ROSEVILLE, CA – Children of Eden, a breathtaking tale of love, faith, and family relationships, is coming to the Roseville Theatre Arts Academy this September. RTAA’s first Master Series musical from Stephen Schwartz (Godspell and Pippin) and John Caird (Les Misérables), is freely based on the story of Genesis and beautifully examines the age-old conflict between parents and children. It is based on a concept by Charles Lisanby, Directed by Adrienne Mars, with Musical Direction by Jennifer Vaughn, and Choreography by Stephen Hatcher.
From the Stephen Schwartz Fan Site:
“Children of Eden is perhaps the least describable Schwartz musical because it holds meaning on so many levels. The excuse for the story is Genesis–both the first books and the story of Noah’s ark. But audiences immediately experience that the relationships between Father, Adam, and Eve has more to do with earthly families, their immediate challenges and their generational legacies.” -Stephen Schwartz
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The incredible storytelling and enthralling music guides the audience as they travel along with the cast through time from the Book of Genesis’ creation story all the way to “Father” (the God character) realizing that in the end, the hardest part of love is letting go. With its melodic, energetic score, and amazingly talented cast, Children of Eden will appeal to both religious and non-religious audiences alike.
Opening night is Friday, September 9th at 7:30pm, and there will be repeat performances throughout the month on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm till closing night on the 24th.
Individual tickets are $13, and groups of 25 or more will receive a discounted ticket price of only $11 each. To purchase tickets over the phone with a credit card, or to make an appointment to purchase them in person, call the box office at 916-772-2777.
*UPDATE* September 17th is SOLD OUT!
CAST
Alex Crossland (Father), Nick Adorno (Adam/Noah), Kylie Cerro (Eve/Mama), Tyler Campbell (Cain/Japeth), Braden Dahl (Abel/Ham), Kristina Dizon (Yonah), Eddie Schubert (Shem/Seth), Amanda Duisenberg (Aysha), Alexa Bellucci (Aphra), Joseph Reneiro (Little Cain), Riley Stalker (Little Abel).
Snakes: Braden Dahl, Tyler Campbell, Elizabeth Poore, Delaney Feener, Katie Martini, Kennedy Kaya, Kerry McCullough, Topeka Vaughn, Michelle Grgurich.
Storytellers: Breezy Akeson, Brittany Attwood, Sara Biel, Chloe Boyan, Jared Cagley, Erin Capron, Chrystal Coulter, Matthew Dahl, Isabella Donato, Nicholas Duisenberg, Delaney Feener, Morgan Gannett, Carol Geis, Zoe Gunther, Michelle Grgurich, Allysa Hubiak, Erin Hugenroth, Kennedy Kaya, Mitchell Mack, Katie Martini, Camellia Mariscal, Miriam Mars, Kerry McCullough, Jordan Poczobutt, Elizabeth Poore, Brennen Proffit, Brittni Proffit, Claire Quillen, Trey Quinn, Katherine Rappa, Sophia Reneiro, Sierra Richardson, Eddie Schubert, McKenna Shrum, Travis Stern, Topeka Vaughn, Chelsea Widger, Sammie Lee Wilhoit.
BRIEF HISTORY OF RTAA
Roseville Theatre Arts Academy was formed shortly after the previous company, Civic Theatre West, unexpectedly closed their doors in November of last year. Program Director Michelle Raskey and Musical Director Jennifer Vaughn, who have both worked in the Roseville Theater (previously under the names Magic Circle Theatre, Civic Theatre West, and now Roseville Theatre Arts Academy) for the last 20 years, were determined that the show would go on no matter what it took.
RTAA is now operating as a non-profit, volunteer based community theater which offers theatrical training to students of all ages. They specialize in Youth and Little Ones Workshops for children aged 4 to 15, who all get to participate in originally written shows where every child will feel like a star. Each child has a character, a name, and a chance to shine on stage in front of a live audience, and over 500 children have participated in the different programs just since January of this year.
Their Master Series program offers more experienced students the opportunity to participate in full-length Broadway musicals, such as current production of Children of Eden, and explore their passion for performing in full costumes, complete with a tech crew, sets, lights, sound, and a live orchestra. Students are taught more complex choreography and advanced acting techniques by talented and experienced instructors.
Please visit RTAA’s website for more information.