CHILDREN OF EDEN run dates: 7/18/2008 - 7/27/2008 Countryside Community Theatre, Eldridge, Iowa ____________________________________________________________________________
by Briana Byrd
Though not a word generally associated with musical theater, simplicity is what suffuses Countryside Community Theatre’s production of CHILDREN OF EDEN.
From the costumes to the set, the lighting or even the choreography, all of the technical elements serve as an uncluttered canvas for the actors to create their colorful characters and for the audience to watch each scene take shape.
The costumes, coordinated by Cindy Ramos-Parmley, consist of solid-colored shirts, khaki pants, and a colorful scarf or vest. This versatility – which provides color without pulling focus from the performances – makes it easy for the ensemble to play multiple roles without changing costumes. The choreography, by Anna Hurty, is (appropriately) short on razzle-dazzle, sticking with a simple and literal style that proves very effective.
Directed by Mark Hurty, this version – by John Caird – of the biblical stories of Adam and Eve and of Noah’s Ark and the Flood, tells the iconic tales that most of us will find at least a bit familiar. The two-act, two-story structure of the show – especially when combined with double casting – draws major parallels between the two narratives, lending each a power and depth they might otherwise lack.
The cast of CHILDREN OF EDEN is also worthy. All the actors with singing roles have absolutely beautiful voices, resulting in many musical numbers that simply sound great.
Brian Nelson does an outstanding job as Father. Seemingly perfect for the role – with his combination of gloriously strong voice and a presence he brings to every role – he expresses a father’s pain, anger, happiness and pride so well that we can’t help but be completely focused on him each time he steps on stage.
Brent Behrens, who plays both Adam and Noah, evokes tears with the moving richness of emotion he infuses in every line he sings. Alison Scherer, who plays both Eve and Mama Noah, also shines – reflecting a daughter whose curiosity leads her to disobey the father who can’t bear to see her grow up. Additional standouts include Nick Nolte (as Cain and Japheth), Sam Wagner, (as Abel and Ham), and Beth Hayman, who plays Yonah.
CHILDREN OF EDEN’s ensemble consists primarily of young performers – half of whom are high school age and younger – and they do an excellent job speaking and singing. While many of the youthful performers do need to work on the consistency of their stage presence, the show’s ensemble numbers and scenes are still impressive and genuinely touching.
The actors’ vocal skill complements the outstanding music composition. Stephen Schwartz (known for WICKED and GODSPELL, among many other works) wrote the music and lyrics for this show and successfully brings an emotional component to each song.
The orchestra, conducted by music director Marcia Renaud, plays the music beautifully, which adds to the overall success of the musical.
If you want to see a show the whole family will enjoy, both for its content and presentation, Countryside Community Theatre’s CHILDREN OF EDEN is just the production you’ve been looking for.
