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Waco Civic Theatre’s “Children of Eden” not quite Eden
The Waco Civic Theatre’s production of “Children of Eden” mirrors the musical’s view of humanity: flawed, but with occasional saving graces. In this case, rousing finales in both acts, some nice singing and inventive masks offset its length (2 hours, 30 minutes) and sound problems on opening night, Sept. 5.
“Children of Eden,” with music and lyrics composed by Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked”), comes closer to an operetta than a musical as most of the storyline is contained in the work’s 25 songs than any dialogue or action.
Although the plot is based on four Biblical stories - the Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel and Noah and the ark - they’re altered significantly to fit the musical’s message of humanity finding its own way in a world where God - Father (Graham Northrup), in “Children of Eden” - chooses not to intervene out of love.
The play has Eve (Sarah Keeven) disobeying and eating the forbidden fruit, but only after Father snubs her repeated and perfectly sensible questions. Cain (Ben Tallcott) fights Adam (Todd Oleson) and kills Abel (Jeremy Davis) accidentally. Father intended the Flood to wipe out those descended from Cain, only to have his plan foiled by love between Noah’s son Japheth (Tallcott again) and family servant - and Cain descendent - Yonah (Kaley Caperton).
Father and Eve play key roles in the first act, but acoustical shortcomings undercut their effectiveness . Outside of annoying periodic microphone feedback, a low pitch resonance in the theater from bass guitar and keyboards made vocals difficult to understand (and lyrics carry much of the play’s wit and humor ): both Northrup and Keeven lacked power in their lower registers, where much of their singing was pitched.
Oleson as Adam, on the other hand, projected well, with a physical presence to match, as did Noah (James Johnson III), Davis, Yonah (Kaley Caperton) and Mamma Noah (Regan Haddock). Haddock, as she did in last May’s “Nunsense,” shows she knows how to bring down the house with a gospel belter while Caperton displayed an appealing, easy confidence on stage.
Director Russ Williams made effective use of a thrust stage, bringing several soloists and a closing scene with the musical’s body of storytellers into the audience.
A giant five-person serpent puppet, whose carriers sang and did a soft-show routine as they persuaded Eve to eat, added a touch of humor and cleverness in “In Pursuit of Excellence,” Creative and clever, too, were Curtis Cannon’s animal masks and costuming, which included a giraffe, peacock, zebra and elephant among the animals boarding the ark.
Costumer Sarah Voss handled the challenge of a large cast, adeptly sidestepping the usual cliche of robes for characters in Bible times by dressing “Children’s” actors in tunics and pants with a varied, but natural palette. Father’s outfit of white satin, cape and silvery stole and sash, however, resembled something Ming the Merciless might wear.
Singing and instrumental accompaniment from an eight-person combo, both directed by Tommy Edds, were effective in spite of the bass-heavy sound whle Flo Fitzpatrick’s simple, dance-move influenced choreography underlined the energy and spirit in “Generations.”
“Children of Eden” doesn’t quite reach theatrical Eden, but, as the musical says, there’s worth and meaning in the continued striving toward it.
“Childen of Eden” continues at the Waco Civic Theatre, 1519 Lake Air Drive, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12-13 and 19-20, 2:30 p.m. Sept. 14 and 21. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for senior adults and students. Call 776-1591 for information and reservations.
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By Susan Voss
September 8, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this | While the mention of the costumes was appreciated, just a small correction… Susan Voss was &&null=" class="abuse">Report comment abuse
While the mention of the costumes was appreciated, just a small correction… Susan Voss was the Costume Designer not Sarah Voss.
Thanks.
By A Theater Teacher
September 9, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this | As theater is a living being, it is always growing. I saw the show Sunday afternoon and it seems &&null=" class="abuse">Report comment abuse
As theater is a living being, it is always growing. I saw the show Sunday afternoon and it seems that some of the snafu’s of opening night had been fixed. The orchestra was toned down and didn’t overpower the performers. I didn’t hear any feedback from any of the equipment.
I agree with Carl on alot of points but I would recommend this show. It’s enjoyable.