Children of Eden: In Concert
John Caird and Stephen Schwartz’s re-telling of stories from the Book of Genesis featuring a gospel rock score. Based on a concept by Charles Lisanby.
Where to watch
Chicagoland Theatre Fund (April 23 - May 7, 2026 only)
theatrical history
Show Development
Children of Eden began in 1983 as a concept by scenic designer Charles Lisanby. As noted by Stephen Schwartz biographer Carol de Giere, Lisanby was inspired to create a show for the Crystal Cathedral in California and turned to the Book of Genesis for his source material. Lisanby wrote a draft script which told the stories of Adam and Eve, their sons Abel and Cain, and Noah’s Ark. The draft was entitled Family Tree.
Lisanby connected with Stephen Schwartz, whom he had previously collaborated with on Working, to write on the music. Reportedly inspired by The Gospel at Colonus, Schwartz opted to utilize gospel music and a Greek-style chorus. Lisanby and Schwartz privately worked on the musical for the next 3 years.
Youth Sing Praise
It was decided to bring the project to the Youth Sing Praise, who had previously sought to commission Schwartz to write a choral work for the group. Youth Sing Praise was founded in 1982 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois, and was described in press releases as a “week-long workshop for young adult musicians who have placed their talents at the service of the church.”
Family Tree was the fourth musical presented by Youth Sing Praise. Featuring 11 predominantly choral numbers, the show premiered on June 28, 1986 at the Outdoor Amphitheatre at Our Lady of the Snows Shrine in Belleville after just one week of rehearsal. Billed as “an original musical by Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz,” the production was directed by Frank Karl, with music direction by Rev. Ron Brassard. According to Doug Kaufman of The Belleville News-Democrat, the cast featured 70 teens aged 14 to 18 who had traveled from 20 states to participate in the “retreat-like” program.
Royal Shakespeare Company Workshop
Shortly after the Youth Sing Praise production, Schwartz introduced the music to John Caird (Les Miserables, and, later, Daddy Long Legs), associate director of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Following an arbitration settlement with Lisanby, who objected to sharing writing credit, Caird was brought on as the book writer.
The project was workshopped at the RSC in London with students from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The title was changed from Family Tree to Children of Eden, which, as noted by Carol de Giere, was inspired by the French film Les Enfants du Paradis (Children of Paradise). The role of Father was further developed and made into an onstage character, and new songs were added including “The Spark of Creation,” “Stranger to the Rain,” “In Whatever Time We Have,” and “Lost in the Wilderness” (sources differ on when this last song was introduced. While the Schwartz biography Defying Gravity states it was added during the London run, Schwartz’s website claims it was one of the original 11 songs in Family Tree).
In 1990, London Records released a single, “Children of Eden,” in aid of the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital Fund. The single featured Shezwae Powell and Frances Ruffelle, who would shortly after star in the West End production.
West End Run (1991)
Although it had been hoped Children of Eden would have a longer gestation before a commercial run, the workshop was halted when the RSC was forced to cancel its season due to severe Thatcher-induced budget cuts. Despite hesitation from Schwartz, it was decided to open the show immediately in the West End.
The West End production was directed by John Caird, with choreography by Matthew Bourne, costume design by Richard Sharples, scenic design by John Napier (Les Miserables), lighting design by David Hersey (original production of Miss Saigon), musical direction by David Firman, orchestrations by David Cullen, electronic musical effects by Martin Erskine, and sound design by Bobby Aitken and Andrew Bruce.
After challenges casting Father (British Actors Equity was quoted in Time Magazine as stating “[Equity] welcomes talented foreign artists working in our country even when they are required to play such an obviously British part as God”) and a tense rehearsal period, Children of Eden opened at the Prince Edward Theatre on January 8, 1991.
Pre-show press noted Schwartz’s hesitation to open, with Mark Steyn of The Independent commenting on last minute changes to the show, “Schwartz sounds slightly fretful about [the show], worried lest too much of the show’s character gets buried in the fixing…”
In the age of mega musical, press also noted the promise of spectacle in the show. It was announced that lighting designer David Hersey was one of a handful of designers using “computer aided design for stage lighting,” as well as new tech called Vari Lite, which gave stage lights “the capacity to pan, tilt and change to any colour.”
The original West End cast included Ken Page (Father), Shion Abdillah (Abel), Anthony Barclay (Japheth), Adrian Beaumont (Cain), Earlene Bentley (Mama Noah), Kevin Colson (Noah), Ramilles Corbin (Abel), Ruthie Henshall (Aphra), Hiromi Itoh (Aysha), Richard Lloyd-King (Snake), Craig Pinder (Shem), Shezwae Powell (Eve), Frances Ruffelle (Yonah), Ray Shell (Ham), Martin Smith (Adam), and Ashley Walters (Abel). The Angels and Animals were played by Kerry-Jane Beddoes, Kaye Brown, Sophia Butler, Anna-Jane Casey, Colin Charles, Sally Dewhurst, Stephane Drouard, Jacqui Dubois, Brenda Edwards, Andrea Francis, Antoni Garfield Henry, Steven Houghton, Graham Hubbard, Stephen Kent, Vanessa Leigh-Hicks, Glenn Lee, Kumiko Miura, Michael Aaron Peth, Elizabeth Renihan, Andrew Robbins, Mitch Sebastian, Jonathan Stigwood, Sonia Swaby, Matthew White, Michael Winsor, and Tunku Yasmin.
Children of Eden received mixed to negative reviews. Critics either praised or derided Schwartz’s score, and were similarly divided in their assessments of the extravagant set. Writing for The Daily Telegraph, Charles Osborne noted the show was “neither a triumphant success nor a ghastly failure, but something in between.” Osborne praised the “expensive-looking” scenic and puppetry design, and the “competent enough” performers – notably Shezwae Powell (Eve), the “excellent” Adrian Beaumont (Cain), and “show-stopper” Earlene Bentley (Mama Noah). Osbourne was more critical of Schwartz’s score, describing it as either “dull” or “amiable pastiche.”
