Children of Eden
at El Dorado

Reviewed on February 27, 2016

Maddie Schultz
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Register

El Dorado's "Children of Eden" Sparks our Imagination
by Maddie Schultz, a senior from Fountain Valley High School.

It begins with completely dark stage aside for the light illuminating from a few candles. As Father bellows "Let there be light," the stage becomes a beacon of brightness and bustling activity. With a simplistic set and rustic props, El Dorado presents "Children of Eden" with a distinctive raw energy.

The story, a re-telling of biblical creation, is told by a group storytellers, who utilize exquisite vocals and graceful dancing to sing the stories of both Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark. Actors flawlessly switch roles in the second act, transforming themselves into new characters.

Father (Xander Pietenpol) begins the show as the loving father of Adam and Eve, embracing his new family like a proud parent. However, when he is betrayed by them, Pietenpol's eyes twist with fury as he plants himself on the highest platform, arms crossed, looming over the scene.

As both Eve and Mama, Amy Leonard elegantly switches from looking around her new-found world with curiosity and wonder as Eve, to calmly expressing her motherly presence as Mama. Leonard truly shines during "Ain't It Good?" where she commands the stage with her powerhouse vocals. Hunter Nelson makes a similar transition when he effortlessly switches from younger Adam, flitting carelessly around the stage, to a sincere and loving father as Noah.

Cain and Japheth, both angsty yet passionate boys, are played by Matthew Guttilla. Whether yielding a stone or Adam's staff, Guttilla brings a sense of anger and defeat with a demented pain in his face, except when he sees Yonah, played by Katarina Blagojevic. Any time he lays eyes on her, Guttilla immediately softens and his movements take on a sweeter ring.

The show's choreography, created by Hunter Nelson and Carissa Hamann, flows with ease. Each dance brings a different energy, adding to the excitement of the show. During "The Return of the Animals," each species takes center stage with a dance distinctive in animal mannerisms.

Set design by McKayla McCune and Hunter Nelson, and props by Hannah Dorf and Krista Elliot, respectively, come together to create an exquisite platform to tell the story. Simple and earthy in design, they allow the storytellers to bring their tellings to life.

Overall, the committed cast and crew of Children of Eden work dynamically to present these ancient stories in a new and interesting light.

Maddie Schultz
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Register

El Dorado's "Children of Eden" Sparks our Imagination
by Maddie Schultz, a senior from Fountain Valley High School.

It begins with completely dark stage aside for the light illuminating from a few candles. As Father bellows "Let there be light," the stage becomes a beacon of brightness and bustling activity. With a simplistic set and rustic props, El Dorado presents "Children of Eden" with a distinctive raw energy.

The story, a re-telling of biblical creation, is told by a group storytellers, who utilize exquisite vocals and graceful dancing to sing the stories of both Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark. Actors flawlessly switch roles in the second act, transforming themselves into new characters.

Father (Xander Pietenpol) begins the show as the loving father of Adam and Eve, embracing his new family like a proud parent. However, when he is betrayed by them, Pietenpol's eyes twist with fury as he plants himself on the highest platform, arms crossed, looming over the scene.

As both Eve and Mama, Amy Leonard elegantly switches from looking around her new-found world with curiosity and wonder as Eve, to calmly expressing her motherly presence as Mama. Leonard truly shines during "Ain't It Good?" where she commands the stage with her powerhouse vocals. Hunter Nelson makes a similar transition when he effortlessly switches from younger Adam, flitting carelessly around the stage, to a sincere and loving father as Noah.

Cain and Japheth, both angsty yet passionate boys, are played by Matthew Guttilla. Whether yielding a stone or Adam's staff, Guttilla brings a sense of anger and defeat with a demented pain in his face, except when he sees Yonah, played by Katarina Blagojevic. Any time he lays eyes on her, Guttilla immediately softens and his movements take on a sweeter ring.

The show's choreography, created by Hunter Nelson and Carissa Hamann, flows with ease. Each dance brings a different energy, adding to the excitement of the show. During "The Return of the Animals," each species takes center stage with a dance distinctive in animal mannerisms.

