‘Abracadabra’ production team wins Ohio Valley Regional Emmy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Public Broadcasting production team has earned an Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Award for the episode “Joey’s Time Machine” of the children’s program, “Abracadabra.”

Chuck Roberts, interim executive director, said he is proud of WVPB’s entire video production team, not just for winning a prestigious award, but for its continual commitment to excellence in all projects.

“Our video production staff consistently delivers quality programming for West Virginians.” Roberts said. “They have an incredible work ethic and they are clearly committed to excellence. They truly deserve this recognition and I congratulate them on their Emmy and I cannot wait to see what they do next.”

This was the third Regional Emmy nomination for “Abracadabra,” a children’s television series geared toward kids ages 4-10 and aired by WVPB. The show is the creation of Dr. Michael Adelman, president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, and Mike and Joey Productions.

“We are incredibly thrilled to win an Emmy Award for Abracadabra!” Adelman said. “WVSOM in partnership with WVPB, and supported by our sponsors – Highmark, Charleston Area Medical Center and BrickStreet, strived to create a high-quality educational series aimed to improve the lives of West Virginia children and their parents. 

“Winning an Emmy helps to validate the amazing work our fantastic cast and production teams are doing to make Abracadabra a great show,” Adelman said.

With the help of a cast of colorful characters and producer Marilea Butcher, Adelman presents health, nutrition, and science topics using magic, ventriloquism and original songs. WVPB Director Larry Dowling, Associate Producer/Editor Aaron Shackelford and Graphic Designer John Hale round out the WVPB video production team involved in the winning episode, “Joey’s Time Machine.”

The 54th Annual Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Awards were presented by the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences during a gala August 18 at the Lawrenceburg Event Center in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

“Abracadabra” airs weekdays at 1 p.m. on WVPB. Seasons 1-5 are availabe on the WVPB Youtube channel.