The Evening Standard’s Milton Shulman described the scenic design as “something between a Las Vegas gambling hall and a spectacular divertissement at the Follies Bergère.” Shulman enjoyed Schwartz’s “engagingly melodic” score but felt John Caird’s book was “numbingly obvious.”
In a scathing review for The Independent, Paul Taylor described the musical as “A parade of phony, soulless tack…” and stated that “Despite the ethnic instruments, the melodies (like the design) are largely derivative, [and] the best numbers out-and-out pastiche.”
A Royal Gala to benefit Sugar Free, a charity for children with diabetes, and the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children was held on January 15, 1991. The gala was attended by Diana, Princess of Wales and reportedly raised £55,000
The West End run of Children of Eden closed after 100 performances on April 6, 1991.
As quoted in Music Theatre International’s history of the show, Stephen Schwartz felt the quick move to the West End was “like staging a first draft… we just weren’t ready for a commercial production.” Adding to the show’s difficulties was the outbreak of the Gulf War, which deeply impacted international tourism, and subsequently led to one of the West End’s lowest ever attended seasons.
London Records released a cast album in 1991. As noted by CastAlbums.com, “Due to a printing error that caused the CDs to "bronze,"” the recording is highly prized by collectors.
North American Premier (1991)
In late 1991, Children of Eden received its North American premier with a month-long run at the Mill Mountain Theatre in Virginia directed by Ernie Zulia. Working closely with Caird and Schwartz, Zulia made changes to the script including double casting the lead roles.
Throughout the early 1990s, Children of Eden received regional productions across the US, where Caird and Schwartz continued revising the show.
Paper Mill Playhouse (1997)
Following a presentation at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre in 1996, Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey staged a production in 1997. The production was directed by Robert Johanson, with choreography by Dawn DiPasquale, music direction by Danny Kosarin, and orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine.
The Paper Mill Playhouse cast included Cheryl Allison (“Wasteland” soloist), Emy Baysic (Aysha/Snake), Barry Cavanagh (Young Abel), Vincent D'Elia (Seth / Shem / Snake), Darius de Haas (Cain / Japheth), Hunter Foster (Abel / Ham), Sheetal Gandhi (Aphra / Snake), Angela Garrison (Snake), LaTonya Holmes ("Wasteland" Soloist), Capathia Jenkins ( "Wasteland" Soloist / "Generations" Soloist), James Anthony Johnson (Young Cain), Trent Armand Kendall ("Wasteland" Soloist / "Generations" Soloist), Stephanie Mills (Eve / Mama Noah), Susan Pfau (Seth's Wife), Kelli Rabke (Yonah), Bart Shatto ("Wasteland" Soloist), William Solo (Father), Jim Weaver (Snake), and Adrian Zmed (Adam / Noah).
The ensemble included Damron R. Armstrong, Yu Asuka, J. Jon Briones, David Burtka, Erica L. Cenci, Donna J. Clark, Crystal-Eve, Rebecca Dolan, Shawn Emamjomeh, Russell Aaron Fischer, Diane Foster, Matthew Francisco, Enders Groff, Kassandra Marie Hazard, Kristopher Michael Hazard, Steve Hogle, Michael Hunsaker, Paul S. Iacono, Gary Kilmer, Jason Daniel Kus, Robyn Lee, Shawn Frederick Leggett, Lynette E. Marrero, Carla Martinez, Siena A. Nuzzi, Therese Panicali, Alexa Petronaci, Camila J. Proffitt, Dena Risha, Beth Roe, Casey Lee Ross, Dina Jo Sison, Jimmy Smagula, Jeffrey Songco, Frank Donovan Tamez, Jessica Waxman, Christopher Windom, and Rori Brooke Wolfe
A cast album of the Paper Mill Playhouse production was released by RCA in 1998.
York Theatre Company (2003)
On December 1, 2003, World AIDS Day, The York Theatre Company hosted a gala at Riverside Church to benefit the National AIDS Fund. The concert marked the New York premier of Children of Eden and was directed by Jamie McGonnigal, with music direction by Mark Hartman
The starry cast included Norm Lewis (Father), Jonathan Dokuchitz (Adam/Noah), Julia Murney (Eve/Mama Noah), Darius de Haas (Cain/Japheth), Max von Essen (Abel/Ham), John Tartaglia (Seth/Shem), Natascia Diaz (Aphra), Ann Harada (Aysha), Kate Shindle (Yonah), Kevin Ricardo Tate (Young Cain), Harrison Chad (Young Abel), and Laura Benanti (The Snake). The ensemble included Jennifer Barnhart, Adam Fleming, Barrett Foa, Deborah Lew, Robb Sapp, Natalie Douglas, Matt Zarley, Michael Longoria, Randy Redd, Jai Rodrigue, and a 100-voice chorus.
German Language Recording
A German-language cast recording featuring Frank Brunet, Merle Hoch, Michaela Linck, Anton Perez, Jens Plewinski, Hartwig Rudolz, Fredrik Wickerts, Wiebke Wötzel, and Maureen Wyse was released in 2010.
Concert Performances
In 2014, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. hosted a one-night only concert under the musical direction of Brad Haak, and starring Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde), and Ashley Brown. John Dellporta, writing for DC Theatre Scene, raved about the performance, stating “Children of Eden in Concert certainly set an expectation for epic theatre. Without question, the Kennedy Center has delivered.
We can only hope that, once again, a night full of stars bodes well for the future [for the show’s future].”
A long-awaited concert version produced by Chicagoland Theatre Fund played two performances on October 15, 2022. The concert featured Grammy winner Michelle Williams and Les Miserables alum Randal Keith. It was filmed live and released for streaming in 2026 (see Film History below).
In 2024, Tony Yazbeck directed and choreographed a concert performance at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall. The production featured musical direction by Kimberly Grigsby, scenic design by Nate Betone, lighting design by Carolyn Wong, sound design by Andrew Keister, and costume design by Ryan Park. The cast included Auli’i Cravalho (Yonah), Nikki Renée Daniels (Eve/Mama), Norm Lewis (Father), David Phelps (Adam/Noah), Donald Webber, Jr. (Cain/Japeth), Lucas Pastrana (Abel/Ham), Jennifer McGill, Jesse Nager, Marcus Paul James, Rema Webb, Runako Campbell, Dylis Croman, Karli Dinardo, Tyler Hanes, Jakob Karr, and Zelig Williams. The concert also featured the New York City Chamber Orchestra and a 200-person chorus.
