'Children of Eden' Brings Bible, Music to Central

This Thursday, Friday and Saturday West Morris Central High School is bringing to life the first nine or so chapters of the Book of Genesis as part of the musical Children of Eden.

“The selection of Children of Eden as this year’s musical production was no accident. Between Superstorm Sandy and the massacres in Aurora, Colorado and Newtown, Connecticut, the year 2012 was not without its list of hardships and tragedies,” said second year director Jeff Hogan.

“Moreover, within the past decade, we have witnessed so much devastation that today’s parents are often left wondering about the kind of world in which we are raising our children," Hogan said. "With this year’s production, the members of Children of Eden’s cast and crew seek to mollify these concerns by reminding their audiences of the beauty of humanity.”

Hogan said that while humanity may frequently be faced with portrayals of destruction, violence, and ignorance in the media, the world is not a bad place, for as long as the human spirit remains, so permeates the human experience to love and to question, to connect and to explore.

According to Hogan, the first act of the show captures the beginning of creation, focusing on Adam and Eve, their expulsion, and the upbringing of their sons, Cain and Abel. The second act focuses on Noah’s family and its struggle to weather the storms of the Father who created them.

Although Children of Eden uses these well-known stories as a plot-source, the show is in fact a frank, heartfelt examination of humanity and its many complexities, Hogan said. One of the complexities facing Hogan in bringing the show to the Central was the casting.

“Casting was not easy, as we had an amazing turn-out this year (60 students in total). Central Theatre seems to be getting bigger and bigger, and the talent more confident and multifaceted,” Hogan said. “This is a good thing. We had to go through two days of callbacks just to make sure we got it right. I believe we have.”

Hogan said one of the most rewarding parts of the process has been learning about the show and the cast.

“Every show is different, so every rehearsal process brings its own set of surprises. I saw this show one time before, I was in it in college, so I thought I knew it. Now, having worked with these kids for the past two-to-three months, I am realizing just how little of this show I actually knew,” Hogan said. “They've taught me so much. They've taught themselves. This show is deep. I hope we are doing it the full justice it deserves.”

Hogan said that the theatre department at Central keeps growing and more faculty members have been involved.  

“Tanya Cavallo, a special education teacher, now spearheads our hair and makeup, and Harmony Dougher, an art teacher, is lending her incredible talents to aid in artistic design; she has made so many beautiful props and set pieces,” Hogan said. “Margret Schaefer has returned as musical director to conduct the pit, and Rebecca Loux and Caitlin Cogger O'Leary have served as rehearsal accompanist and soloist vocal coach, respectively. Finally, I have to sing the praises of Dana Harrington and Tracy Witko. These two are my rocks, and this show would not have been possible without their professionalism and expertise. Harrington, a math teacher, is my choreographer and she is with me side-by-side throughout this entire process. She keeps me sane and does great work with the students.”

Hogan said the students' hard work has won a special place in his heart.

“They inspire me on a daily basis; they are the reason why I do what I do,” Hogan said. “This ambitious team of young men and women have worked incredibly hard. They deserve the best this experience has to offer, and more. I won't rest until I know they get it.”

Hogan said that audiences that see the show will be taken on a journey, and offered a means of escape.

“I believe Central Theatre's cast and crew have the potential to really touch a lot of hearts and minds with this performance,” Hogan said. “And again, we seek to remind our audiences of the beauty of humanity.”