2 weeks Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Hanane Djoua Doha Disney is no stranger to creating moments of wonder and joy, but their latest theatrical venture, Disney ‘The Magic Box’, promises to take audiences on an extraordinary journey like never before. Running from April 3 to 12 at the Al Mayassa Theatre in the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), this one-of-a-kind musical unites Disney’s most iconic characters in a seamless celebration of magic, music, and theatre. In an exclusive interview with the show’s producer, Felipe Gamba-Paredes, and cast member Ghia Hough, the profound thought and dedication behind this show come to light, highlighting the power of storytelling, puppetry, and the artistry involved in bringing beloved Disney characters to life.
The Creative Vision The genesis of ‘The Magic Box’ is deeply rooted in the idea of encapsulating the heart and magic of Disney’s vast universe in a single musical. Felipe Gamba-Paredes, the producer behind this ambitious production, spoke passionately about the inspiration and creative journey that led to the birth of the show. “The concept behind ‘The Magic Box’ was to honour the timeless magic that Disney has shared with audiences worldwide, while also pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in live theatre,” Gamba-Paredes explained.
“The idea is that everyone carries their own magic box. We all have the ability—and, in a way, the responsibility—to fill these boxes with magic, just as characters in stories do. This show is about embracing that idea.
” The musical showcases an array of Disney’s beloved characters, from the adventurous Moana to the endearing Mickey Mouse, united in a narrative that blends theatrical magic with spectacular performances. Gamba-Paredes emphasizes that this production doesn’t just celebrate Disney’s legacy; it creates an emotional experience that resonates with audiences of all ages. The show’s design takes a bold approach, with no intermission to ensure an uninterrupted flow, giving it a fast-paced, dynamic feel.
“There’s no natural place in the narrative to take a break because it’s building and building,” said Gamba-Paredes. “It’s like a fast-moving train, and by the end, you don’t know what hit you.” The Art of Puppetry One of the most compelling aspects of ‘The Magic Box’ is the intricate puppetry that brings Disney characters to life.
Ghia Hough, a cast member who portrays Donald Duck, shared her unique experience of working with the beloved puppet. “The most significant moment for me was meeting Donald—the puppet that I was going to puppeteer,” Hough recalled. “Seeing him and gearing up to bring him to life, designed by Michael Curry, was an emotional experience.
It was an intimate moment, and I will never forget it.” Hough described how challenging it was to master the art of puppetry, not just as a physical skill but as a means of conveying the character’s essence. “It was incredibly challenging to play through the puppet, but it was also about honouring the responsibility of bringing this character to life,” she explained.
“I wanted to do justice to Donald’s true personality and make sure it was evident in every performance.” Throughout the show, Hough navigates through a whirlwind of emotions, embodying Donald’s complex character—from moments of anger to infatuation with Daisy and friendship with Mickey. “I feel all the emotions during the show.
It’s a rollercoaster of feelings, and I love how each emotion reflects a different facet of Donald,” Hough said. A Universal Experience for All Ages What sets ‘The Magic Box’ apart from traditional musicals is its ability to speak to a wide range of audiences. From young children to adults, the show bridges generational gaps through its universal appeal.
Gamba-Paredes’ design was intentional in this regard, stating, “I always reference Walt Disney’s famous quote: ‘I don’t make films for children, I make films for the child in all of us, whether we be six or sixty.’ That philosophy guided the creation of this show. It caters to all ages, offering something for everyone.
” The show’s ability to appeal to multi-generational audiences is evident in its seamless blend of Disney’s past and present. Gamba-Paredes described how the performance touches on various periods of Disney history, from the classics like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book to more recent hits like Frozen and Encanto. The production creates a magical space where grandparents, parents, and children can come together, engaging with one another over the shared joy of beloved characters and iconic songs.
A Journey of Discovery The production’s journey has been a long one, spanning several years of conceptual development and design. From the initial workshop in Buenos Aires in 2020 to the ongoing global tour, ‘The Magic Box’ has taken the world by storm, enchanting audiences in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Abu Dhabi. For Gamba-Paredes, the response has been overwhelming, a testament to Disney’s enduring global appeal and the hard work of the entire team behind the production.
“We’re just getting started,” Gamba-Paredes shared. “The show has already travelled to multiple countries in just a little over a year, and we have ambitious plans to keep touring around the world.” The ability to update and adapt the show, incorporating new Disney content over time, adds an exciting layer of flexibility to the production.
“It’s constantly evolving,” he said. “We’ve carefully chosen the songs and characters, but we can always add new elements to keep the magic fresh and relevant for each new audience.” A Magical Experience Awaits Tickets for Disney ‘The Magic Box’ are available now for performances at Al Mayassa Theatre, QNCC, from April 3 to 12, 2025.
The show is suitable for all ages, so gather your loved ones and prepare for a magical adventure! Copy 04/04/2025 10.