As noted by Stephen Schwartz, despite not having played on Broadway, the show remains one of Music Theatre International’s titles, and is widely performed by school and amateur groups. Schwartz has also noted on multiple occasions that Children of Eden is a personal favorite of his shows, and one that he is proudest of, despite the bumpy road it has taken.
Children of Eden, and Children of Eden Jr. are available for licensing via Music Theatre International.
Children of Eden began in 1983 as a concept by scenic designer Charles Lisanby. As noted by Stephen Schwartz biographer Carol de Giere, Lisanby was inspired to create a show for the Crystal Cathedral in California and turned to the Book of Genesis for his source material. Lisanby wrote a draft script which told the stories of Adam and Eve, their sons Abel and Cain, and Noah’s Ark. The draft was entitled Family Tree.
Lisanby connected with Stephen Schwartz, whom he had previously collaborated with on Working, to write on the music. Reportedly inspired by The Gospel at Colonus, Schwartz opted to utilize gospel music and a Greek-style chorus. Lisanby and Schwartz privately worked on the musical for the next 3 years.
Youth Sing Praise
It was decided to bring the project to the Youth Sing Praise, who had previously sought to commission Schwartz to write a choral work for the group. Youth Sing Praise was founded in 1982 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois, and was described in press releases as a “week-long workshop for young adult musicians who have placed their talents at the service of the church.”
Family Tree was the fourth musical presented by Youth Sing Praise. Featuring 11 predominantly choral numbers, the show premiered on June 28, 1986 at the Outdoor Amphitheatre at Our Lady of the Snows Shrine in Belleville after just one week of rehearsal. Billed as “an original musical by Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz,” the production was directed by Frank Karl, with music direction by Rev. Ron Brassard. According to Doug Kaufman of The Belleville News-Democrat, the cast featured 70 teens aged 14 to 18 who had traveled from 20 states to participate in the “retreat-like” program.
Royal Shakespeare Company Workshop
Shortly after the Youth Sing Praise production, Schwartz introduced the music to John Caird (Les Miserables, and, later, Daddy Long Legs), associate director of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Following an arbitration settlement with Lisanby, who objected to sharing writing credit, Caird was brought on as the book writer.
The project was workshopped at the RSC in London with students from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The title was changed from Family Tree to Children of Eden, which, as noted by Carol de Giere, was inspired by the French film Les Enfants du Paradis (Children of Paradise). The role of Father was further developed and made into an onstage character, and new songs were added including “The Spark of Creation,” “Stranger to the Rain,” “In Whatever Time We Have,” and “Lost in the Wilderness” (sources differ on when this last song was introduced. While the Schwartz biography Defying Gravity states it was added during the London run, Schwartz’s website claims it was one of the original 11 songs in Family Tree).
In 1990, London Records released a single, “Children of Eden,” in aid of the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital Fund. The single featured Shezwae Powell and Frances Ruffelle, who would shortly after star in the West End production.
West End Run (1991)
Although it had been hoped Children of Eden would have a longer gestation before a commercial run, the workshop was halted when the RSC was forced to cancel its season due to severe Thatcher-induced budget cuts. Despite hesitation from Schwartz, it was decided to open the show immediately in the West End.
The West End production was directed by John Caird, with choreography by Matthew Bourne, costume design by Richard Sharples, scenic design by John Napier (Les Miserables), lighting design by David Hersey (original production of Miss Saigon), musical direction by David Firman, orchestrations by David Cullen, electronic musical effects by Martin Erskine, and sound design by Bobby Aitken and Andrew Bruce.
After challenges casting Father (British Actors Equity was quoted in Time Magazine as stating “[Equity] welcomes talented foreign artists working in our country even when they are required to play such an obviously British part as God”) and a tense rehearsal period, Children of Eden opened at the Prince Edward Theatre on January 8, 1991.
Pre-show press noted Schwartz’s hesitation to open, with Mark Steyn of The Independent commenting on last minute changes to the show, “Schwartz sounds slightly fretful about [the show], worried lest too much of the show’s character gets buried in the fixing…”
In the age of mega musical, press also noted the promise of spectacle in the show. It was announced that lighting designer David Hersey was one of a handful of designers using “computer aided design for stage lighting,” as well as new tech called Vari Lite, which gave stage lights “the capacity to pan, tilt and change to any colour.”
The original West End cast included Ken Page (Father), Shion Abdillah (Abel), Anthony Barclay (Japheth), Adrian Beaumont (Cain), Earlene Bentley (Mama Noah), Kevin Colson (Noah), Ramilles Corbin (Abel), Ruthie Henshall (Aphra), Hiromi Itoh (Aysha), Richard Lloyd-King (Snake), Craig Pinder (Shem), Shezwae Powell (Eve), Frances Ruffelle (Yonah), Ray Shell (Ham), Martin Smith (Adam), and Ashley Walters (Abel). The Angels and Animals were played by Kerry-Jane Beddoes, Kaye Brown, Sophia Butler, Anna-Jane Casey, Colin Charles, Sally Dewhurst, Stephane Drouard, Jacqui Dubois, Brenda Edwards, Andrea Francis, Antoni Garfield Henry, Steven Houghton, Graham Hubbard, Stephen Kent, Vanessa Leigh-Hicks, Glenn Lee, Kumiko Miura, Michael Aaron Peth, Elizabeth Renihan, Andrew Robbins, Mitch Sebastian, Jonathan Stigwood, Sonia Swaby, Matthew White, Michael Winsor, and Tunku Yasmin.
