From November 13 to 21, 2015, Kean Stage presented Children of Eden, a remarkable musical based on the first nine chapters of the Book of Genesis. The story focused on the beginning of time when God created the universe and introduced humanity with an eloquent and charming approach, all the while exploring a sense of curiosity when people have to make decisions for themselves.

Director Holly Logue believes the play is about family, second chances and love. “It is a richly rewarding piece, full of multi-layered vocals and a story that is both uplifting and relevant,” said the director. “It is an ensemble production, allowing students to work together to create the word of the play. It is physically demanding and vocally challenging, both of which are important in the training of actors.”     

The play is separated into two acts. In the first act, attendees saw God with Adam and Eve. Everything seems to go perfect for the young couple as they explore nature and their meaningful relationship with one another. As they travel, they adapt to a perfect lifestyle. They believe nothing can possibly go wrong for them until one day when Eve walks around in a garden. She notices an odd-looking tree and brings it to Adam’s attention. God confronts them when they are in front of the tree and tells them to not go anywhere near it for it is the tree of knowledge. When Eve disobeys God and takes a bite of an apple from the tree, all goes awry. They soon become disconnected from the perfect life they once had and are sent to a world where all hope becomes lost. 

Children of Eden taking place in Wilkins Theatre
Photo courtesy of Kean Stage 

Michael Hopkins, who is a freshman majoring in theatre performance, plays the role of Adam. “I am honored to be taking on such an important role as a freshman in my first semester. Throughout the entire rehearsal and performing process, I've been given the chance to really feel as if I was Adam and take on the role whole-heartedly,” stated Hopkins. He believes his character’s infinite wonder for the world around him is an important trait.

Daisha Davis, starring as Eve, is a senior theatre major. “Eve's curiosity and ambitiousness makes her an important character in the play because it results in most of the conflict and makes it interesting,” said Davis.

In the years to come, Adam and Eve question their faith and trust when they are thrown out of paradise. They are also given two children named Cain and Abel. As Cain and Abel age into their teens, they also begin to test their loyalty with God and their relationships with people surrounding them. In the play, Cain is seen as stubborn and selfish. He quickly learns how to adapt to a hard life after he disobeys his parents and accidently kills his brother Abel.

Throughout the second act, audiences see a change in time 1,000 years later. Noah and his wife build an ark while they also seek to find answers about their faith and trust in God. Just like Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel, Noah and his wife question God as they yearn to know why they have to build the ark and reasons on why they were chosen.

Xurong Kong, who is a History professor in Chinese literature and culture, thinks of the play as very touching and powerful.  Her favorite scene of the play is when Noah announces his son, Japheth, as a groom to his newlywed wife, Yonah. “I love how much Noah values human’s needs more than God’s will,” said Kong.

“Children of Eden can appeal to any audience member, regardless of age, background, nationality or interest. It's a timeless tale that reaches across the stage to everyone,” said Terri Muuss, who is a proud alumna of the theatre department. Muuss said, “the play is an inspirational musical for parents and children about how important it is to resolve our family issues and move into a space of forgiveness and love and letting things go.”