'The Magic Dragon', a Christmas-themed, original and Manacor-based production that aims to break away from Disney musicals.
The musical soul of the show has been created and directed by Sebastià Gris
Manacor will premiere, for the first time, an original Christmas musical created from scratch. A premiere date has already been set. The magic dragonA stage production with live music that promises to become one of the major cultural highlights of the city's festivities. The show (which will run for a week, starting on December 23rd at 7 pm) combines various disciplines with actors, musicians, and dancers from the Manacor Conservatory of Music and Dance, who have showcased their talent in a preliminary phase. The musical's story transports us to the life of Jackie, a boy trapped in a world of screens and haste, who receives a surprise visit from a magical dragon forgotten in the confines of his own imagination. From there, they embark on a magical journey together that leads them to encounter pastry-baking pirates, forgetful queens, and fallen stars, until they understand that growing up isn't about ceasing to be afraid, but about learning to walk with fear. The production combines elements of magical realism, contemporary musical theater, and audiovisual projections, with scenes full of colors and visual textures that captivate the audience. This is a proposal that, beyond entertainment, seeks to delve into themes such as childhood, creativity, and the importance of continuing to dream at any age. The opening ceremony, held Tuesday afternoon, was attended by directors Joan Miquel and Joan Toni Sunyer, the lead actors Berta Costa, Joan Mascaró, and Joan Manel Vadell, and other key members of the artistic and technical team. Also present were the Mayor of Manacor, Miquel Oliver, and the Councilor for Culture, Ferran Montero, who emphasized that this production confirms itself as "one of the major cultural and family events of Christmas in Manacor." During the presentation, the actors offered a short live excerpt from the show, which will run at the Auditorium from December 23 to 29, 2025. This preview showcased the high level of quality achieved and the challenges involved in making this project a reality. The music
The musical soul of the show has been created and directed by Sebastià Gris, who has composed an original soundtrack designed to enhance the audience's emotions. A renowned guitarist and composer from Manacor, Gris opts for a contemporary sound that accompanies and strengthens the inner journey of both the characters and the audience.
The music will be performed live by Gris himself, accompanied by talents such as Maria Antònia Gili, Carles Medina, Jorra Santiago, and Toni Llull. Vocal direction is in the hands of Mar Grimalt, who has worked to ensure that the emotions conveyed are even more subtle and impactful.
According to its creators,The magic dragonIt stems from the need to talk to children, and adults alike, about their fears, the value of imagination, and the beauty of showing sensitivity. In an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, the piece champions play, dreams, and fantasy as vital tools for the emotional development and self-esteem of young people.
The work is designed with a strong educational and emotional component, aimed at families and school children, and highlights three fundamental aspects: emotional well-being, creativity, imagination, and the ability to listen to and understand others.
The set design, by Joan Miquel, is based on a modular universe inspired by children's building blocks. This stage will transform, creating dreamlike spaces suitable for the most imaginative fiction. The color palette plays a key role in the visual narrative, with each scene and character emphasizing a different emotion through a play of tones that help transport viewers to different worlds.
The costumes were designed by Sofia Binimelis using recycled fabrics in collaboration with the Deixalles Foundation. They are a tribute to the most emblematic archetypes of classic tales, but with a contemporary and sustainable approach. The centerpiece of the stage set, the dragon, was ingeniously produced by Pere Pascual, an artisan who created a structure combining physical elements with audiovisual projections to capture "the strength and fragility of fantasy," as the creator explains.
The Magic DragonIt's not just a new production; it's a continuation of a project that has cemented its place in Manacor's cultural and emotional landscape. Now, after eight years adapting Disney musicals, the directors have decided to create a brand-new project from scratch.