Children of Eden received mixed to negative reviews. Critics either praised or derided Schwartz’s score, and were similarly divided in their assessments of the extravagant set. Writing for The Daily Telegraph, Charles Osborne noted the show was “neither a triumphant success nor a ghastly failure, but something in between.” Osborne praised the “expensive-looking” scenic and puppetry design, and the “competent enough” performers – notably Shezwae Powell (Eve), the “excellent” Adrian Beaumont (Cain), and “show-stopper” Earlene Bentley (Mama Noah). Osbourne was more critical of Schwartz’s score, describing it as either “dull” or “amiable pastiche.”
The Evening Standard’s Milton Shulman described the scenic design as “something between a Las Vegas gambling hall and a spectacular divertissement at the Follies Bergère.” Shulman enjoyed Schwartz’s “engagingly melodic” score but felt John Caird’s book was “numbingly obvious.”
In a scathing review for The Independent, Paul Taylor described the musical as “A parade of phony, soulless tack…” and stated that “Despite the ethnic instruments, the melodies (like the design) are largely derivative, [and] the best numbers out-and-out pastiche.”
A Royal Gala to benefit Sugar Free, a charity for children with diabetes, and the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children was held on January 15, 1991. The gala was attended by Diana, Princess of Wales and reportedly raised £55,000
The West End run of Children of Eden closed after 100 performances on April 6, 1991.
As quoted in Music Theatre International’s history of the show, Stephen Schwartz felt the quick move to the West End was “like staging a first draft… we just weren’t ready for a commercial production.” Adding to the show’s difficulties was the outbreak of the Gulf War, which deeply impacted international tourism, and subsequently led to one of the West End’s lowest ever attended seasons.
London Records released a cast album in 1991. As noted by CastAlbums.com, “Due to a printing error that caused the CDs to "bronze,"” the recording is highly prized by collectors.
North American Premier (1991)
In late 1991, Children of Eden received its North American premier with a month-long run at the Mill Mountain Theatre in Virginia directed by Ernie Zulia. Working closely with Caird and Schwartz, Zulia made changes to the script including double casting the lead roles.
Throughout the early 1990s, Children of Eden received regional productions across the US, where Caird and Schwartz continued revising the show.
Paper Mill Playhouse (1997)
Following a presentation at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre in 1996, Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey staged a production in 1997. The production was directed by Robert Johanson, with choreography by Dawn DiPasquale, music direction by Danny Kosarin, and orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine.
The Paper Mill Playhouse cast included Cheryl Allison (“Wasteland” soloist), Emy Baysic (Aysha/Snake), Barry Cavanagh (Young Abel), Vincent D'Elia (Seth / Shem / Snake), Darius de Haas (Cain / Japheth), Hunter Foster (Abel / Ham), Sheetal Gandhi (Aphra / Snake), Angela Garrison (Snake), LaTonya Holmes ("Wasteland" Soloist), Capathia Jenkins ( "Wasteland" Soloist / "Generations" Soloist), James Anthony Johnson (Young Cain), Trent Armand Kendall ("Wasteland" Soloist / "Generations" Soloist), Stephanie Mills (Eve / Mama Noah), Susan Pfau (Seth's Wife), Kelli Rabke (Yonah), Bart Shatto ("Wasteland" Soloist), William Solo (Father), Jim Weaver (Snake), and Adrian Zmed (Adam / Noah).
The ensemble included Damron R. Armstrong, Yu Asuka, J. Jon Briones, David Burtka, Erica L. Cenci, Donna J. Clark, Crystal-Eve, Rebecca Dolan, Shawn Emamjomeh, Russell Aaron Fischer, Diane Foster, Matthew Francisco, Enders Groff, Kassandra Marie Hazard, Kristopher Michael Hazard, Steve Hogle, Michael Hunsaker, Paul S. Iacono, Gary Kilmer, Jason Daniel Kus, Robyn Lee, Shawn Frederick Leggett, Lynette E. Marrero, Carla Martinez, Siena A. Nuzzi, Therese Panicali, Alexa Petronaci, Camila J. Proffitt, Dena Risha, Beth Roe, Casey Lee Ross, Dina Jo Sison, Jimmy Smagula, Jeffrey Songco, Frank Donovan Tamez, Jessica Waxman, Christopher Windom, and Rori Brooke Wolfe
A cast album of the Paper Mill Playhouse production was released by RCA in 1998.
York Theatre Company (2003)
On December 1, 2003, World AIDS Day, The York Theatre Company hosted a gala at Riverside Church to benefit the National AIDS Fund. The concert marked the New York premier of Children of Eden and was directed by Jamie McGonnigal, with music direction by Mark Hartman
The starry cast included Norm Lewis (Father), Jonathan Dokuchitz (Adam/Noah), Julia Murney (Eve/Mama Noah), Darius de Haas (Cain/Japheth), Max von Essen (Abel/Ham), John Tartaglia (Seth/Shem), Natascia Diaz (Aphra), Ann Harada (Aysha), Kate Shindle (Yonah), Kevin Ricardo Tate (Young Cain), Harrison Chad (Young Abel), and Laura Benanti (The Snake). The ensemble included Jennifer Barnhart, Adam Fleming, Barrett Foa, Deborah Lew, Robb Sapp, Natalie Douglas, Matt Zarley, Michael Longoria, Randy Redd, Jai Rodrigue, and a 100-voice chorus.
German Language Recording
A German-language cast recording featuring Frank Brunet, Merle Hoch, Michaela Linck, Anton Perez, Jens Plewinski, Hartwig Rudolz, Fredrik Wickerts, Wiebke Wötzel, and Maureen Wyse was released in 2010.
Concert Performances
In 2014, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. hosted a one-night only concert under the musical direction of Brad Haak, and starring Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde), and Ashley Brown. John Dellporta, writing for DC Theatre Scene, raved about the performance, stating “Children of Eden in Concert certainly set an expectation for epic theatre. Without question, the Kennedy Center has delivered.
We can only hope that, once again, a night full of stars bodes well for the future [for the show’s future].”
A long-awaited concert version produced by Chicagoland Theatre Fund played two performances on October 15, 2022. The concert featured Grammy winner Michelle Williams and Les Miserables alum Randal Keith. It was filmed live and released for streaming in 2026 (see Film History below).
