Menu
DePauw Theater presents 'Children of Eden
DePauw Theatre will present the popular musical "Children of Eden" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Moore Theatre of the Performing Arts Center.
"Children of Eden" is based on the Book of Genesis. Exploring the themes of parents and children, faith, and perseverance, the play's first act is devoted to the stories of Adam and Eve, and Cain and Able, while the second act is devoted to the experiences of Noah and his family with the flood. A deeply humanistic work, Children of Eden appeals to both religious and non-religious audiences, ultimately delivering a bittersweet but inspiring message: the hardest part of love is letting go.
Music and lyrics for the production were written by Stephen Schwartz, known throughout the world as the composer and lyricist for Broadway hits such as "Godspell," "Pippin" and "Wicked." The melodic, energetic score is a mix of pop, folk, rock, reggae, gospel, Broadway and powerful choral moments. John Caird wrote the book.
"Children of Eden" it is one of the top 20 most frequently licensed musicals by Music Theatre International, which is unusual for a show that has never played on Broadway. The production's 1991 London debut coincided with the start of the Gulf War and one of the worst slumps in West End theatre attendance in history. As a result, "Children of Eden" never gained an audience or a Broadway invitation. The show may soon have its day, however, as it was recently announced that plans are in the works to bring "Children of Eden" to Broadway for the 2008-09 season.
Directed by DePauw Communication and Theatre associate professor Tim Good, the production is the culmination of a DePauw 2008 Winter Term project. Every other year DePauw Theatre devotes the month-long Winter Term to the creation of a production. "I'm doing this production because I've enjoyed being able to participate in theatrical productions even though I'm not a theatre major. I also enjoy committing to a production during Winter Term without the other activities such as classes and extracurriculars. It's great being surrounded by a diverse group of individuals who are equally committed to making the show a success," said junior Brandon Piper who plays Adam and Shem in the production. This year, more than 50 students are taking part in the production.
Tickets for the production are $3 for students and $6 for adults, and are available for purchase at the DePauw University Green Center for the Performing Arts Center Box Office. Box office hours are one hour prior to show time. Information and reservations are available by calling 658-4827 or emailing greencenter@depauw.edu.
Still available for purchase are DePauw Theatre patron passes. Purchasers are entitled to five tickets for the price of four. The passes are available at both student and adult price levels. To purchase or obtain additional information, contact the Performing Arts Center box office at the contacts listed above.