Children of Eden
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Over the last few years I've been treated to a number of drama productions courtesy of my children. Some were outstanding school or church productions; some, not so outstanding --- but of course I went. They are my children! However, their latest venture is something quite different.
NorthBend Productions’ Broadway Arts Conservatory in partnership with Wake Forest Baptist Church’s Virginia Tull Fine Arts Series is presenting a spectacular all youth production of Children of Eden. Directed by Broadway veteran George Merritt, the youth cast represents 34 different schools (public, private and homeschool students) and 25 different churches from across the Triangle. The production is professional quality, family-friendly entertainment --- something you can't say about all such productions.
Children of Eden, from Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell” and “Pippin”) and John Caird of “Les Misérables”, is a joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children and faith... not to mention centuries of unresolved family business! Based loosely on the story of Genesis, the story is a frank, heartfelt and often humorous examination of the age-old conflict between parents and children. Adam, Eve, Noah and the “Father” who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children. The show ultimately delivers a bittersweet but inspiring message that "the hardest part of love... is letting go."
This is really an outstanding production. You can see it at Wake Forest Baptist Church on Sunday, January 18th at 3:00 (tickets $15 at the door), or you can see it next weekend at Fletcher Hall, a great 600 seat venue adjacent to Memorial Auditorium in downtown Raleigh. For ticket information, visit the web page here. I hope to see you there.