Children of Eden Playing This Weekend

The State College of Florida Music Theatre Ensemble will present the musical “Children of Eden” this weekend at the Neel Performing Arts Center.

The musical, based on the Old Testament's Book of Genesis, was written by John Caird with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. “Children of Eden” is an age-old tale of parent-child relationships beginning with humanity’s first dysfunctional family including Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel.

It continues through the generations to Noah and his family as they prepare for the flood by building an ark and loading the animals. Filled with universal truths about family and relationships, the production portrays Father who learns parenting lessons from his earthly offspring.

Catcc the presentation at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday or Sunday at 2 p.m. in Neel Performing Arts Center.

Stephen Schwartz,  composer of  many famous musicals and films including “Wicked,” “Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Pocahontas,” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” has noted that “Children of Eden,”  is his favorite musical because of the dramatic and musical themes.

SCF’s production of “Children of Eden” boasts a cast of SCF faculty members, students from the SCF Music Program and the SCF Collegiate School, and community members. SCF students will also be featured in the pit orchestra.

General admission is $12. Tickets are $6 for students. Contact the Neel Performing Arts Center box office at 941-752-5252.