The Book of Genesis Retold At Aurora Theatre’s Production Of ‘Children of Eden’
“Children of Eden” is currently on stage at Aurora Theatre now through Sept. 1.
Casey Gardner / Contributed
“Children of Eden” transports audiences back to the Book of Genesis. The Stephen Schwartz musical is onstage now at Aurora Theatre. The show begins at the creation of Adam and Eve and follows the story through the Great Flood with Noah.
The musical has been described as a religious story, but not necessarily a religious show due to its emphasis on family and less about faith. Lois Reitzes spoke with actor Brad Raymond, who portrays “The Father,” and director Justin Anderson about the production.
“Children of Eden” focuses on the complexities of love between parents and children. It shines a light on the lesser known Biblical characters from the first nine and a half chapters of Genesis.
The character, Yonah in Act II, has been created for the purpose of showing the complexities of the story.
“The writers really wanted to focus on the idea of God the Father as an iconic father figure. God’s closest and most intimate interactions in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, is with Adam and Eve when He’s walking through the Garden of Eden with them,” said Raymond about why the story focuses on just the first nine and half chapters of Genesis. Raymond is referred to as “The Father” in this musical instead of God.
He believes its an allegorical term used to showcase the humanity and familial relationships between the characters.
“In terms of approaching this work the greater bedrock of truth that we’re exploring is this beautiful evolution from love that is conditional to one that transforms into something that is unconditional. It’s the idea of choosing to love that has the most potency and authenticity; whether it’s in relationship to your faith journey, a family, or your neighbor. Choosing to love is the answer,” said Anderson about being the overarching theme of this musical.
“Children of Eden” is on stage at Aurora Theatre now through Sept. 1.
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