In 2024, Tony Yazbeck directed and choreographed a concert performance at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall. The production featured musical direction by Kimberly Grigsby, scenic design by Nate Betone, lighting design by Carolyn Wong, sound design by Andrew Keister, and costume design by Ryan Park. The cast included Auli’i Cravalho (Yonah), Nikki Renée Daniels (Eve/Mama), Norm Lewis (Father), David Phelps (Adam/Noah), Donald Webber, Jr. (Cain/Japeth), Lucas Pastrana (Abel/Ham), Jennifer McGill, Jesse Nager, Marcus Paul James, Rema Webb, Runako Campbell, Dylis Croman, Karli Dinardo, Tyler Hanes, Jakob Karr, and Zelig Williams. The concert also featured the New York City Chamber Orchestra and a 200-person chorus.
As noted by Stephen Schwartz, despite not having played on Broadway, the show remains one of Music Theatre International’s titles, and is widely performed by school and amateur groups. Schwartz has also noted on multiple occasions that Children of Eden is a personal favorite of his shows, and one that he is proudest of, despite the bumpy road it has taken.
Children of Eden, and Children of Eden Jr. are available for licensing via Music Theatre International.
Film history
In December 2019 it was announced Mark Michelson and Chicagoland Theatre Fund would produce Children of Eden as part of its summer 2020 season. Brenda Didier was slated to direct and choreograph, with co-choreography by Christopher Carter, music direction by Jermaine Hill, choral direction by Tom Vendafredo, lighting by Alexander Ridgers, projections by Kevan Loney, scenic design by Jeff Kmiec, and new orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine. Norm Lewis was announced to play Father. Other cast members were to include David Phelps, and Brian Justin Crum.
The 2020 concert was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.
In November 2020, it was announced that the concert had been re-scheduled for August 2021. The cast was set to include Pentatonix singer Kirstin Maldonado, Norm Lewis (Father), Deborah Cox (Eve/Mama), gospel singer David Phelps, and America’s Got Talent finalist Brian Justin Crum.
After COVID-induced delays, several cast and crew changes, and multiple press releases announcing the starry cast, the concert version of Children of Eden received two performances at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago on October 15, 2022.
Produced by Chicagoland Theatre Fund and Onesti Entertainment with artistic producer Kyle Reid, the concert was directed by Derek Van Barham, with music direction by Heidi Joosten, orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine, choreography by Nicholas Ranauro, costume design by Jeremy Swanton, make-up design by Sydney Genco, Hair design by Keith Ryan, light and sound design by Midwest Event Solutions, and projection design by Cinevative. Ian Connor served as the production stage manager.
The Cadillac Palace Theatre concert featured Grammy winner Michelle Williams (Eve/Mama Noah), Les Miserables veteran Randal Keith (Father), The Voice finalist Koryn Hawthorne (Yonah), gospel singer David Phelps (Adam/Noah), YouTube creator Sam Tsui (Cain/Japheth), Chris Graham (Abel/Ham), Donica Lynn (Aphra), Darian Goulding (Seth/Shem), and Rhealee Fernandez (Aysha). The ensemble included Abbey Loria, Adia Bell, Ariana Burks, Caitlin Dobbins, Dana Norris, DeAndre Simmons, Dominic Rescigno, Haley Gustafson, Ivory Leonard, Emily Holland, Kevin Kuska, Luke Cloherty, Luke Halpern, Luke Nowakowski, Marina Magnelli, Natalie Stahl, Natalie Welch, Nick Schrier, Rachel Thomas, Shea Hopkins, and Wesly Anthony.
The 2022 concert also featured a large 150-member chorus comprised of students from Bennet Academy, Waubonsie Valley High School, and the Naperville Road Show Choir.
The Chicagoland concert received warm reviews, with critics particularly praising the performances of the soloists and chorus. In a review for Chicagoland Musical Theatre, Patrick O’Brien stated “With refined and firm management, I’m sure this Eden could clean up as a touring production.” O’Brien felt the large cast was prohibitive for future commercial-scale productions, but stated “pocketbook be damned, I love the sound of a large anthemic chorus.” Writing for Around the Town Chicago, Alan Bresloff described the show as “A chilling, thrilling production featuring some very talented voices,” and also stated that Nicholas Ranauro’s choreography was “sheer perfection.” The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones was enthusiastic about the potential future of the show and stated “Audiences love this show.”
It was hoped the concert would transfer to Broadway for a full production in 2023, however the transfer has yet to take place.
In September 2025, it was announced that the 2022 concert would be available to stream between April 23-26, 2026 via the Chicagoland Theatre Fund website. Tickets were $45US, with viewers receiving a 48-hour window to view the stream.
Following the April release, Chicagoland Theatre Fund announced that the stream had been extended to May 7, 2026.
The 2020 concert was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.
In November 2020, it was announced that the concert had been re-scheduled for August 2021. The cast was set to include Pentatonix singer Kirstin Maldonado, Norm Lewis (Father), Deborah Cox (Eve/Mama), gospel singer David Phelps, and America’s Got Talent finalist Brian Justin Crum.
After COVID-induced delays, several cast and crew changes, and multiple press releases announcing the starry cast, the concert version of Children of Eden received two performances at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago on October 15, 2022.
Produced by Chicagoland Theatre Fund and Onesti Entertainment with artistic producer Kyle Reid, the concert was directed by Derek Van Barham, with music direction by Heidi Joosten, orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine, choreography by Nicholas Ranauro, costume design by Jeremy Swanton, make-up design by Sydney Genco, Hair design by Keith Ryan, light and sound design by Midwest Event Solutions, and projection design by Cinevative. Ian Connor served as the production stage manager.
