Children of Eden

I’m not surprised you haven’t heard of it. It’s not nearly as popular as, say, The Phantom of the Opera or Cats. But it’s an amazing musical, telling the story of Genesis from the creation of the world through the end of the flood.

Hillcrest—my school—put on Children of Eden when I was a senior in high school. It was my last chance to be in a dramatic and musical production, and I was disappointed to only get a part in the chorus. Over time, though, and after going to rehearsal after rehearsal, I fell in love with the musical and even the role of the chorus. As in so many Greek plays, the chorus in Children of Eden are the storytellers, the ones who do the actual narration. They’re a vital part of the story.

But it was Adam and Eve who truly stole the show. That was their purpose, and boy, did they succeed. They evoked tears and laughter, and everyone was blown away by their performance. When I listen to the professional recording, I instead here Bob’s voice as Adam, and Titi as Eve. They brought the characters to life. I still cry when I listen to the song “World without You,” when Adam chooses Eve instead of God.

Although the story is biblical, it’s not exactly Christian. But both the songs and message are poignant and moving. Throw in a hint of comedy with Noah and his family, and the whole production is fantabulous. My favourite memories of high school are from rehearsing that production, coming together with the others in our cast to worship God through music. I’ll never forget going barefoot on stage and mourning the death of Abel, or holding candles to represent the stars coming out after the flood. The very music is inside me, along with all my memories.

If you haven’t ever seen or heard this musical, you must.