One of my very first theater memories is attending a community theater production of Two by Two, a musical comedy based on the story of Noah and the Ark, because my father was performing in the show. I specifically remember going as a very small child and seeing the animals get onto the ark. As I prepared to direct Children of Eden, I started to think of all of the aspects and common themes between my memory and this production. I thought of the relationships parents have with their children, how sometimes cycles seem to repeat themselves. I began to look at how I might react to situations within the show when I have my own children, and if I would react with anger, confusion, or hurt, as different characters do throughout Children of Eden. I couldn’t help but remember the times in my own life when I disobeyed my parents because I thought I knew better than them. I thought of all they taught me and the lessons I learned by living with the consequences of my own actions.
All of these thoughts helped prepare me for the show. I was so excited I called my dad as soon as I could to thank him and reminisce about this memory of mine. However when I asked him about his performance, he had no idea what I was talking about! Somehow I had mish-mashed different snippets of memories, dreams, and who knows what else into some sort of cohesive whole. And again this seemed to perfectly fit into my direction of this show.
Just as happened with my “memory”, Children of Eden takes something you think you know and is absolutely true, and provides a new interpretation of it. CoE allows us to examine why a person’s actions seem to repeat across time and the effects one person has on another. Through the music and imagery evoked by the songs we can examine our relationships, and perhaps try and change those that are not quite what we would wish. I hope you will keep this in mind as you listen and enjoy the talents and hard work of these young performers.
Joey Schnell
Director, Children of Eden
ACTING UP
YOUNG PERFORMERS COMMUNITY THEATER OF MASON
www.ActingUp.com
Acting Up, Young Performers Community Theater group based in Mason, Ohio, serves NE Cincinnati. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, formed in March of 2005. Acting Up was founded to provide experiences in all aspects of the theater arts to young people in our area communities. We rely on volunteerism and are committed to providing the community not only with an exceptional finished theatrical product, but a fulfilling, educational and fun process. All participants are viewed as integral to the process and family involvement is welcomed and encouraged. Our goals:
1. An enjoyable, educational and enriching theater experience.
2. A high-quality, polished theatrical production.
3. An opportunity to work together with the community and include as many participants as possible.