The Cadillac Palace Theatre concert featured Grammy winner Michelle Williams (Eve/Mama Noah), Les Miserables veteran Randal Keith (Father), The Voice finalist Koryn Hawthorne (Yonah), gospel singer David Phelps (Adam/Noah), YouTube creator Sam Tsui (Cain/Japheth), Chris Graham (Abel/Ham), Donica Lynn (Aphra), Darian Goulding (Seth/Shem), and Rhealee Fernandez (Aysha). The ensemble included Abbey Loria, Adia Bell, Ariana Burks, Caitlin Dobbins, Dana Norris, DeAndre Simmons, Dominic Rescigno, Haley Gustafson, Ivory Leonard, Emily Holland, Kevin Kuska, Luke Cloherty, Luke Halpern, Luke Nowakowski, Marina Magnelli, Natalie Stahl, Natalie Welch, Nick Schrier, Rachel Thomas, Shea Hopkins, and Wesly Anthony.
The 2022 concert also featured a large 150-member chorus comprised of students from Bennet Academy, Waubonsie Valley High School, and the Naperville Road Show Choir.
The Chicagoland concert received warm reviews, with critics particularly praising the performances of the soloists and chorus. In a review for Chicagoland Musical Theatre, Patrick O’Brien stated “With refined and firm management, I’m sure this Eden could clean up as a touring production.” O’Brien felt the large cast was prohibitive for future commercial-scale productions, but stated “pocketbook be damned, I love the sound of a large anthemic chorus.” Writing for Around the Town Chicago, Alan Bresloff described the show as “A chilling, thrilling production featuring some very talented voices,” and also stated that Nicholas Ranauro’s choreography was “sheer perfection.” The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones was enthusiastic about the potential future of the show and stated “Audiences love this show.”
It was hoped the concert would transfer to Broadway for a full production in 2023, however the transfer has yet to take place.
In September 2025, it was announced that the 2022 concert would be available to stream between April 23-26, 2026 via the Chicagoland Theatre Fund website. Tickets were $45US, with viewers receiving a 48-hour window to view the stream.
Following the April release, Chicagoland Theatre Fund announced that the stream had been extended to May 7, 2026.
cast & creative credits
CAST AND CREATIVE CREDITS
Theatre: Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago
Producer: Chicagoland Theatre Fund, Onesti Entertainment
Artistic Producer: Kyle Reid Hass
Book: John Caird
Music and Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz
Director: Derek Van Barham
Musical Director: Heidi Joosten
Orchestrations: Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine
Choreography: Nicholas Ranauro
Costume Design: Jeremy Swanton
Make-Up Design: Sydney Genco
Lighting Design: Brandon Lewis
Sound Designer: Andrew Stratton
Projection Design: Cinevative
Hair Design: Keith Ryan
Stage Manager: Ian Connor
Cast:
Michelle Williams (Eve/Mama)
Randal Keith (Father)
Koryn Hawthorne (Yonah)
David Phelps (Adam/Noah)
Sam Tsui (Cain/Japheth)
Chris Graham (Abel/Ham)
Donica Lynn (Aphra)
Darian Goulding (Seth/Shem)
Rhealee Fernandez (Aysha)
Rogan Jackson (Young Abel)
Joshua Sanchez (Seth’s Child)
Alex Garcia (Young Cain)
Ensemble
Abbey Loria
Adia Bell
Ariana Burks
Caitlin Dobbins
Dana Norris
DeAndre Simmons
Dominic Rescigno
Haley Gustafson
Ivory Leonard
Emily Holland
Kevin Kuska
Luke Cloherty
Luke Halpern
Luke Nowakowski
Marina Magnelli
Natalie Stahl
Natalie Welch
Nick Schrier
Rachel Thomas
Shea Hopkins
Wesly Anthony Clergé
Bennet Academy under the direction of Brian Wand
Abby Eagan, Allie Skelley, Allison Landgraf, Bella McKendall, Brian Pipal, Caitlin Hwang, Camden Kirchgessner, Cariline Sobkowiak, Claire Cabay, Colby Masterson, David Haroldsen, Declan Collins, Dominic Piscopo, Doug Knapp, Eli Ho, Elizabeth Davidson, Ellie Beck, Ellie Hoel, Erin Crowe, Esmerelda Valenzuela, Evelyn Blacha, Faith McGrath, Gwen Heimburger, Hannah Schwartz, Inga Astrauskas, Isabella Kirelo, Isabella Olivares, Jack Jarosz, Jackson Wand, Jordan Marshal, Katelyn Czarnowski, Katherine Burgner, Katherine Kluzak, Karina Mongirdas, Kyle Spiegal, Lelani Harting, Lia Alfonso, Lily Joy Santos, Madelein Kirchgessner, Madeline Pace, Maida Sanchez, Marisa Wood, Mary Panatera, Meg Walls, Natalyse Luciano, Nida Polikatis, Noelle Osborne, Rachel Boytim, Rebekah Huie, Reese Ruffalo, Riordan Klisiewicz, Rylie Cleplak, Samantha Schriedel, Samuel Panatera, Sarah Noroozi, Sarah Gilbert, Sarah Gillette
Waubonsie Valley High School under the direction of Seth Durbin
