Samford University’s School of the Arts will present “Children of Eden” in the Wright Center from April 26-29.
“The Children of Eden” is a musical representation of two significant Old Testament stories from the book of Genesis.
The first act focuses on the Creation and the First Sin with Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel. The second act is about the Flood with Noah and his family.
Shelby Terrell, a senior musical theatre major, plays Eve in Act 1. Terrell is excited for the audience to connect to the production on a deeper level.
“Even though the story of Adam and Eve or Noah is something many people grew up
learning, I hope the musical helps the audience relate more to the story on a personal level,”
Terrell said. “It brings the story to life and help the characters seem less fictional and more real.”
Anna Beth Riggs, a senior musical theatre major, plays Noah’s wife during the second act.
Riggs appreciated how the production is different than the actual Biblical stories.
“I love the endings of both acts,” said Riggs. “The writer of this story is not a proclaimed Christian, so the show has its inaccuracies and plays more like a fable.”
Drew Fillinger, a freshman musical theatre major, plays Noah’s son in Act 2. Fillinger is excited about this production in the sense of how it has a different spin.
“It is very much an ensemble-based show, but the cast is great and everyone is committed so I’ve enjoyed working with other dedicated performers,” said Fillinger. “It is biblically based but not biblically accurate. It’s a beautiful show though, and I think everyone should come see it.”
Riggs agrees and said the draw of the play is how the well-known story told.
“Yes, it’s based on the book of Genesis, which may seem ‘super Samford,’ but I think students will be shocked how this story is told,” said Riggs. “It is really interesting to hear how someone like Steven Schwartz, a non-believer who composed the show, views stories that we have heard our whole life in the church.”
The songs in the play convey themes of returning home and the consequences of choices.
The two acts are connected by the song sung in the end of Act 2.
“In the final song of the show, the cast sings to the audience as if we are speaking to them and encouraging them to let this story change theirs,” said Riggs.
The role of God in this production will be played by David Phelps of the Gaither Vocal Band.
“David Phelps is going to be great in this role and we’ve worked with him a little already and he is going to be great,” said Terrell.
Audience members will receive cupcakes after the Thursday April 26 showing, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the naming of the school of the arts.
Convo credit is offered with each showing. Tickets are available at the box office or online at tickets.samford.edu
Clare Weigel, Features Writer
[photo courtesy of Samford School of the Arts]
