Western Reserve Playhouse presents ‘Children of Eden’

The Western Reserve announces a reinterpretation of “Children of Eden,” the acclaimed musical by Stephen Schwartz (composer of “Wicked”) and John Caird running from Aug. 2-17 at The Western Reserve Playhouse, 3326 Everett Rd. in Bath.

“Children of Eden” spans two biblical stories from the book of Genesis. Act I retells the story of Adam and Eve, following Adam (Tim Schuerger) and Eve (Kelly Pilkenroth), guided by Father (Dennis Runkle), from the Garden of Eden to their exile, where sons Cain (Roman Novosel) and Abel (Nate Zadzilka) encounter tragic conflict. Act II tells the story of Noah’s Ark, where this same cast portrays direct descendants of their lineage many generations later.

Traditionally staged as an epic biblical spectacle, director Braelin Andrzejewski reimagined this production as a family-centered narrative set in a space reminiscent of WRP’s own attic, filled with 170 years of historical props and costumes. Reflecting the season’s theme, “What’s Past is Prologue,” this unique setting invites the audience to see their own family reflected in the timeless tales of Adam, Eve and Noah.

The production stars WRP veteran Runkle as Father, newcomer Pilkenroth as Eve and Mama Noah and newcomer Novosel (they/them), a nonbinary drag performer and Euclid native, as both Cain and Yonah. Traditionally, a male and a female actor play these characters. This nontraditional casting marks a significant milestone for representation and innovation at WRP, and introduces a fresh, unprecedented take on the production.

Tickets are $25 and available online at thewrp.org or at the door. ∞