Adithi Sasikumar, Aedin Whirl, Aidan Gister, Alex Doytcheva, Alex Stec, Amilah Rahman, Anika Paranjape, Ash Sathyanarayanan, Aubree Simon, Austin Barnett, Austin Gianimo, Avnika Talreia, Avyay Parameswaran, Ayanna Kapoor, Brody Berrios, Calvin Bonansinga, Caroline Lucas, Claire Hagerman, Danika Benziger, Delaney Miller, Demi Adebayo, Diya Menon, Elle Rhodes, Emily Ruprich, Emma Hutchison, Faith Pierson, Ghantharini Kanagasabapathi, Hayley Romery, Jack Klaft, Jasmeen Eustaquio, Jayden Styles, Josh Matthews, Joslyn Adamski, Julius Manguni, Justin Tan, Justin Toledo, Kinsey Kelch, Krystyn Shae Reyes, Kylie Ferris, Lex McDonald, Lexi Nebel, Lily Griffith, Logan Riggs, Lucas Anderson, Lucy Thomas, Manadvi Rajashankar, Maria Palasz, Mary Claire Bradshaw, Maya Yohannes, Micah Ruble, Mikey Leazzo, Namyaa Khanna, Nathan Nelson, Néya Sridhar, Nick Polsky, Nithya Rajkumar, Nyah Jones, Owen Petranek, Rachel Robinson, Rajit Joshi, Revanth Kothapalli, Risa Mohapatra, Ryan Ossler, Sarah Johnson, Serenity Hill, Shradda Hariharan, Shriya Nevneetha, Sid Auti, Sunanda Sundaram, Tania Jain, Trenton Bronson, Tristan Colin, Will Bannon, Yajna Sivakumar, Zach Heneghan
Naperville Road Show Choir under the direction of Carrie Bramlett
Abby Guebert, Alanna Kapity, Alejanda Urzua, Allison Wolf, Ella Forsman, Emerson Chan, Emily Conway, Estella Faith Bree, Evelyn McMains, Grayce Hunt, Halle Taylor, Hannah Pedersen, Harper Metzger, Katie Pedersen, Kavia Kakodkar. Lillian Bree, Maven Schroder, Mira Latko, Natalie Lopez, Nora Hoel, Posey Parker, Quinn Ruxton, Sophia Kadakia, Sophie Guebert
Orchestra
Mary Halm (Bass)
Caley Koch (Cello)
Nick Kabat (Drums)
Kenny Thompson (Guitar 1)
Robert Campbell (Guitar 2)
Momo Seko (French Horn)
Michael Oldham (Keyboard 1)
Dustin Struhall (Keyboard 2)
Emily Barrett (Keyboard 3)
Lain Skow (Percussion)
Steve Schnall (Reed 1)
Eric Goluszka (Reed 2)
Matt Gurschl (Reed 3)
Kyle Madsen (Reed 4)
Theatre: Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago
Producer: Chicagoland Theatre Fund, Onesti Entertainment
Artistic Producer: Kyle Reid Hass
Book: John Caird
Music and Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz
Director: Derek Van Barham
Musical Director: Heidi Joosten
Orchestrations: Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine
Choreography: Nicholas Ranauro
Costume Design: Jeremy Swanton
Make-Up Design: Sydney Genco
Lighting Design: Brandon Lewis
Sound Designer: Andrew Stratton
Projection Design: Cinevative
Hair Design: Keith Ryan
Stage Manager: Ian Connor
Cast:
Michelle Williams (Eve/Mama)
Randal Keith (Father)
Koryn Hawthorne (Yonah)
David Phelps (Adam/Noah)
Sam Tsui (Cain/Japheth)
Chris Graham (Abel/Ham)
Donica Lynn (Aphra)
Darian Goulding (Seth/Shem)
Rhealee Fernandez (Aysha)
Rogan Jackson (Young Abel)
Joshua Sanchez (Seth’s Child)
Alex Garcia (Young Cain)
Ensemble
Abbey Loria
Adia Bell
Ariana Burks
Caitlin Dobbins
Dana Norris
DeAndre Simmons
Dominic Rescigno
Haley Gustafson
Ivory Leonard
Emily Holland
Kevin Kuska
Luke Cloherty
Luke Halpern
Luke Nowakowski
Marina Magnelli
Natalie Stahl
Natalie Welch
Nick Schrier
Rachel Thomas
Shea Hopkins
Wesly Anthony Clergé
Bennet Academy under the direction of Brian Wand
Abby Eagan, Allie Skelley, Allison Landgraf, Bella McKendall, Brian Pipal, Caitlin Hwang, Camden Kirchgessner, Cariline Sobkowiak, Claire Cabay, Colby Masterson, David Haroldsen, Declan Collins, Dominic Piscopo, Doug Knapp, Eli Ho, Elizabeth Davidson, Ellie Beck, Ellie Hoel, Erin Crowe, Esmerelda Valenzuela, Evelyn Blacha, Faith McGrath, Gwen Heimburger, Hannah Schwartz, Inga Astrauskas, Isabella Kirelo, Isabella Olivares, Jack Jarosz, Jackson Wand, Jordan Marshal, Katelyn Czarnowski, Katherine Burgner, Katherine Kluzak, Karina Mongirdas, Kyle Spiegal, Lelani Harting, Lia Alfonso, Lily Joy Santos, Madelein Kirchgessner, Madeline Pace, Maida Sanchez, Marisa Wood, Mary Panatera, Meg Walls, Natalyse Luciano, Nida Polikatis, Noelle Osborne, Rachel Boytim, Rebekah Huie, Reese Ruffalo, Riordan Klisiewicz, Rylie Cleplak, Samantha Schriedel, Samuel Panatera, Sarah Noroozi, Sarah Gilbert, Sarah Gillette
Waubonsie Valley High School under the direction of Seth Durbin
Adithi Sasikumar, Aedin Whirl, Aidan Gister, Alex Doytcheva, Alex Stec, Amilah Rahman, Anika Paranjape, Ash Sathyanarayanan, Aubree Simon, Austin Barnett, Austin Gianimo, Avnika Talreia, Avyay Parameswaran, Ayanna Kapoor, Brody Berrios, Calvin Bonansinga, Caroline Lucas, Claire Hagerman, Danika Benziger, Delaney Miller, Demi Adebayo, Diya Menon, Elle Rhodes, Emily Ruprich, Emma Hutchison, Faith Pierson, Ghantharini Kanagasabapathi, Hayley Romery, Jack Klaft, Jasmeen Eustaquio, Jayden Styles, Josh Matthews, Joslyn Adamski, Julius Manguni, Justin Tan, Justin Toledo, Kinsey Kelch, Krystyn Shae Reyes, Kylie Ferris, Lex McDonald, Lexi Nebel, Lily Griffith, Logan Riggs, Lucas Anderson, Lucy Thomas, Manadvi Rajashankar, Maria Palasz, Mary Claire Bradshaw, Maya Yohannes, Micah Ruble, Mikey Leazzo, Namyaa Khanna, Nathan Nelson, Néya Sridhar, Nick Polsky, Nithya Rajkumar, Nyah Jones, Owen Petranek, Rachel Robinson, Rajit Joshi, Revanth Kothapalli, Risa Mohapatra, Ryan Ossler, Sarah Johnson, Serenity Hill, Shradda Hariharan, Shriya Nevneetha, Sid Auti, Sunanda Sundaram, Tania Jain, Trenton Bronson, Tristan Colin, Will Bannon, Yajna Sivakumar, Zach Heneghan
Naperville Road Show Choir under the direction of Carrie Bramlett
