| The Magic Garden, one of the most successful, locally produced children’s television shows in the country, was broadcast on WPIX New York, from the early 1970’s to the mid 1980’s. Fifty-two half-hour episodes and a one hour holiday special were created to meet FCC requirements as set forth in the Children’s Television Act of that time. Stars Carole Demas and Paula Janis helped create the show. In a colorful garden setting they brought stories, songs, games, lessons and laughter to their devoted fans. Critical acclaim followed quickly from many publications including The New York Daily News and Television/Radio Age. In addition, Carole and Paula’s work on the show was commended by various luminaries in the field of Early Childhood Education and Development, among them: The Chairperson of Brooklyn College Early Childhood Education Division, and the Coordinator of Child Psychology at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York. They received citations from Action for Children’s Television and Children’s Television Workshop. Ratings were equal to or exceeded those of Sesame Street and other shows of this genre (Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, Romper Room, Captain Kangaroo, etc.). As the WPIX broadcast area expanded via satellite, Carole and Paula became beloved fixtures in the lives of their growing audience. In response to great demand, they produced The Magic Garden Tcast album and 2 other record albums (one nominated for a Grammy). To the delight of their many fans, Carole and Paula have written, produced and starred in 15 live touring productions, playing to thousands of people a day. They were seen at Town Hall, The New Jersey State Theatre, The Shubert Theatre in New Haven, Symphony Space, The McCarter Theatre at Princeton, The Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College, The Westchester Broadway Theatre and numerous other well known theatres and concert stages. They continue to tour the tri-state area with their popular family concerts. Recent appearances include shows at The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts and Fairfield University in Connecticut, The Staten Island Children’s Museum, and the famous outdoor arena at Waterloo Historic Restoration, New Jersey. |
