Before all else, let us address something important:
Children of Eden is based on the material of the Old Testament. The characters and their stories are some of the most familiar in all of literature. However, liberties have been taken by the play’s creators, Stephen Schwartz and John Caird, in how they use this material to tell the tale they wish to tell. Characters will be introduced who do not appear in the Bible. Actions will be taken and dialogue will be spoken which may not be true to the original text. And for the purpose of the show’s ever-important themes, God will make mistakes. Therefore, we believe it best not to approach tonight’s production as a Biblical retelling, but rather, as a story of the first-ever family.
Children of Eden is a lesson in parenthood. The choices we make as fathers, mothers, siblings, teachers and leaders have more impact on the future of our species than could be quantified. As guardians of little lives, we become gardeners of the future. And the seeds we choose to sew will decide the fruit our children bear. And their children. And their children’s children. And so forth, until the very end.
As a youth-oriented company, we at Spring Theatre have chosen to produce Children of Eden not to present our children with a lesson to learn, but rather, to better their lives through the teachings of the grownups around them. As always, but especially here and now, We want our patrons to leave tonight’s performance with something to discuss. And we hope that while you experience what we believe to be some of the most beautiful, sorrowful, joyous and lavish music that theatre has to offer, you will actively involve yourself in the message it sings:
“Our hands can choose to drop the knife. Our hearts can choose to stop the hating. For every moment of our life is the beginning.“
It is never too late.
Dan Beckmann & Erinn Dearth
Directors