Set design by McKayla McCune and Hunter Nelson, and props by Hannah Dorf and Krista Elliot, respectively, come together to create an exquisite platform to tell the story. Simple and earthy in design, they allow the storytellers to bring their tellings to life.

Overall, the committed cast and crew of Children of Eden work dynamically to present these ancient stories in a new and interesting light.

Siena Brown
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

El Dorado's "Eden" Lights Up the Darkness
by Siena Brown, a senior from SOCSA Dana Hills

In the beginning, there is darkness. The stage is bare, excluding a few figures waiting patiently in the blackness. Suddenly, a rich baritone soars above the scene with a simple command: "Let there be light." The world seems to brighten as grinning storytellers look up to the fatherly figure that smiles lovingly back at them. This is family. This is happiness. This is "Children of Eden."

El Dorado's breathtaking new production follows several families from the Book of Genesis as they strive to understand their relationships with one another and with the Father that created them. Although the show has obvious biblical overtones, at its heart, it is about growing up, moving on, and learning to find happiness against all odds.

Much of the show is lead by Father (Xander Pietenpol), creator of the universe and everything in it, who struggles to bring his children happiness when they repeatedly disappoint him. While Pietenpol maintains a strong stance, his hand gestures are fluid: perfect tools for painting the perfect world. However, evil begins to corrupt the world, and his once gentle hands are marred into tight fists by his vain attempts to grasp onto his wayward children.

Skillfully combining youth with wisdom, Amy Leonard shines as Eve in Act 1 and Mama, wife of Noah, in Act 2. As curious Eve celebrates "The Spark of Creation" that burns within her, Leonard belts out high, sparkling notes. When she shifts to the more experienced Mama, her clear voice features new-found depth and soaring gospel riffs.

Katarina Blagojevic stuns as the courageous servant girl Yonah. Blagojevic rises above her status in her powerful solo "Stranger to the Rain," where she attacks the driving rhythm with a deep, earthy voice. Although other characters hiss that Father has forsaken her, her eyes remain fixed on the sky, always looking toward the light.

The show has a very natural, untouched atmosphere that is visible not only in the sincere performances, but also in several animal masks designed by Hannah Dorf and Krista Elliot. The masks, made of woodchips, moss, and flowers, make the slinky storytellers seem like creatures formed from the earth itself.

"Children of Eden" is a passionately told story with an age-old message: if we can learn not to fear the darkness, we can easily find the light.

Siena Brown
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

El Dorado's "Eden" Lights Up the Darkness
by Siena Brown, a senior from SOCSA Dana Hills

In the beginning, there is darkness. The stage is bare, excluding a few figures waiting patiently in the blackness. Suddenly, a rich baritone soars above the scene with a simple command: "Let there be light." The world seems to brighten as grinning storytellers look up to the fatherly figure that smiles lovingly back at them. This is family. This is happiness. This is "Children of Eden."

El Dorado's breathtaking new production follows several families from the Book of Genesis as they strive to understand their relationships with one another and with the Father that created them. Although the show has obvious biblical overtones, at its heart, it is about growing up, moving on, and learning to find happiness against all odds.

Much of the show is lead by Father (Xander Pietenpol), creator of the universe and everything in it, who struggles to bring his children happiness when they repeatedly disappoint him. While Pietenpol maintains a strong stance, his hand gestures are fluid: perfect tools for painting the perfect world. However, evil begins to corrupt the world, and his once gentle hands are marred into tight fists by his vain attempts to grasp onto his wayward children.

Skillfully combining youth with wisdom, Amy Leonard shines as Eve in Act 1 and Mama, wife of Noah, in Act 2. As curious Eve celebrates "The Spark of Creation" that burns within her, Leonard belts out high, sparkling notes. When she shifts to the more experienced Mama, her clear voice features new-found depth and soaring gospel riffs.

Katarina Blagojevic stuns as the courageous servant girl Yonah. Blagojevic rises above her status in her powerful solo "Stranger to the Rain," where she attacks the driving rhythm with a deep, earthy voice. Although other characters hiss that Father has forsaken her, her eyes remain fixed on the sky, always looking toward the light.

