Children of Eden
at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Reviewed on March 11, 2017

Audrey Mitchell
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

St. Margaret's "Children of Eden" is brimming with power

Audrey Mitchell is a Junior at University High School in Irvine

"In the beginning…" These are the famous first words of the Book of Genesis. Written by Stephen Schwartz, "Children of Eden" tells the story of the first 8 chapters of the Book of Genesis, from Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to Noah and his children.

St Margaret's Episcopal School's production of "Children of Eden" is touching and explosive. Stunning vocals, versatile actors, and subtle technical elements combine to tell this story of broken love and the importance of letting go.

Blake Stevenson possesses the voice and mannerisms of a much older man as Father, the omnipresent patriarch of the family. Stevenson displays a dulcet, rich baritone in "Let There Be," as he creates the Garden of Eden, gesturing magnanimously to his newfound creations. But he shows the full extent of his wrath when he is displeased, face contorted into a grimace as he condemns Adam and Eve.

Katherine Parrish is a force to be reckoned with as Eve. At the beginning she stands slightly raised up on her toes, overflowing with a youthful exuberance. She is filled with excitement in "The Spark of Creation," eyes bright with curiosity and her voice full of power. Tyler Ashman complements Parrish as Adam, transforming from a guileless young man to a bereaved father over the course of his story.

Garrett Higgins portrays the restless, raw-boned Cain. Higgins is never quite still, every fiber of his being in a permanent fight-or-flight state. His mannerisms mirror Eve's as he bounces on his toes in anticipation.

Lighting, designed by Lauren Standiford, adds greatly to the storytelling. As the tree of knowledge, portrayed by actors, reaches towards Adam and Eve, the lighting changes from day into night. When Father unleashes his rage in "The Expulsion," lights flash orange and red as he razes Eden to the ground.

The student-designed choreography (Mitra Alikhani and Katherine Sele) is incredibly intricate. In "The Return of the Animals," dozens of actors holding animal masks prowl, leap, and hop aboard the ark as their respective animals. Each pair of animals enter from opposite sides of the theater and meet in the middle of the stage, bowing to each other in a ritual reminiscent of courtship.

St. Margaret's production of "Children of Eden" is utterly affecting as it delivers its message about the power of love.

Taylor Plett
Dana Hills High School (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Age-old scripture breathes new life at St. Margaret's


Taylor Plett is a Junior at Dana Hills High School (SOCSA) in Irvine


From the first "Let There Be" of creation to the rainbow promise heralding the end of the Great Flood, St. Margaret's Episcopal School's "Children of Eden" offers an unconventional retelling of the book of Genesis, distilling the text into a story of family and human fault amidst a modern backdrop.

Ever since Adam and Eve were cast out of paradise at the dawn of humanity, their human evils continued to haunt their family for generations upon generations. But when a daughter of Cain counters her ancestor's wicked ways with a compassionate heart, a long path of hope begins toward man's reclaiming of Eden.

Blake Stevenson awes as Father, his resounding bass creating a consistency throughout the show that illustrates God's constant presence. As he shifts between a warm voice and outstretched hand in the Garden and the pained face of a conflicted father as Noah (Bryce Victor) cries for an end to the rain, Stevenson effectively humanizes an omnipotent God as a man struggling to do his best with imperfect children.

Eve (Katherine Parrish) embodies the transformative power of a hard-wrought life; her zealous wanderlust and fists clenched in rage against a controlling God fade into a discerning face and weary frame as she wishes her offspring a better future in "Children of Eden." Parrish's headstrong individualism is countered by Adam (Tyler Ashman), whose anguished voice and dejected expression belie the conflict of choosing Eve over God in "A World Without You."

An ensemble of Storytellers creates unity throughout the show with powerful vocals and committed character, intensifying the action as they pound the stage when Adam and Noah strike their sons and amplifying God's wrath with a thunderous drum roll.

From the synchronized hip-swivels of the Snake temptresses in "The Pursuit of Excellence" to a variegated mural of animal movements in "The Return of the Animals," choreography (Mitra Alikhani, Katherine Sele) enlivens the scriptures with vigor and fluidity. Praise is also due to Lauren Standiford for innovative lighting design; a radiant glow illuminates Father, defining his sanctity as he commands his children, while the bright kaleidoscope arc of a rainbow crests the stage as the floodwaters abate.

With robust vocals and unwavering energy, St. Margaret's "Children of Eden" proves that, while fault and struggle may make us human, the bonds of brotherhood, parenthood, and partnership we cherish make us a family of man.

Ellena Eshraghi
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

St. Margaret's ‘Children of Eden' sparks with creativity


Ellena Eshraghi is a Senior at University High School in Dana Hills

With impressive vocal performances and striking lighting elements, St. Margaret's Episcopal School gives a moving performance of, "The Children of Eden." Loosely based on the Book of Genesis, this Stephen Schwartz musical is a retelling of the story of Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel in act one, and Noah's Ark in act two.

Blake Stevenson's portrayal of Father is truly breathtaking. His love for Adam and Eve reveals his paternal and human side as he urges them to embrace their new home, a proud and supportive parent. However, his character's wrathful and almighty presence is equally as powerful when, pained and betrayed, he casts Adam and Eve out of Eden in, "The Expulsion," his mighty baritone voice echoing through the theater as a ominous white light flashes across the stage.

Katherine Parrish plays Eve with great energy and curiosity. She bounces on her heels, excited by the thought of knowledge and a world beyond the one she knows. In, "The Spark of Creation," Parrish belts beautiful high notes as the storytellers gather attentively around her.

Opposite Parrish is Tyler Ashman as Adam. In contrast to Eve's boundless wonder, Adam is more restrictive and muted in his movements and emotions. He is torn between Eve and Father in, "A World Without You," pleading that the family should stay together. As he ages, Ashman grows more sullen and fixated on going back to Eden, sometimes even yelling at his own family to enforce what he thinks is right.

Adam and Eve's son, Cain, is played by Garrett Higgins, who, like his mother, is bursting with energy and eagerness. He paces the floor while looking off into the distance with a furrowed brow, wondering what is outside the wasteland his family calls home.

Daisy Sellas delivers powerhouse vocals in the role of Mama Noah. In her song, "Ain't It Good," she effortlessly belts remarkable notes as the ensemble rejoices in the sun.

Lauren Standiford's lighting design enhances the visuals of the show. While treading through the wasteland, the lighting is a harsh red-orange color, giving the feeling of heat and discomfort. Throughout the Noah's Ark story, the lighting consists of various shades of violet and blue, representing the hopelessness of flood and rain.

Exploring the dynamics of broken relationships and loss, St. Margret's production of "Children of Eden" is touching and uplifting.