Children of Eden JR.

September 20-22, 2024
Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

CHILDREN OF EDEN JR.
Book by John Caird
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Based on a concept by Charles Lisanby
Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine

CHILDREN OF EDEN JR.
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

What's it about?

Children of Eden JR. is a retelling of the first nine chapters of the Book of Genesis, focusing on the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Noah's Ark. It explores themes of family, faith, free will, and the complex relationships between parents and children. Key moments include the creation of Adam and Eve, their disobedience and subsequent exile, Cain's murder of Abel, and Noah's building of the ark to survive the flood.

What's to love about Children of Eden JR.?

Throughout the show, the music blends elements of pop, folk, and gospel to convey the universal human experiences within these biblical stories. Songs like "The Spark of Creation," "Lost in the Wilderness," and "Generations" showcase Schwartz's ability to craft memorable, emotionally resonant music.

Content Advisory

Narrative Complexity: Ages 6+

Children of Eden Jr. is generally recommended for a wide range of ages, making it a great family-friendly musical:

Young Children (Ages 6-10): The themes, characters, and storytelling in Children of Eden Jr. are very accessible and engaging for younger elementary school-aged children.
Tweens/Teens (Ages 11-16): Older children and young teenagers will likely find the more complex themes and emotional beats of the musical resonant. The show can spark meaningful discussions about faith, family, and the human experience.

The recommended age range is generally 6 and up, as long as parents use discretion for very young or sensitive children. The musical's uplifting story, diverse representation, and absence of mature content make it an excellent choice for family audiences.

A lot or a little?

A guide to help you decide if this show is right for your family.

Positive Message: ★★★

The importance of family and unconditional love. Children of Eden JR. explores the relationships between parents and children, and the deep bonds that can form despite differences or mistakes.

Diverse Representation: ★★

The show features characters from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, including characters of color. This allows for a more inclusive and representative portrayal of the story's biblical narrative. And while the original biblical story centers on male figures, the musical adaptation features strong, complex female characters who play central roles.

Sex and Romance: ☆☆☆

The relationship between Adam and Eve is depicted in Children of Eden JR. as a loving, committed partnership, but their interactions remain chaste and family-friendly.

Violence and Scariness: ★☆☆

Children of Eden JR. is a family-friendly production; however, please be advised that the show includes a scene portraying the onstage murder of Abel by Cain. While the depiction has been adjusted for young performers and is not graphic, audiences should be aware of this element of the story.

Adult Language: ☆☆☆

There is no profanity or adult language.

Drinking, Drugs, Smoking: ☆☆☆

None

★★★ = There's a lot of this.
★★☆ = There's some of this.
★☆☆= There's a bit of this.
☆☆☆ = Don't expect this.