Get ready to go back in time all the way to Earth’s creation with GLSHS’s spring musical Children of Eden! Flowing waterfalls and a life size “tree of knowledge” decorate the GLSHS stage. Loosely based on the book of Genesis, including the story of creation and the story of Noah and the ark, this musical brings the stage to life—literally! Cast members leap, gallop, and scurry across the stage becoming the animals that the character Father creates.
Director Mr. Krack connects some of the main concepts and themes with current society. “There are lessons in this musical that can be learned about family values. It’s about going out and exploring and learning and participating in the world. Also, it’s a lesson in understanding that your actions affect others for generations to come,” said Krack.
Mr. Murray, the vocal director of the show, faced many challenges in preparing for the musical. “We put on a typical choir concert for an hour. That’s three or four different ensembles doing fifteen to twenty minutes of music. This is one ensemble doing two and a half hours of music nonstop,” said Murray. Due to this profusion of vocal demands, the ensemble practices are the focus from the beginning of rehearsals until show time.
GLSD’s abundance of choral talent this school year gave directors the confidence in the cast’s ability to live up to the show’s expectations. “We believed we have the cast that could handle [the vocal demands],” said Krack.
Cast member Adam Stynchula (senior), who will be portraying the part of Adam, the first human on Earth, enthuses about certain aspects of the show. “There are a lot of special effects, big sets, and big numbers,” said Stynchula. “It’s a very flashy show and it keeps your attention the whole time.”
Aside from the colorful set and effects, this year incorporates younger actors within the district. “We’ve been talking for years about trying to get elementary school kids involved and this is the perfect show to do so,” said Krack. The youthful involvement not only sparks an early interest in theater, but it also gives kids of all ages to interact with one another and work together towards a common goal.
While preparing for the musical, participants must focus and “get into character.” Sophomore Lindsey Ferguson, playing the role of Eve, must take time each day before going on stage to become her character. Being the first woman created, she develops character traits in which to portray Eve. “I think Eve starts the show off very naïve, so I try to play her as the curious child who just wants to explore, which I use a lot of my own childhood for,” said Ferguson. “Then once she’s eaten the fruit I feel like I portray her more as the rebellious teenager who just wants more out of life.”
Senior Mickey Orange accepts the challenges he has faced as a lead role. “It’s definitely a big stretch because directors rely on me for a lot of things. There’s a lot more to this role than there has been for other roles I’ve had in the past,” said Orange. The role certainly has its challenges, but Orange feels as though they are worth the fun of playing Father.
This show will undoubtedly be unique in all aspects of theater, from its dazzling set, to its plot explained through song. Krack anticipates the moment when all these aspects come together to form an astounding show. “I believe the most fun part hasn’t happened yet. When you see all the pieces coming together, that’s when the real magic starts to happen,” he said.
The cast of Children of Eden welcomes the students of GLSHS to come and enjoy the magic of the story of creation on Friday March 23 and Saturday March 24 at 7:30 in the high school auditorium. Tickets can be purchased by calling (724)-539-4298 and specifying how many of each (adult or student) and which day you wish to attend. Tickets will also be sold during lunches starting on a date to be announced, and at the door the night of each show. They are $12 for adults and $8 for students, seniors, and children. Everyone is encouraged to attend!
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