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Children for the Ages
By Rob Stevens
*Critic's Choice*
Composer Stephen Schwartz's biblical masterpiece Children of
Eden was given an
exemplary production by Vista's Moonlight Stage Productions at the Moonlight
Amphitheatre in
August. This reviewer has seen many productions of this wonderfully inventive
musical since its
American premiere in Riverside in 1994. Moonlight's production was the best
realized yet. This
was due in large part to the creative team of director Steve Glaudini,
choreographer Lee Martino,
musical director Don LeMaster, and the amazingly talented cast they assembled
for this musical
retelling of the first seven books of Genesis.
John Caird's book examines the often tender, often strained
relationships between fathers
and sons. From the Creator to Adam, from Adam to Cain, from Noah to Japheth. As
Schwartz's
lyrics point out "the hardest part of love, is the letting go," and this theme
was beautifully realized
in this production, not only with great musical numbers, but in the fine acting.
The cast was the best voiced ever in all the major roles and the
ensemble added heft to the
beautiful choral numbers. David Engel shone brightly as the young,
enthusiastic Adam who
matured into the somber patriarch of the human race and as an obedient yet
questioning Noah.
His sublime voice gave extra richness and heartbreak to numbers like "A World
Without You"
and "Close to Home." Bets Malone made an exuberant Eve. She delivered her two
showstopping
numbers, the heartfelt title song, and the raucous gospel belter "Ain't It
Good?", with powerful
elan. David Burnham commanded the stage as the fiery Cain and the rebellious
lover Japheth. His
voice could make the birdies stop singing and start listening. Alexandra
Auckland made a strong
presence as Yonah, Japheth's forbidden love. Their "In Whatever Time We Have"
was beautifully
delivered. John Huntington lent a regal presence throughout as Father.
Glaudini's expert direction kept the show exquisitely in sync.
Martino's balletic and
energetic choreography enhanced the production. The score sounded wondrous
under the baton
of conductor Kenneth Gammie. Steven Young provided the colorful lighting
design. Children
of Eden might never have played Broadway, but it has enchanted and
enthralled audiences
around the country. This special treasure of a musical deserves repeated
productions and repeated
viewings.
Moonlight Stage Productions has ended its outdoor Summer season in the
Moonlight
Amphitheatre. It's Winter season opens Nov. 6-23 with Marivaux's comedy "Game
of Love and
Chance," continues with Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs" Jan. 29-Feb 22
and concludes
Mar. 4-21 with the Ahrens/Flaherty musical "Lucky Stiff." All performances are
at the Avo
Playhouse in Vista. 760-724-2110.
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