This Eden is a Paradise in Riverside

By Rob Stevens

*Critic's Pick*

The Stephen Schwartz/John Caird musical Children of Eden had its American Premiere in Riverside in 1995. That production was amazing for its 120-member cast. The creative team continued to work on the show until it is now one of the more popular musicals than never played Broadway. Performance Riverside has brought it back to the auditorium and the audience that started it on its way to success. This latest production, the fifth this reviewer has seen, is the best yet. The creative team of director Steven A. Glaudini, choreographer Lee Martino, and musical director Don Le Master have worked a "miracle," turning the stage of Landis Auditorium into a musical paradise for two-plus hours.

Schwartz's (Godspell, Pippin, The Baker's Wife) score is one of the best of the past decade. It ranges from jazz to gospel, from ballads to ballet, from calypso to rock. The score sounds glorious under the baton of conductor Richard Stover. The large chorus produces a heavenly sound, so appropriate to this biblical tale of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Ark. The bright and colorful costumes (Sharell Martin), sets (J. Branson) and lighting (Steven Young) aid immensely in bringing this show to vibrant life. Dorie Couture's excellent sound design accented the music and voices.

Edward Staudenmayer makes a delightfully boyish Adam, gleefully discovering all the wonders Eden has to offer. But he easily shifts to a more mature, somber Adam After the Fall and patriarch Noah. His renditions of "A World Without You" and "The Hardest Part of Love" are heartbreaking in their depth of emotion. Kim Huber makes a radiant and rebellious Eve, ever questioning, ever eager to discover what lies "beyond." She brings passion to "The Spark of Creation," heartfelt compassion to "Children of Eden" and celebratory joyfulness to "Ain’t It Good." Staudenmayer and Huber make a wonderful team to lead us through this wondrous musical adventure. John Huntington provides and somber and foreboding presence and voice as Father, whose joy in his creations soon turns to anger and bitterness as they exercise their free will. Julie Gunner also stands out in the large cast as Yonah, who although she bears the mark of Cain, proves to be a better human than most. Her "Stranger in the Rain" and "In Whatever Time We Have" duet with Miles Wesley are beautifully delivered.

This production is virtually a "gift from above." Don’t miss it. Miraculous productions this sure-footed are a rarity.