During these trying times, Adam Kidd and his cast and crew have turned toward two powerful sources of inspiration - theater and the Bible.
"Children of Eden" was written by Grammy-winner Stephen Schwartz who is known for the Broadway pieces "Wicked," "Godspell" and "Pippin." The musical is gaining respect from Albuquerque audiences.
"It's a pop musical based on Adam and Eve and Noah and the Ark," said Kidd, the producer and director. "It's not told in a preachy sort of way. We don't add any religious undertones."
Kidd said things came together smoothly when he decided to produce the play in Albuquerque.
"We had a lot more people turn out for the auditions than I originally expected," he said. "We have a cast of people who are some of the most amazing singers in the city."
Gene Corbin plays God in the play, and Marcia Tippit, who teaches acting at UNM, is the older version of Mary.
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More than just a typical reproduction of the first chapters of Genesis, Kidd said the show is about choices.
"The bottom line of the show is about our free will," he said. "It's not about some being giving us the answers by voice or book."
Kidd said the play speaks on many levels, particularly because it is an election year and people feel helpless about the situation.
"When everyone is going 'what is going on?' you have to choose," he said. "You have to choose to love or hate. It's not up to anyone else. We are free here as souls, as humans, as Americans."
"Even though the play is taking on Christian stories, it is nondenominational, which is why it appealed to me," Tippit said. "Stephen Schwartz approaches things in sort of a relationship view. The play is about man's relationship to self, to others and to the environment."
Kidd said he chose to put the show on in Albuquerque because he wants local theater to be as strong as all other forms of entertainment.
"We don't want to neglect the theater and just let the film industry come in or some new sports team come in," he said.
He said the play gives people purpose.
"It's great when people say 'I really get it' after seeing the show," Kidd said. "It's a group of people coming together spiritually and emotionally. It gives us something to spend our time on instead of just worry."
Audience members had strong reactions to last week's performance. Tippit said she was
surprised by the comments.
"Typically after a show you hear 'great job,' but after this one, I hear 'thank you,'" she said. "The audience members really go on the journey with you. That's the point."
Kidd said he is relieved the show turned out the way it did.
"We have taken one of the oldest stories of all time - the most accessible story - breathed life into it, and we pulled it off in three-and-a -half weeks."
Who: "Children of Eden"
When: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m.
Where: Sandia Preparatory School 532 Osuna Rd.
Inf0: Adults $15, students $10, UNM students $5 450-1544
