HOLDEN & ARTS ASSOCIATES
SHARING STORIES AND CREATING PARTNERSHIPS SINCE 1983
MAGIC BEACH
A play by Finegan Kruckemeyer
Based on the book by Alison Lester
Produced by CDP Theatre Producers from Sydney, Australia
Every year, an ordinary family goes on a beach holiday. This isn't just any beach - it's Magic Beach, where everything you can imagine becomes real. The everyday world transforms into the worlds of pirates, smugglers, giant sharks, and knights and castles. And this year, all the siblings navigate personal challenges as well as fantastical ones during their games. Danny has to overcome his fear during a giant storm. Lucy has to stand up for what she believes in against a bully at the rockpools. And Sally worries that as she begins to grow up, does she have to leave the magic behind?
Alison Lester's classic book comes to life on stage through text, song, puppetry, shadow and movement, with three actors playing all of the different characters. This adaptation from award winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer is a celebration of the power of the imagination and the differences that make every child special.
"The new production of Magic Beach, adapted for the stage by Finegan Krukemeyer, beautifully captures the qualities that make Lester's books so special…[and] Honours (Alison Lester's) art, trusting children with a glimpse at what truly matters to them – family, play, nature, a sense of security, and the perfection of finding a place like Magic Beach where their imaginations can soar without boundaries."" - ARTSPLORERS
Curriculum Connections
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Fine Arts: Performance, Sound Design, Music and Composition
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Language Arts: Storytelling, Character, Adaptations, Creative Writing
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Science: the Moon, the Natural Environment
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Emotional/Social Development: Relationships, Growing Up, Family Siblings/Parents, Identity, Imagination, Imaginative Play, Emotional Literacy, Risk Taking, Self Esteem, Aspirations, Gender roles, Friendships
Outreach & Workshops
With advance notice, CDP may be able to offer drama based workshops in your venue for students or children. Please contact us if this is something you'd like to explore.
“Relaxed” or “Sensory Friendly” Performances
This performance is also available as a “sensory friendly” or “relaxed” performance if arranged with the company in advance and with specific direction as to what adjustments are necessary for your venue.
Minimum Tech Requirements
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Load In Time: 4 hours (if lighting pre rig is done)
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Crew Needs: 4 crew, 3 lighting, and 1 sound technician for load-in (roles may be combined if venue allows), 1 lighting operator for show run, and 4 crew for load-out.
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Min. Stage Size: 26’ width x 26’ depth x 15’ height. At least 6ft wing space on each side
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Load Out Time: 2 hours
Artistic Team
Alison Lester: Book Author / Adaptation Consultant
Finegan Kruckemeyer: Playwright / Adaptor
Liesel Badorrek: Director
Isla Shaw: Set/Costume/Puppet Designer
Gail Priest : Composer/Sound Designer
Nicholas Higgins: Lighting Designer
Touring company will include 3 cast members and 2 crew, TBD.
Critical Acclaim
"The new production of Magic Beach, adapted for the stage by Finegan Krukemeyer, beautifully captures the qualities that make Lester's books so special…[and] Honours (Alison Lester's) art, trusting children with a glimpse at what truly matters to them – family, play, nature, a sense of security, and the perfection of finding a place like Magic Beach where their imaginations can soar without boundaries."" - ARTSPLORERS
"Simple theatrical storytelling with a few sweet songs and earnest, big-hearted performances." - ARTSPLORERS
"A magic children's show – full of giggles, imaginative play and fun… Every bit as heartwarming as a toasted marshmallow on the beach." -WA TODAY
"Entertainment that'll have your children smiling, with plenty of stories to share about their favourite parts." - WA TODAY
Company Background
Past tours: The 13 Story Treehouse, Meeting Mozart
"A reliable and prolific source of high-quality children's theatre". - The Age (Australia)
CDP Theatre Producers is a boutique producer based in Sydney. The company is Australia’s largest producer of work for young audiences, creating award winning theatre of the highest quality. CDP adapts the world’s best children’s books for the stage for 0-12 year olds and their families, working with Australia’s highest calibre artists. The company tours more widely than any other theatre company across Australia, and are committed to producing work which engages, educates, inspires and challenges audiences, whilst remaining relevant and accessible.
Founded 25 years ago by Christine Dunstan and today led by Co-Directors Andrew Threlfall and Yolande White, CDP have more than 80 productions (including more than 35 for young audiences), seen by over five million people across 65 Australian and 18 international tours to the USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the UAE, The Netherlands, Belgium and China. CDP have two major International co-productions in Holland and the UK and hve won multiple theatre awards.
Works in the repertoire include Magic Beach, Are We There Yet?, ‘The 13-Story Treehouse’ (and 4 other shows in the series), Mr. Stink, Billionaire Boy, as well as the Australian co-productions (with Tall Stories, UK) of The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and Room on the Broom. CDP also co-produced 16 works for ‘The Sydney Opera House Babies Proms’ series, which includes ‘Meeting Mozart’.
For more information about CDP, please visit the company’s website.
Gallery of Past Productions
