On February 28th, Deputy Science Editor Zora Day-Friedland attended “Do You Believe in Magic?”, a performance put on by The MaMa Project. Zora does in fact believe in magic.

Fairies are indisputably real. There is concrete evidence that dragons existed. I was a mermaid in a past life. Those tiny Joann Fabrics (rip) bottles I filled with herbs in high school are definitely still protecting my energy. In short, when I saw The MaMa Project was putting on a performance called “Do You Believe in Magic?”, my answer was a resounding yes. Directed, choreographed, and dreamed up by Tal Bloom (BC ’26), a Bwog alum, and Madeleine Rosenthal (BC ’26), this show was sure to be a treat. 

Before stepping foot in the theater, I remarked to my friend who joined me about how impressed I was with The MaMa Project’s “brand.” Every Instagram post or flier I saw for the event was cohesive, distinctly belonging to The MaMa Project. This flowery and pastel theme was continued with the program, theater decorations, and, most importantly, the set. Viviana Pereyo (BC ’26) did a fantastic job creating a minimal yet impactful set that felt both dreamy and amusing. Pereyo’s set was made even more fantastical with lighting design from Joshua Halevi (CC ’26).  

Bulb-shaped string lights were strewn delicately across the wall, flickering on and off as the performers sat onstage. Playfully drawing and teasing one another, several dancers sat around a short table, reminiscent of a scene from early elementary school. The performers wore shades of green, orange, pink, and blue, which all looked cohesive without feeling monotonous. These perfectly themed costumes were courtesy of the dynamic duo Rachel Harris (BC ’26) and Kaitlyn Hernon (BC ’26). As I gazed upon the performers, what struck me most was how comfortable they looked with one another, an air of ease that enveloped the theater. Then all at once, the sound of 60s music began, and I settled into my seat.

The first number, Do You Believe in Magic, was a delightful full-cast romp. This piece did a fantastic job of hyping up the room and hooking the audience. Right off the bat, the choreography impressed me as creative and social. The dancers moved with each other, while still bringing their own flair. Do You Believe in Magic started the show off with a bang, and I was certainly excited to see what else this project had in store. 

My favorite number was Just A Girl, performed mid-way through the show by Avery Baumel (CC ’26) and Inez Keulemans (BC ’29). The piece began with the dancers lying lazily across a couch and bed, respectively. Once No Doubt’s I’m Just A Girl, started streaming in, the dance sprang into action. Both dancers completely embodied the emotion of the song, channeling some real teenage angst and frustration. Baumel danced fluidly, bending and turning her body effortlessly. I immediately noticed Keulemans in the group dances because of her strong facial expressions and extremely clean moves. The dancers had incredibly well-executed solos, but my favorite part of the number was when they came together at the end. Their partnership, the push and pull between them, felt natural and invigorating. This number brought me back to my high-school emo phase, and shockingly, in a fantastic way. 

Another standout number was We Are Going to Be Friends, performed by co-directors and choreographers Tal Bloom and Madeline Rosenthal. The best way to describe this piece is a jaunty show of friendship. Bloom and Rosenthal took up space on the stage confidently; it was clear they felt comfortable both with the dance and each other. They demonstrated this comfort level with detailed partner moves and impressive solo moments. 

The hour-long performance concluded with The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us, named after a Sufjan Stevens song that is both hopeful and bittersweet. I adore this song, and it felt like the perfect choice for a number that represented growing out of childhood. Exceptional performances were given by all the dancers, but I was particularly amazed by Yuzo Lai (GS ’29), who commanded the stage with such gentle power and enviable skill. The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us felt like a perfect ending to a whimsical and, yes, magical night. 

The MaMa Project’s “Do You Believe in Magic?” let me feel like a kid again. That giddy, all-consuming joy that one usually only feels on roller coasters or when eating a favorite dessert. A performance that balances a welcoming, community-oriented energy with well-rehearsed and detailed pieces is challenging, but The MaMa Project did all that and more. Now nobody can tell me that fairies aren’t real.

Images via Bwog Staff.