Ain’t It Good!

Children of Eden

A Concert Presentation

Stephen Schwartz is an American Tony and Grammy Award-winning lyricist and composer. His stellar, new National Touring production of “Wicked” just recently set down once again in Chicago for an extended stay, and the musical continues to dazzle and delight young and old alike. Schwartz created such other fabulous theatrical musicals as “Godspell,” “Pippin,” “The Baker’s Wife”and a musical version of “Studs Terkel’s Working.” On film, Stephen Schwartz is represented by his soundtrack for movies like “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “The Prince of Egypt” and “Enchanted.”

But back in 1991, before he’d adapted Gregory Maguire’s Wicked  into the mega-hit musical we all know, that celebrates the power of the individual and, particularly, of women, this imaginative and innovative young composer wrote another gorgeous score. Like “Godspell,” this two-act musical was inspired by the Bible, specifically the Book of Genesis. It told the story of the The Creation, along with the saga of Adam and Eve, and their children Cain and Abel. In the second act the musical continued with the tale of Noah, his family and the Flood. 

Because this show boasts such a large cast, it’s become the darling of community, regional and academic theatre world. But, for this same reason, the musical has seldom been commercially successful. It’s deemed far too costly to present as a fully-staged production. Several one-date concert versions have been seen throughout the world. A stage version premiered in London’s West End, but due to poor reviews and the Gulf War’s crimp on tourism in Britain, the show closed prematurely. Schwartz reworked portions of the musical and it finally had its American opening, not on Broadway, but at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse, where it ran about a month. Successive productions were primarily one-night-only concert versions, often used to raise money for various charities and causes. However, a full, elaborately produced production of “Children of Eden” seemed to be doomed to ever see the light of day. 

Until, perhaps, now. Although an initial attempt was made to bring a new professional production of the musical to Chicago in 2020, the spread of Covid-19 prevented that plan from materializing. As word of mouth generated a great deal of  excitement and anticipation about another upcoming production, the show was ultimately recast and was just presented in Chicago’s Theatre District, as a one-day, two-performance concert version. This exciting and inspirational pair of performances may have been a sneak preview. They may have also helped generate more interest and additional money from prospective producers, in order to finance a Broadway premiere of this show. After all, the publicity states that “a production is scheduled to mount late in 2023. Updates to come.” 

Tickets were available to the general public, and several members of the press were invited, filling Chicago’s Cadillac Palace to capacity. This, and the cheers, loud applause and standing ovation, would indicate that there’s definitely an audience for a full Broadway production of “Children of Eden.” Chicago director extraordinaire, Derek Van Barham has brought this eye-popping concert version to life. He’s beeb ably assisted by musical director Heidi Joosten and choreographer Nicholas Ranauro. Kyle Reid Hass brilliantly served as artistic producer, with some astounding lighting and sound by Midwest Event Solutions, and moving, three-dimensional projections designed by Cinevative.   

The dynamic, mega talented cast included Randal Keith, raising his unbelievable voice to the heavens as God, or as he’s called, “The Father.” David Phelps, an absolutely magnificent vocalist, is sensational playing both Adam and Noah. Michelle Williams brings a pixie-like portrayal and a lovely voice to Eve and Noah’s Wife, called “Mama.” Two exciting young actors, each with glorious voices, take the stage in double roles. Sam Tsui is simply wonderful as both Cain and and Noah’s rebellious son, Japheth. And Chris Graham is perfect as Abel and Noah’s more stubborn son, Ham. Lovely Koryn Hawthorne plays Japheth’s love interest, the outcast Yonah. There are so many other marvelous voices among this cast, but Chicago’s own superstar, Donica Lynn, is simply exquisite as Aphra. She also understudies the Eve/Mama roles. Younger versions of Cain and Abel are nicely played respectively by Alex Garcia and Rogan Jackson. In addition to the adult ensemble, all of whom dazzle with their singing and acrobatic dancing, there’s a high school and youth choir who add their texture and vitality to this production.

“Children of Eden,” especially based upon this beautifully sung, intelligently performed and creatively produced concert version, deserves to find its way, at long last, to the Broadway stage. With the advances that are being made daily in lighting, projection design and stagecraft magic, the visual and auditory demands of this spectacular musical are no longer as cost prohibitive. The talent that brought this concert version to life demonstrates that Stephen Schwartz’s biblical story celebrating family, love and the human spirit is ripe for a fully staged production. It’s time the world heard such wonderfully inspiring songs as “Let There Be,” “The Spark of Creation,” “Generations,” “Stranger to the Rain,” “Ain’t It Good?” the radiant title song and the gorgeous romantic ballad, “In Whatever Time We Have.”  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented Saturday, October 15, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago, for two performances only!

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.