Arts & Entertainment
'Children of Eden' Comes to the Stage
New London Theatre presents the musical "Children of Eden," based on the Book of Genesis. It is the last presentation for the 2010-2011 season.
Written by Stephen Schwartz and John Caird, “Children of Eden” is a Musical based on three stories from the bible; Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, and Noah and the flood.
“Children of Eden” is not as famous as other musicals by Schwartz (these include Wicked and Pippin) because it has never had a Broadway run. The show was written in 1991 for London’s West End and has since lived on in community theaters and has earned a reputation as one of the best musicals to never make it to Broadway.
If was the smallest cast to ever take the stage at NLT, then this cast is one of the largest. The cast list is 27. Several of the actors are double cast, as is customary with this play. So many cast members, and they all possess such superb voices.
Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Credit goes to all the actors on the pleasing chorus they comprise. Individually, the voices are no less wonderful. In particular, Bryan Lewis as Adam, Haley Flanders as Eve, Jeremy Dotson as Caine/Japheth, Rachel Wagner as Yonah and Emily Brady as Aphra should to be complimented.
A cynic might call this show, “Old Testament -- The Musical.” But, it is so much more than that. Quite simply the show is about parenthood. Here, God is called “Father,” and using the stories of the Bible the show explores the joys and difficulties of parenthood; the immense love, wanting to protect your children, not knowing when to let them go.
Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The story telling relies heavily on the music, and that is a good thing. The music in this show is wonderful; haunting and hopeful, joyful and fulfilling. The New London Theatre cast is magnificent. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to each and every song.
“Children of Eden” is directed by Scott Rousseau, who is also the artistic director at New London Theatre. The show runs through Aug. 7 and is the last production of the 2010-2011 season. They have certainly saved one of the best for last.
The 2011-2012 season kicks off in September with “Steel Magnolias.” Information about auditions for this show can be found on the organization's website.