The show has a very natural, untouched atmosphere that is visible not only in the sincere performances, but also in several animal masks designed by Hannah Dorf and Krista Elliot. The masks, made of woodchips, moss, and flowers, make the slinky storytellers seem like creatures formed from the earth itself.

"Children of Eden" is a passionately told story with an age-old message: if we can learn not to fear the darkness, we can easily find the light.

Gabby Romero
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

El Dorado's "Children of Eden" Explores the Meaning of Family
by Gabby Romero, a senior of Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

The cast and crew of El Dorado High School's "Children of Eden" elevates the books of the Old Testament to explore ideas of family and relationships through the medium of storytelling. This musical retelling of the biblical stories of Genesis draws connections between a father's relationship with his children to God's relationship with humanity. El Dorado highlights the theme of family through a skilled cast and innovative technical design.

Xander Pietenpol's impressive portrayal of Father explores the many facets of God in the Old Testament. As he looks upon his children, his straight posture, crossed arms, and booming voice exudes a sense of dominance and power. However, as he interacts with them, his stance softens and his voice becomes more down-to-earth and compassionate.

Hunter Nelson's performance as both Adam and Noah expertly draws a distinction between the two characters while still highlighting the parallels of their stories. Nelson shifts from the innocent Adam, as he explores Eden with wide eyes and an optimistic tone, to the fatherly Noah as he determinedly builds the ark with a furrowed brow. Nelson ties the characters together through emotional vocals and slumped shoulders.

Yonah, played by Katarina Blagojevic, expresses consistent kindness and selflessness despite the prejudice she faces for being a descendant of Cain. In the number "Stranger to the Rain," Blagojevic passionately proclaims her willingness to sacrifice herself for the happiness of her lover through forlorn gazes and a strong, commanding voice.

The technical elements of the show are utilized to establish a natural mood. The props, designed by Hannah Dorf and Krista Elliot, include incredible masks and puppets to depict God's animals. The use of branches as antlers and moss covering the shells of turtles reflect the themes of nature throughout the show.

McKayla McCune and Hunter Nelson's completely mobile set works seamlessly to adapt to the constant shift in plot. The multiple levels of the stage establishes power among the characters, such as when Father stands at the highest level looking over his children.

Through impressive performances and unique technical design, El Dorado High School uses the power of storytelling to explore themes of family.

Gabby Romero
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

El Dorado's "Children of Eden" Explores the Meaning of Family
by Gabby Romero, a senior of Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

The cast and crew of El Dorado High School's "Children of Eden" elevates the books of the Old Testament to explore ideas of family and relationships through the medium of storytelling. This musical retelling of the biblical stories of Genesis draws connections between a father's relationship with his children to God's relationship with humanity. El Dorado highlights the theme of family through a skilled cast and innovative technical design.

Xander Pietenpol's impressive portrayal of Father explores the many facets of God in the Old Testament. As he looks upon his children, his straight posture, crossed arms, and booming voice exudes a sense of dominance and power. However, as he interacts with them, his stance softens and his voice becomes more down-to-earth and compassionate.

Hunter Nelson's performance as both Adam and Noah expertly draws a distinction between the two characters while still highlighting the parallels of their stories. Nelson shifts from the innocent Adam, as he explores Eden with wide eyes and an optimistic tone, to the fatherly Noah as he determinedly builds the ark with a furrowed brow. Nelson ties the characters together through emotional vocals and slumped shoulders.

Yonah, played by Katarina Blagojevic, expresses consistent kindness and selflessness despite the prejudice she faces for being a descendant of Cain. In the number "Stranger to the Rain," Blagojevic passionately proclaims her willingness to sacrifice herself for the happiness of her lover through forlorn gazes and a strong, commanding voice.

The technical elements of the show are utilized to establish a natural mood. The props, designed by Hannah Dorf and Krista Elliot, include incredible masks and puppets to depict God's animals. The use of branches as antlers and moss covering the shells of turtles reflect the themes of nature throughout the show.

McKayla McCune and Hunter Nelson's completely mobile set works seamlessly to adapt to the constant shift in plot. The multiple levels of the stage establishes power among the characters, such as when Father stands at the highest level looking over his children.

Through impressive performances and unique technical design, El Dorado High School uses the power of storytelling to explore themes of family.