Southern Nebraska Register
Students at Pius X High School in Lincoln will present the musical, “Children of Eden” March 21-24, through arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).
“Children of Eden,” by Stephen Schwartz and John Caird, is a production that uses the familiar stories of salvation history – Adam and Eve in Act I, Noah and the Ark in Act II – to explore humanity’s relationship with the Father, relationships with one another, and the consequences of free will choices.
“While there are some artistic liberties taken with the stories,” said director Mary Odgaard, “the show uses exquisite – and catchy – music, profound scenes, and creative choreography to draw the audience into this ultimate story of mankind: are we moving toward the Father, or away from Him?
“The aim of art,” she continued, “should always be to draw us toward God, as He is the author of all art, and this production has done that for the students and adults involved with it.”
Junior Emma Asmus – who plays Eve – shared the effect the production has had on her.
“This show has made me recognize the truly unconditional love God has for His children,” she said. “Even after Adam and Eve deliberately choose against Him, He is always still looking after them. I love that in our show, Matthew (senior Matthew Brown plays Father) is always on stage in the heaven area. It’s been a beautiful reminder to me that God is always present with us, even when we are distant from Him. This show has taught me so much about love and has been an incredible opportunity, one that I will never forget.”
Tickets for the production can be purchased at www.piusx.net/musical. Show times are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. (two shows on Saturday).
