The Argonaut

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Entertainment

Singing voices are filling the air of the NDNU Theatre as the cast of the NDNU Musical Theatre Department's "Children of Eden" begin their rehearsal.

The piano music can be heard, but just barely, as the cast members sing "Let There Be," the first song in the show. As the cast sings, the hard-working tech crew rushes around, preparing the scenery for the show.

Opening April 4, "Children of Eden" is a two-act musical play written by Stephen Schwartz, who is known for "Godspell" and "Pippin," and based on the book by John Caird, who also wrote "Les Miserable." The story of the show is loosely based on the first seven chapters of the Bible's Genesis.

"It's a really talented cast," said Nick Patton, NDNU. He plays the snake, Noah's son Japheth, and is part of the ensemble. "It's going to be one of the best shows that NDNU's ever done."

The first act of the show tells the story of Adam and Eve and their sons, Cain and Abel. The second act continues the Bible story, explaining the family tree that is created by Adam and Eve, ending with the story of Noah and the flood.

Claire Karoly, an NDNU sophomore, enjoyed her part in the show as Noah's strong-willed daughter-in-law, Aphra.

"I get to go crazy with my character. There are no bounds to what I get to do," said Karoly. "She is pretty much the opposite of who I am, but I can take aspects of me to make her who she is…It's pretty funny that way."

The music of the show consists of a mix of pop, folk, reggae, gospel, Broadway and powerful choral moments.

"Rock and roll is larger than life and the Bible is rather larger than life, so it fits," said Patton.

Behind all the music, though, lies the basic theme of the production: the conflicts between parents and children starting with God ("Father") and Adam and Eve, and ending with Noah and his family.

"The deeper meaning is how to have relationships with different from people, learning for experiences and learning how to get along with family," said Karoly.

The tickets for the show are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and non-NDNU students, and free for NDNU students, faculty, and staff. The show runs April 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 P.M. and April 13 at 2 P.M. For more information call the NDNU Theatre box office at 650-508-3456.

"It's a show that will move you," said Patton. "You're going to walk out different than when you walk in and with three or four songs stuck in your head…guaranteed."

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