The original West End production, care of the Royal Shakespeare Company, may have been relatively short-lived (four months in 1991) but its cast included Frances Ruffelle and Ruthie Henshall. Twenty-five years, who will star when CHILDREN OF EDEN, is reclaimed as the second production in the new Union Theatre? Let us know your casting suggestions....
Twenty-five years after its original, short-lived West End production, Children of Eden will return to London in a new production at the Union Theatre, running from 10 August to 10 September 2016, with a press night on 12 August.
Children of Eden will be the second production in the Union Theatre’s brand new state-of-the-art space in Southwark, where Ruthie Henshall and Stephen Mear were recently announced as patrons. The new venue’s first production The Fix is currently in previews.
Inspired by the Book of Genesis, Children of Eden tells the timeless story of what it means to be a parent. From the moment you bring a child into the world everything changes; you learn to protect, cherish, and love unconditionally. But as they grow you have to learn one more thing; to one day let them go. Featuring one of the most beautiful scores in contemporary musical theatre from the composer of Godspell, Pippin and Wicked, Children of Eden is a heartfelt and humorous musical about the unique family bond.
Children of Eden has Music and Lyrics by acclaimed composer Stephen Schwartz, who is perhaps best known for his mega-hit musical Wicked which continues to play on Broadway and in the West End. A big screen adaptation of Wicked is also in development. Stephen has contributed lyrics to films including Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre and Enchanted, and his other stage musicals include Godspell and Pippin. Schwartz was recently given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame.
Children of Eden has a Book by John Caird, who with Trevor Nunn adapted and directed Les Misérables. His recent directorial credits include McQueen at the Haymarket Theatre, Tosca in Chicago and Houston, La Boheme in San Francisco and his own musical Daddy Long Legs off-Broadway. His work for the RSC included over 20 productions of classic and new plays including a co-production with Trevor Nunn of Nicholas Nickleby for which he received a Tony and Olivier Award.
Children of Eden is directed by Christian Durham, whose productions include Spend Spend Spend (Union Theatre), Just So (Bridewell Theatre), Debbie Does Dallas (Edinburgh Festival, E4 Udderbelly) and Taboo (UK Tour, Best Musical – MEN Awards). It is choreographed by Lucie Pankhurst whose recent work includes The Stripper (St James Theatre), The Toxic Avenger (Southwark Playhouse), The Busker’s Opera (Park Theatre), Shock Treatment (Kings Head Theatre) and Dogfight (Southwark Playhouse). Design is by Kingsley Hall (Once Upon A Mattress, Patience, The Baker’s Wife – Union Theatre), Lighting Design by Nic Farman (The Stripper – St James Theatre, The Toxic Avenger -Southwark Playhouse) and Musical Direction by Inga Davis-Rutter (Spend, Spend, Spend and Love Story – Union Theatre).
Casting is to be announced.
Children of Eden has Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and Book by John Caird, based on a concept by Charles Lisanby. It is produced by Union Productions and performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited.
