The American Fork and Highland arts councils will perform "Children of Eden" June 25 to 29. This musical by Stephen Schwartz, composer of "Wicked," examines family relationships and is based partly on the story of Genesis in the Bible. There are more than 40 musical numbers in the production. "Children of Eden" is the fourth production in recent years to be done jointly by the two arts councils.

"Children of Eden" has been called a frank, heartfelt and often humorous examination of the age-old conflict between parents and children. Adam, Eve, Noah and the Father who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children. The show ultimately delivers a bittersweet but inspiring message -- that "the hardest part of love ... is letting go."

Director Neal Johnson summed up the play.

"It is not LDS, but it is loosely based on the gospels," he said. "It is such a beautiful story. It is the story of second chances, which is important and vital for our community today."

He cited some of the play's themes.

"Live every day as a new day and a new opportunity," he said. "We are free to choose to drop the knife or stop the hating. Every moment of our life is a beginning."

"I have read that [Schwartz] was trying to create a real-life dysfunctional family from the scripture," Johnson added.

Johnson's talents have been seen at Hale Center Theater, the SCERA Theater, American Fork High School and area arts councils.

Musical direction is by Katie Tenney with costume design by Cindy Holindrake and choreography by Joshua Long, who complimented the cast.

"I think of all the shows I have worked on, this has been the most talented [cast]," he said.

"Stephen Schwartz said it is his favorite show he has ever done," Long said. "There are lots of different styles. He wrote in a bunch of styles, including a gospel song and a soft shoe number."

He said he liked the messages of the production.

"I really like how the show takes from the stories and looks at them in a different way," he said. "He makes us look at the people as a human family. We can learn from them in their most human form. That is where we got all the meaning and the ability to change your life."

Tenney said this was one of her favorite shows. She has been the musical director for "Oklahoma" and "Guys and Dolls" for the American Fork and Highland arts councils. She has worked with the Highland, American Fork and Lehi arts councils and local schools directing children's theater with shows such as "Annie Jr.," "Music Man Jr.," "Bugz" and "Once upon a Lily Pad."

The cast brings together the talents of local film, television and movie stars. Shane Warby as the Father and Shaunna Thompson as Eve, Glen Womble as Adam and Kelton Davis as Noah bring their talent to a cast of more than 35. Other cast members include Matt Roundy, Elijah Thomas, Lex Hatch, Jon Walker, Nicole Ashby, Mike Shepherd, Cory Johnson, Savanah Smith, Rebecca Woahn and Scott and Patrick Fletcher.

Thompson has been a stage actress since she was a little girl and a professional film actress for the last 15 years, She has loved doing movies, commercials, hosting and voiceover, but she said her first love will always be the stage where she goes to recharge her creative battery.

Warby is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where he studied voice and choral conducting. While he was at BYU he was involved in theater and opera productions, including leading roles in the "The Marriage of Figaro" and "La Traviata." He also portrayed the Padre in SCERA's production of "Man of La Mancha." After leaving BYU, he joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, where he has been featured as a soloist both in concerts and on "Music and the Spoken Word." He lives in Orem with his wife, American Fork High School teacher Tracy Warby.

Story tellers are Mallory Ash, Chandra Lloyd, Lauren Tucker, Alec Powell, Isaac Jones and Jake Kelly.

Ensemble members are Stephanie Tenney, Alexa Thompson, Kristen Parker, Krista Saltmarsh, Ally Best, Leah Jones, Nikkita Ulloa, Mariah Johnson, Alina Rea, Amber Taylor, Jordan Long, Ryan Sannar, Ben Wright, Tanner Spear, Jacob Gibb and Bradley Southard.

The play runs Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday at 7 p.m. at American Fork High School. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children and a family pass is $30. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the American Fork Arts Council, Highland City offices, Kohlers in Highland or at the door.

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