Abby Guebert, Alanna Kapity, Alejanda Urzua, Allison Wolf, Ella Forsman, Emerson Chan, Emily Conway, Estella Faith Bree, Evelyn McMains, Grayce Hunt, Halle Taylor, Hannah Pedersen, Harper Metzger, Katie Pedersen, Kavia Kakodkar. Lillian Bree, Maven Schroder, Mira Latko, Natalie Lopez, Nora Hoel, Posey Parker, Quinn Ruxton, Sophia Kadakia, Sophie Guebert
Orchestra
Mary Halm (Bass)
Caley Koch (Cello)
Nick Kabat (Drums)
Kenny Thompson (Guitar 1)
Robert Campbell (Guitar 2)
Momo Seko (French Horn)
Michael Oldham (Keyboard 1)
Dustin Struhall (Keyboard 2)
Emily Barrett (Keyboard 3)
Lain Skow (Percussion)
Steve Schnall (Reed 1)
Eric Goluszka (Reed 2)
Matt Gurschl (Reed 3)
Kyle Madsen (Reed 4)
sources
Books
Articles
Websites
Other
- Carol de Giere, Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz from Godspell to Wicked (2nd ed, 2018), Applause Theatre & Cinema Books
Articles
- Alan Bresloff, ““Children of Aden, In Concert,”” Around the Town Chicago (undated, 2022)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “Children of Eden to Receive Concert Performance in Chicago This Year, Broadway-Aimed Full Production in 2023,” Playbill (Aug 31, 2022)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “Randal Keith Joins Chicago Children of Eden Concert,” Playbill (Sept 26, 2022)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “Michelle Williams Stars in Children of Eden Concerts in Chicago October 15,” Playbill (Oct 15, 2022)
- Logan Cuwell-Block, “Chicago Children of Eden Concert Will Stream” Playbill (Oct 20, 2022)
- Logan Cuwell-Block, “Auli’i Cravalho, Norm Lewis, Nikki Renée Daniels, More Star in Children of Eden Concert February 18,” Playbill (Feb 18, 2024)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “Children of Eden Concert – Starring Michelle Williams – Sets Streaming Date,” Playbill (Sept 30, 2025)
- John Dellporta, “Children of Eden in Concert at The Kennedy Center,” DC Theatre Scene (May 22, 2014)
- Andrew Gans, “Norm Lewis Will Star in Children of Eden Musical in Chicago,” Playbill (Dec 30, 2019)
- Andrew Gans, “Kirstin Maldonado Will Join Norm Lewis and Deborah Cox in Chicago Children of Eden,” Playbill (Nov 20, 2020)
- Chris Jones, “Is ‘Children of Eden’ the first of many musicals at the Arcada in St. Charles? Time will tell,” Chicago Tribune (Feb 5, 2020)
- Chris Jones, “Review: ‘Children of Eden’ musical is reborn in Chicago, starring Michelle Williams. Could Broadway be next?” Chicago Tribune (Oct 16, 2022)
- Kenneth Jones, “Let There Be: Children of Eden Gets Starry Benefit Concert Dec. 1 in NYC,” Playbill (Dec 1, 2003)
- Doug Kaufman, “Teens praise God while rehearsing for play,” The Belleville News-Democrat (June 28, 1986), Section C, p.1
- Claire Neesham, “Keying the stage lights fantastic,” The Guardian (Jan 3, 1991) p.27
- Patrick O’Brien, “A not-quite alliterative round-up: ‘Children of Eden’ in concert, ‘Clue’ at Mercury, and ‘Camelot’ at Music Theater Work,” Chicagoland Musical Theatre (Oct 24, 2022)
- Charles Osborne, “Children in need of a good tune,” The Daily Telegraph (Jan 9, 1991), p. 14
- Milton Shulman, “Garden plots,” Evening Standard (Jan 9, 1991), p.37
- Mark Steyn, “Beginners please,” The Independent (Jan 5, 1991), p.29
- Paul Taylor, “Lost in the wilderness,” The Independent (Jan 10, 1991), p.13
- Uncredited, “Youth Sing Praise,” The Messenger (June 27, 1986), p.27
- Uncredited, “In Brief: Youth Musical,” Belleville News-Democrat (June 28, 1986), p.2, Section C
- Uncredited, “Children benefit from royal gala,” Potters Bar Times (Jan 24, 1991) p.7
- Stephi Wild, “Auli'i Cravalho, Jordan Fisher, Norm Lewis, and More Will Lead Manhattan Concert Productions' CHILDREN OF EDEN,” Broadway World (June 20, 2023)
- Roger Zollars, “Youth Sing Praise presents ‘Family Tree”,” The Edwardsville Intelligencer (June 20, 1986), p.6
Websites
- Broadway Musical Home, “Children of Eden,” Accessed via: https://broadwaymusicalhome.com/shows/eden.htm
- Cast Albums, “Children of Eden > London Cast Members,” Accessed via: https://castalbums.org/recordings/Children-of-Eden-1990-London-Cast-Members/5481
- Cast Albums, “Children of Eden > Original London Cast,” Accessed via: https://castalbums.org/recordings/Children-of-Eden-1991-Original-London-Cast/3677
- John Caird, “Children of Eden,” Accessed via: https://johncaird.com/children-of-eden/
- Music Theatre International, “Children of Eden: Show History,” Accessed via: https://www.mtishows.com/show-history/529
- Stephen Schwartz, “Q&A About COE,” Accessed via: https://stephenschwartz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Children-of-Eden.pdf
- Theatricalia, “Children of Eden,” Accessed via: https://theatricalia.com/play/8w3/children-of-eden/production/z89
Other
- University of Michigan Children of Eden Program (2002), Accessed via: https://smtd.umich.edu/past-performances/02-03-children-of-eden/
Written by Luisa Lyons (May 2026)