Carole and Paula's Magic Garden is a beloved children's television show that was aired in the 1970s and 1980s. The show featured Carole Demas and Paula Janis as hosts, and they played the characters Carole and Paula, respectively. The Magic Garden was a whimsical and enchanting place where Carole and Paula would sing, play music, and interact with their young viewers. The show had a unique format, with each episode consisting of songs, stories, and magical adventures. Carole and Paula had a genuine warmth and connection with their audience, making children feel like they were a part of the magic garden too. One of the signature songs of the show was the opening theme, which invited children to enter the garden and join Carole and Paula on their adventures.
Carole and Paula - Friends Forever
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.). Subsequently, 2, 1 hour specials have been produced and Aired. A Magic Garden Christmas, after being lost for decades, has been found, restored and is now airing annually on WPIX-TV, New York.
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 cast 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 30 live touring productions, playing to thousands of people a day. They have been 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, 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 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 Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, NYU, Sunnyside Museum, The Long Island Museum of Art, History and Carriages, The West Side "Y", Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, Midwood High School, Tudor City Greens, etc. Their most up to date schedule of appearances can always be found on the events page of this website.
The Magic Garden’s Carole Demas & Paula Janis
Carole Demas and Paula Janis have been friends since their days in the mixed chorus of Midwood High School in Brooklyn. They were teachers together in the New York City school system, sang for the New York Shakespeare Festival for several summers, and formed their own company, CAP Productions, Inc. in 1978. They are loved and remembered as the stars of The Magic Garden, now a part of the permanent collection at The Paley Center (formerly the Museum of Television and Radio) in New York City. The Magic Garden, the most popular regional show in children’s television history, ran for 12-1/2 years on New York’s WPIX-TV and affiliated stations. Demas and Janis created three records for children (one a Grammy nominee), and they continue to perform together for fundraisers and special events.
One of the signature songs of the show was the opening theme, which invited children to enter the garden and join Carole and Paula on their adventures. The lyrics of the song became iconic and are still remembered by many fans today. Carole and Paula's Magic Garden not only entertained children but also taught valuable life lessons and values.
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Carole And Paula From 'The Magic Garden' Bring Flower Power To Emelin
Through their stories and interactions, they emphasized the importance of friendship, kindness, and imagination. The show encouraged children to explore their creativity and embrace the wonders of nature. One of the most memorable aspects of Carole and Paula's Magic Garden was their unique style and costumes. Carole and Paula wore colorful dresses and flowers in their hair, creating a visual representation of the enchanting world they created for their viewers. Even though the show ended decades ago, Carole and Paula's Magic Garden still holds a special place in the hearts of many. The show's timeless appeal and positive messages continue to resonate with children and adults alike. Carole and Paula's legacy as beloved children's entertainers lives on, and their magic garden will always remain a cherished memory for those who grew up watching the show..
Reviews for "Remembering the Beloved Characters of Carole and Paula's Magic Garden"
1. John - 2 stars
I watched "Carole and Paula Magic Garden" with high hopes, given its reputation as a beloved children's show. However, I was extremely disappointed. The show lacked any substance or educational value that I expected from a children's program. The hosts, Carole and Paula, were annoying and their constant singing and dancing was grating on the nerves. The overall production quality seemed low, with cheap-looking sets and outdated costumes. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for a quality children's program.
2. Sarah - 1 star
"Carole and Paula Magic Garden" was nothing short of a nightmare. The hosts seemed more interested in entertaining themselves than engaging with their young audience. The constant singing and dancing was overwhelming and became repetitive very quickly. Additionally, the show seemed to drag on unnecessarily, with scenes that added no value or entertainment. The lack of educational content was also a letdown. Overall, this show felt like a waste of time and I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Michael - 2 stars
I found "Carole and Paula Magic Garden" to be quite dated and uninteresting. The content of the show lacked any creativity or originality, with predictable storylines and bland characters. The hosts were not engaging and their attempts at humor fell flat. The musical segments felt forced and out of place. I could not connect with the show on any level and found myself quickly losing interest. There are much better children's shows out there that offer more value and entertainment than what this show has to offer.
4. Emily - 2.5 stars
"Carole and Paula Magic Garden" failed to live up to the hype for me. While the show had its moments of charm, the overall execution fell short. The pacing was slow, and the content seemed repetitive. The hosts' constant singing and dancing became tiresome after a while. The show lacked the educational aspect that I look for in children's programs, and I felt that it missed the opportunity to engage and inspire young minds. Overall, I found this show to be average at best and would not go out of my way to recommend it.