By Linda White
The opening performance of Children of Eden on Wednesday, March 15 was not just a case of “another opening, another show.”
Wednesday afternoon’s opening was a wonderful ensemble effort with great music, singing, dancing, and powerful performances. There was not a dry eye in the house at the end of Act One, and Act Two was equally moving. If you had any doubt about attending this production, cast it aside and please get your tickets now. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, March 16, Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18 at 7 pm in the BHS auditorium.
Senior student leads Matthew Bridgeman (Father), Nate Frisette (Adam/Noah), and Natalie Lewis (Eve/Mama) seamlessly anchored both acts with a talented supporting cast that spanned grades 2 to 12 and gave the audience a performance to remember.
Audience members might have thought the music was prerecorded because the orchestra pit was not where we are accustomed to seeing it. If you ventured backstage, you would have found a talented group of eight musicians tucked in an incredibly small space in the wings. Two keyboards and other instruments were separated by but a few inches and musicians were knee to knee. Conductor and music teacher Evan Grunwald coordinated the keyboards, reeds, percussion, bass, guitar, and cello resulting in a full and rich orchestra sound. Senior student, John Coyne, masterfully handled the sound board and all the complex requirements of the cast and musicians.
There are so many wonderful moments in this performance – the group of elementary students whose joy in being a part of the show that was so contagious; the lovely yet sultry ladies who portrayed the s-s-s-snake in the garden; the introduction and parade of animals who populated the Ark in fantastic, creative masks constructed from recycled materials by the theater production students; the choreography in the large and small production numbers; and more. Additionally, the sense of commitment and unity of the entire cast to share the stories and messages relating to the choices we all make in life regarding tolerance, respect, understanding, taking chances, letting go, and love will touch your heart.
Thank you, Katrina Faulstich, for bringing Children of Eden to the BHS stage and to the Bedford community!
Order your tickets at https://bhschorusandtheater.weebly.com/tickets.html or by calling 781-275-1700 ext. 4200. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.
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Our daughter was one of the little ones in the cast. It was a wonderful production that brings into focus the amazing arts program in the Bedford public schools!