after that they were touring nationally and performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
Touring lead to a television show produced in association with Norman Lear for Nickelodeon called Kid's Writes.
Most of the Magic Carpet Band has moved away from the Monterey area but there are a couple of band members still around.
Left to right-Dave Dunham, Debbie Berry, John Rousseau and Maia Carroll
John Rousseau, Dave Dunham and surprise guest Debbie Berry along with series host Maia Carroll will talk about the group and share stories and memories.
John Rousseau is the Artist in Residence, at the Pacific Repertory Theater in Carmel and was a founding member of the troupe. And Dave Dunham, a teacher at Spreckels Elementary School, toured with the company for several years as an actor/technician. Debbie Berry was also a founding member of the Magic Carpet she is a working actress living in Los Angeles
Also the producers were able to secure hours of broadcast video tapes of concerts and rehearsals so that the entire show will feature many snippets, some never before seen of some of the best moments of the Magic Carpet.
LINKS
http://www.fabjob.com/actor.asp
http://www.cyberkids.com/index.html
The producers of Life in the Arts are looking for authors.
Did you write a play which was produced by the Magic Carpet? If so please contact the producers at 831 883-1331 or send e-mail to longtime@ix.netcom.com.
PAUL BOCZKOWSKI AND MARIE WAINSCOAT ARE PRODUCERS OF LIFE IN THE ARTS.
THIS PROGRAM IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY A GRANT FROM THE CULTURAL COUNCIL FOR MONTEREY COUNTY
Return to the Life in the Arts 2000 - 2001 Broadcast Season