The secret iPad magic behind A Christmas Carol comes to life for kiddos and their parents

Who knew that all it took was an iPad to manipulate all those magical happenings on stage during the Alley Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol? Just ask the youngsters and their parental escorts who attended the Alley's "Behind the Scenes" happening that unlocked the magic behind the holiday favorite.

The morning fun began with hot chocolate and breakfast treats amid the dazzling forest of Christmas trees that fill the theater during the holidays. Then it was on to the main theater where Alley production manager Josh Friedman conducted the big reveal of how the magic is created on stage.

Unveiled were the secrets behind the electric flashes of lightning, the claps of thunder, special lighting effects and, most intriguing for the young audience, the fog. Most surprising to young and mature alike was the fact that the lights and sound for the 19th century play are controlled by that 21st century tool — the iPad.

The event closed with guests going on stage to see the elaborate costuming up close and to scoop up handfuls of glitter and snow — at the invitation of Friedman — for the trip back home.

Intrigued by the magical revelations were guests including Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Carmen and Butch Mach with their daughters Isabella and Lilly, Veronica and Daniel Schiller with niece Sinclair Schiller, Narda and Phil Martin with sons Luke and Hays, Marie-Claire Abelanet and Ed Price, Beth Langford and daughter Brynn, Dee and Al Coats and Rich Edyvean and daughter Megean.

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