Theater Works: “CHILDREN OF EDEN”

“CHILDREN OF EDEN” EXPLORES AGE-OLD CONFLICT OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN THROUGH THE GENERATIONS THROUGH INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC

Theater Works MainStage Production From June 10-26

PEORIA, Ariz. (May 16, 2022): Theater Works’ Mainstage production, Children of Eden,” based on the first 9 1/2 chapters of The Book of Genesis, explores the generational conflict of parents and children through joyous and inspirational music about parents, children, faith and unresolved family business, June 10-26 in the Gyder Theater at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive.

Directed by Theater Works’ Artistic Director Chris Hamby with musical direction by Jennifer Adams and choreography by Paul Pedersen, Children of Eden features Adam and Noah (both performed by Griffin LeBlanc), Eve (Theresa Kellar), Cain (Josh Pike), Abel (Matthew Dodaro) and the “Father” (Ken Goodenberger) who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children.

“We are thrilled to bring the community this rarely-performed musical to launch the return of our Mainstage productions. We are creating a visually stunning production for audiences to experience the stories we all know through the lens of family,” said Managing Director Cate Hinkle. “Featuring one of our biggest casts and nearly 40 puppets, audiences of all ages will enjoy this larger-than-life musical.”

From musical theatre greats, musical lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin and Wicked) and director John Caird (Royal Shakespeare Company, London Royal National Theatre), the show ultimately delivers a bittersweet, but inspiring, message that the “hardest part of love … is letting go.”

Tickets are $41-48 and are available at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts Box Office or online at boxoffice@theaterworks.org. The Peoria Arts Commission and the Constance W. McMillin Trust of Sun City are the production sponsors.

For more information about Theater Works, visit www.theaterworks.org. For ticket information, call the Box Office at 623-815-7930

CAST

FATHER– Ken Goodenberger

ADAM/NOAH– Griffin LeBlanc

EVE/MAMA NOAH– Theresa Kellar

CAIN/JAPHETH– Josh Pike

ABEL/HAM– Matthew Dodaro

SETH/SHEM/STORYTELLER– Noah Manumaleuga

SETH’S WIFE/STORYTELLER– Learl Clah

APHRA/STORYTELLER– Brenna Keck

AYSHA/STORYTELLER– Lindsey Murphy

YONAH/SNAKE/STORYTELLER– Kayla McLemore

YOUNG CAIN/STORYTELLER– Jaxon Lage

YOUNG ABEL/STORYTELLER– Greyson McClurg

SNAKE/STORYTELLERS– Abby Aguilar, Cassie Miller, Christine Ward

SNAKE/STORYTELLER/SOLOIST– Robert Allocca

STORYTELLER/SOLOISTS– Alec Pursell, Barbara Bramble, Isabela Margolies, Kelly Swope, Leslie Simon

STORYTELLERS– Christina Clodt, Dave Seaburg, Dresden Allred, Gerry Seaburg, Jeff Viso, Jim McCabe, Joshua Ransford, Max Mendoza, Michael Potter, Michele Myers, Mimi Aguilar, Reagan Arsenault

STORYTELLER/CHILDREN– Alexis McComb, Claire McComb, Emma McClurg, Jude Moore, Reagan Little, Theo McComb, Valerie Winch

PRODUCTION TEAM
DIRECTOR– Chris Hamby

CHOREOGRAPHER– Paul Pedersen

MUSIC DIRECTOR– Jennifer Adams

STAGE MANAGER– Ashley Gennaro

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER– Andi Lian

COSTUME DESIGNERS– Kathi Miller, Brenda Moulder

HAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGNER– Matthew Harris

LIGHTING DESIGNER– Krystalynn Newbury

MEDIA DESIGNER– Bobby Sample

RESIDENT PROPERTIES DESIGNER/PUPPET FABRICATOR– Jenny Abeyta

PUPPET DESIGNER– Cari Smith

PUPPET FABRICATORS– DeAndrea Vaughn, Jason Washburn

RESIDENT SCENIC DESIGNER– Dori Brown

SOUND DESIGNER/AUDIO SUPERVISOR– Garrett Unterreiner

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR– Wesley Hamblin

MASTER CARPENTER– Daniel Williams

ABOUT THEATER WORKS
Theater Works at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts is in its 37th season of providing exceptional theater to the West Valley. Theater Works is a non-profit 501(c)(3) theater of the community whose mission is to provide opportunities for children, patrons and artists to experience theater that inspires, enriches and enlightens through the experience of the performing arts. For more information, call 623.815.7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org

(posted by the Entertainment Magazine)