Good Evening and Welcome to Edmond Memorial High School!
Following the success of last year’s Beauty and the Beast, the most frequent question I received was, “How will you top this next year?” This question led me to reflect deeply, and, admittedly it caused some concern and stress. The grandeur of Beauty and the Beast set a high bar, and I knew it would be incredibly challenging to surpass it. So, I decided to take a different approach—one that veered in the opposite direction.
I was first introduced to Children of Eden during my time at Oklahoma City University, where I was cast in a production of the show. At the time, I wasn’t familiar with the material, but I was thrilled to be on stage. What followed, however, was completely unexpected. I became captivated by the show’s remarkable score and its profound story. Children of Eden has stayed with me for many years, and it is with great excitement that I now introduce this beautiful and powerful work to our EMHS and Edmond communities.
Presenting a show based on the early books of the Bible in a public school setting is certainly an interesting choice. At first glance, Children of Eden may seem to be one thing, but I assure you it is far more than meets the eye. I encourage you to read the "Note on Children of Eden" located in the front of your program for a deeper understanding of what you are about to experience. I hope, as I have, you will find that this show holds universal appeal. Its message resonates on a broad scale, touching themes that transcend time and place.
For me, Children of Eden is not just a musical—it is also a symphonic concert, a cantata, and a theatrical experience, all woven together. You will notice that we have moved our orchestra from the pit onto the stage for this production. We hope that witnessing the music being created live will further enhance your experience and amplify the celebration of humanity that Children of Eden so beautifully portrays.
I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the Administration, faculty, and staff at EMHS for their continued and unwavering support of the arts. Memorial is a truly special place, where the arts are respected and valued alongside academics and athletics, and we are deeply appreciative of the entire school community for upholding this culture.
In particular, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues—Wes Singleton, Margie Green, David Koehn, Anthony Risi, Tanner Morgan, and Elliana Hall—for their unwavering dedication to our musicals year after year, and for their willingness to embrace my creative ideas with enthusiasm and collaboration. I also must thank our extraordinary parent support group, PACE, for their enhancement of every production.
Lastly, I must express my profound appreciation for the one hundred sixteen talented students who make up the cast, choir, crew, and orchestra. Their tireless work and commitment over the past months are truly remarkable, and they consistently give their best in every performance. I am continually humbled by the privilege of working with them and creating these extraordinary productions and even more cherished memories each year. While their talents are undeniable, it is their character and integrity that truly stand out, and that, to me, is more meaningful than any musical production.
Thank you all for your support of the arts within Edmond Public Schools. We hope you enjoy Children of Eden.
Patrick Towne
Director of Theatre Arts
