Children of Eden is a Masterwork of Collaboration
The stellar ensemble moves this plot along throughout the show seamlessly.
Photo Credit: Ashley Newnes
I had the pleasure seeing Stephen Schwartz’s lesser-known musical, Children of Eden, at The Arts Center of Cannon County recently. The plot is based loosely on sections from the Biblical book of Genesis. Despite having a London premiere and several other well respected American venues to mount this show, Children of Eden unfortunately never made it to the Broadway stage. I can’t help but wonder, however, what might have happened if Cannon County’s creative team of this rendition were able to helm it back when it was trying to find its feet in the 1990’s.
Before I get into specifics, I have to say that without a shadow of a doubt, this show had quite possibly the best ensemble I have ever witnessed in my life. The fluidity of Director/Choreographer Holt Kirkindoll’s vision truly transcended time and space in this production. He utilizes his talented cast well as they morph from the Tree of Knowledge to the tempting Snake to the animals filling Noah’s ark to the rushing flood waters. This show was so well cast because it brought together vulnerable performers who humbled themselves to create such well-balanced vocals (under the apt leadership of Music Director, Lindsey Wortham) that it was almost as if one voice was somehow miraculously singing in four-part harmony. “Generations” at the opening of Act 2 was positively glorious.
Adam Pingel as Father.
Photo Credit: Ashley Newnes
Adam Pingel offers an engaging take on the role of Father. He portrays a good balance between a loving but just God. Offering a thrilling start to the show with his rendition of “Let There Be”, the audience absolutely fed off of his contagious energy throughout the evening. You get the sense from his performance that he has given a lot of thought to the nuance of this character and people’s various view points on God and fathers in general. The lighting design by Corrine Fann truly helped to guide the audience along the way on their journey from the Garden of Eden to Noah’s Ark and everywhere in between.
Tucker Young as Adam in Act 1 and Noah in Act 2, performed with a hearty earnestness that makes the choices he struggles to make quite relatable. Rachel Oppmann’s Yonah was vocally stunning and dramatically moving. I am excited to see where her career will lead as I have now seen her in several productions and she consistently delivers high level talent with refreshingly unique takes on her characters. Another standout of this production was Wesley Cox who portrayed the role of Cain in Act 1 and Japheth in Act 2. His voice did justice to the belting needs of “Lost in the Wilderness” and had a singer’s formant similar to that of Broadway’s Derek Klena. Paired with his jarring acting chops, he had us on edge as he flew into a rage and murdered his loving brother, Abel (portrayed by the endearing Hampton Phillips).
The intense scene between Cain (Wesley Cox) and Abel (Hampton Phillips) as things take a turn for the worse.
Photo Credit: Ashely Newnes
Darcy Pingel’s performance as Eve in Act 1 and Mama Noah in Act 2 is what stole the show for me. Her thrilling delivery of “Spark of Creation” was simply a warmup to the show stopping rendition of “Ain’t it Good?” It was almost as if she was born to play these roles that require an emotional stamina close to that of Schwartz’s Elphaba in Wicked. She experiences a rigorous spectrum of emotions from a joyful young woman to a grieving mother to an elder of a tribe ready to move past her life on the earth. When Abel dies, you could not help but weep with her as she held her son in sheer agony. Her monologue, which ends Act 1, held everyone’s attention as she grappled with pleading for her Father God to finally break his silence and respond to her desperate prayers. Kirkindoll’s use of a fabric to weave together the generations throughout this scene is absolutely genius.
Darcy Pingel shines as Eve/Mama Noah.
Photo Credit: Ashley Newnes
This is a show that is not produced very often so don’t miss your chance to witness this incredible work of art. Kudos to the Arts Center of Cannon County for including it in their season! Kirkindoll is a Director and Choreographer that breathes such unique beauty and heartache into all that he does and I personally cannot wait to see what project he takes on next. You can catch Children of Eden now through April 12th, 2026. For more info, visit www.artscenterofcc.com