Children of Eden

Children of Eden

September 10-26, 2021 – Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

By Stephen Schwartz and John Caird

Directed by Julie Ewing

Music direction by Kevin Bogan

Stephen Schwartz and John Caird set the story of Adam, Eve, Noah and the “Father” to a poignant, sweeping score. This musical takes the universal problems and blessings of children and their parents to new heights. Follow their moments of love and of letting go with songs like, “In the Beginning,” “Stranger to the Rain” and “Lost in the Wilderness.” This smaller-cast version of Children of Eden takes the stage September 10th-26th, 2021.

Note that strobe lights and some loud sounds will be used. The pre-show graphics contain images that some patrons may find disturbing.

OCTA is committed to providing an inclusive environment that brings the joy of live theatre to all individuals.  ASL interpreted performances will be offered on the final Friday evening and Sunday matinee of Children of Eden (September 24th and 26th).  Assisted listening devices will also be made available beginning with our next show, Peter and the Starcatcher.

Find Production Photos Here

THE CAST:

	Austin Skibbie (Japeth, Storyteller) is elated to be a part of this show! He recently played Prince Topher in TIP’s CINDERELLA and has appeared in several shows with Faust Theatre. Thanks to the SRPA crew, friends, family, and OCTA. Enjoy!
	Cally Beckman (Storyteller) is so happy to be a part of this production! Thanks to the cast and team for creating this epic show.
	Drew Squire (Young Abel, Storyteller) appeared in Leawood Stage Company’s “Home for the Holidays” this past year. He is so excited to be a part of this show at OCTA! Many thanks to the cast and team!
	Graham Fairleigh (Father) was last seen on the OCTA stage in LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL as Professor Bhaer for which he won a Buddy Award. A huge shout out to Julie and Kevin for the chance to play this 20-year-bucket-list role. Special thanks to Michael for the love, support and the Monster Energy Drink variety pack.
	Kieran Ford (Young Cain, Storyteller) is excited for his first show at OCTA! Kieran studies with Theatre for Young America, Team Shakespeare/Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, and the Coterie and dances with Miller Marley. He is frequently seen on stage at Theatre for Young America, where his credits include BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, DRAGONS LOVE TACOS, A WRINKLE IN TIME, and more. Kieran is grateful for the inspiration/support of his acting teachers and theatre friends.
	Matt Runnells-Rebol (Noah, Storyteller)  has devoted the last decade of his life to theater. He is so grateful for the opportunities he’s had since moving to Kansas City in 2017, and is excited for opportunities to come. He made is OCTA debut as Louis/Randolph in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. He is also grateful for the love and support of his friends and family as he pursues his passion.
	Meredith Hollan (Snake, Storyteller) is thrilled to be making her first appearance at OCTA. You may have recently seen her at TIP as Gabrielle in CINDERELLA. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as the cast had putting it together for you.
	Michael Navato (Abel, Storyteller) is a student at UMKC’s 6-year medical school with a devout passion for the performing arts. He is thrilled to have a role in CHILDREN OF EDEN at OCTA, as it is his first role ever in community theater, and he is honored to be able to perform with such sensational people! He would like to thank his family and friends who have supported him through all the years.
	Nancy Kruse (Eve, Mama Noah) is thrilled to be back at OCTA! She made her OCTA debut in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE as Celeste/Photographer. You might have seen her this summer in Theatre in the Park’s CURTAINS as Jessica Cranshaw/Ensemble. Previous roles include Hope Cladwell in URINETOWN, Casey in FIRST DATE: THE MUSICAL, and Heather McNamara in HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL. Many thanks to Scott and enjoy the show!
	Olivia Hollan (Storyteller) would like to thank the cast and team for making this show a reality! OCTA is a great place to do and see theatre and she is thrilled to be a part of it.
	Scott Kruse (Adam, Storyteller) is extremely excited to be back on the OCTA stage! Recently seen as Jean-Michel in TIP’s CINDERELLA, Scott made his KC theatre debut as Jules/Bob Greenburg in OCTA’s production of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE back in 2019. Thanks to his family and his wife, Nancy (Eve/Mama Noah), for their continued love and support. Enjoy the show!
	Scott Salem (Seth, Shem, Storyteller) has appeared at OCTA (ALTAR BOYZ), Leawood Stage Company, The Barn Players, and Faust Theatre. Look for him in Faust’s premiere of GLEEQUEL summer 2022.
	Tressa Lee (Yonah, Storyteller) has appeared in TITANIC at The Barn Players and in JEKYLL AND HYDE at The Culture House. She is thrilled to be a part of this production!
	Tyler Harper (Aphra, Storyteller) is thrilled to be in her first show at OCTA! She graduated from AMDA in Los Angeles with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite credits include Ella (CINDERELLA), Rosie (SWEET CHARITY), Constance Sack (ROCK OF AGES), Gingy (SHREK), Madeleine Astor (TITANIC), Dance Captain (HOW TO SUCCEED…), Dance Captain (ALL SHOOK UP). Tyler would like to thank her family and friends for their amazing and endless love and support.
	Zach Kujath (Cain/Ham, Storyteller) is excited to be back at OCTA for this first time since playing Jonas in THE GIVER, and to be on stage for the first time since 2019! Special thanks to Ashton Botts, for kicking him into gear.

Crew:

Julie Ewing – Director
Kevin Bogan – Music Director
Matt Pollock – Stage Manager
Grant Martin – Assistant Stage Manager
Kimberly Stelting – Assistant Stage Manager
Phillip Leonard – Lighting Designer
Joel Walley – Set Designer
Josh Finch – Sound Designer
Stephanie Ainsworth – Choreographer
Heather Stewart – Costumes
Rob Reeder – Projections

Plan your visit to OCTA

Tickets may be purchased with credit card, check, or cash. Free parking is available in the OCTA lot and on the street. Concessions are available for cash or credit donation and may be taken into the theater.