"But Father, are you sure?"
Show Commentary
- It's time for this show to move into the realm of "great shows the OHP have done". It's always hard to let shows go, and for this one, it's more true than ever. We really become a extended family during the production of shows, and this one brough a lot of us closer together. That shows on the stage. Thanks to all of you for the wonderful comments we continue to receive. We enjoy bringing this entertainment to you, and I think you'd agree it shows.
As I predicted, there have been lots of comments along the lines of "I wish I got the chance to go see it, I've heard wonderful things." I told the cast, I wasn't going to feel too sorry for people this time. We do our best to let people know about our shows, and we always make sure you have a night of great entertainment. We have mailing lists, email lists, and are looking at the possibility of even using some television advertising to let people know about the shows. There isn't much more we can do to bring this to your attention. If you get tired of telling people about the show after you've seen it only to have them say, "Gee, I wish I would have known it was going to be soo good." then next show, do a pre-emptive strike. Invite them to see the show with you. I'll give you my personal guarantee that we will make it the best night of entertainment possible.
I've got to take the opportunity to thank the cast and crew for a wonderful time and fantastic performances. Well done all around! From our children storytellers on up, we had dedication, and acting that is hard to believe. I hope it is an experience that will affect their life in the same positive way it always affects me. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. An OHP farewell to Children of Eden.
- One night remaining. What can I say? The response of those attending the show has been wonderful. The cast and crew have worked very hard to make this a beautiful experience for anyone who attends. Running the entire range of emotions, from laughter, to anger, to excitement, to disappointment, to wonder, to tears, this show touches on them all. More importantly, it leaves us feeling good about our shared experiences and our hope for the future.
I could not be more proud of this ensemble as I watch them from youngest to oldest each evening giving their all for you, the audience. And they truly give their all. It is seldom that you see such young children be able to do so well with what are difficult acting skills for adults. The adults, of course, continue to do their phenominal job. The technical crew and orchestra have been right with us every step we take to make this an experience you will talk about for a long time.
Don't make it one you will talk about missing! There are plenty of good seats available for tonights show as of this writing. As the weather turns colder, come warm your heart. Bring along someone who needs to know that things can change for the better. Children of Eden closes tonight in Elkader. "The Hardest Part of Love is Letting Go."
- I couldn't let the day go by without some comment on the show. An absolutely wonderful audience last night had the pleasure of seeing an absolutely wonderful performance. The newly renovated theater is turning heads, and once the show starts, the skill of this cast and crew are keeping them focused on the stage.
When we started production on this show, there were some that wondered if the OHP could pull off a show of this intensity. I think we've more than showed them that it is within our skill levels! The cast has done a fantastic job of telling you this story. Each and every cast member realizes the importance that they have in delivering this show to the audience. The rave reviews continue to come in. Do NOT be one of the people who say, "I'm sorry I missed that one." I've told the cast members to have no mercy. You are correct, you should NOT miss this one. There are still tickets available for both remaining performances, with the best seats still available for Saturday night (believe it or not!) I hope to see you there.
- I thought I'd tantalize with just one picture from the show. This particular scene happens at the beginning of Act II with Noah speaking with Father.
"But Father, are you sure?"
It's good to see the ticket sales for this show going so well. It means that the show is touching people as we hoped it would. I've had the opportunity to speak with someone who spends a lot of time working with this particular musical across the country. The reactions we are having with audiences are typical. It is simply a powerful show with high moments and moments of reflection. Lots of good feelings to go along with those as well. Come and get your spirits lifted. We want to share!
- We had our first mid production run thought last night. In case you were worried, everyone still remembers their lines.
- Comments are already rolling in after the opening night. People are very surprised by this show. (They must not be reading my comments!) Fantastic music, wonderful story, and such questions as "Where did you find this show? I've never heard of it!".
We're always looking for that special show that will make you wonder those very things. The easy shows to sell are those shows that everyone knows, and they are fun to do as well. With that in mind, you can be sure that when you see us doing a show that you haven't heard of, there is a very special reason for it. This is one of those shows. From the very first time I heard the music, I knew we needed to do this show. I couldn't be more proud of my cast with how well they handled this complex music and the intricate emotion required to play these parts. They go from giving lines to make the audience laugh, to ones that make them gasp or songs that make them cry with aplomb. It's wonderful to hear the audience reaction during the show. If you were waiting to hear, yes... the word is on the street. The show is well worth going to. Spread the word, and get your tickets while you still can. Children of Eden continues only till October 12th. You'll only be sorry if you miss it.
- Details are done, we are ready for you. Are you ready for this show? It is a joy all the way through with a great story, and beautiful and intense music. The show has called upon our actors to give more than we have asked from them in some time, and they have come through with shining colors. It is heartening to see cast members come off the stage with tears in their eyes at the end of the show. Considering the fact that we have been working on this for two months, and pretty much know it backwards and forwards, that's a high compliment to the writers of the script and music. Join us for a wonderful evening of family entertainment with a message that will leave you feeling good.
- We'll be putting the final polishing touches on the show tonight. Now it's all working out the details that make the show flow. Lots of people on the stage and backstage. That makes the show wonderful to watch and listen to, but it also means that absolutely everyone needs to know their place at all times. Crowd control on stage becomes a bit more difficult. Costumes look great, music is sounding wonderful, lighting is adding that wonderful flair. The new sound system gives every seat the same sound from the back of the theater to the very front. The new seats are not only beautiful, but they are also comfortable. The theater looks fantastic, and they are still putting some additional final touches on today. Get there early so you have a few minutes to gauk. You'll need it. Then you can sit down and enjoy the show. By the way.. so you are forewarned. Those of you who tend toward such things, bring some tissues. You may need them. (Hey... it's hit me a several times and I'm onstage!)
- We haven't finished with all the details yet, but I can assure you, this will be one to remember. Already I feel the need to start the notes of appreciation and thanks. This show really could not have happened without the dedication and work of many people. I won't attempt to name them all (you would wait a long time for the page to load!), but most important are the people who gave of their time to make sure our beautiful theater was ready for opening night. As of last night, there were still a few seats to be put in, but things were going well, with parents and other volunteers working during rehearsals to have things ready for you. The technical director for this show, Tom Chandler, also has spent long hours every day working on the theater, coordinating all the efforts to get things ready. He promised me we could have a fall show, and he is making good on that promise and enduring grueling hours and little sleep to make it happen. Light crew and production people have done the same thing with the show. A temporary light booth had to be constructed before lights could even begin to setup and test lights. Once again, long hours for some very dedicated people. That also goes for sound and set work. The orchestra joined us a bit earlier than normal for this show, and we needed them every step of the way. This is NOT easy music folks, some of it was meant to sound chaotic with rapidly changing rhythms and strange chords. It takes a while to get used to the fact that it is meant to sound that way. That makes the songs that are pure beauty, sound even more beautiful. The orchestra, under the direction of Chris Sauke has followed all our tempos, repeats, and dramatic pauses with aplomb. I need also to mention our wonderful production head, Kay Moser, who keeps us all on task and serves as the community memory for all the jobs that need to be done.
All these people made it possible to have this show be where it is today, and are there ready to make it grow even more over the next three days till you get a chance to see the hard work of this cast come to fruition. No matter how hard we all work, none of this would nearly so impressive if it wasn't for the talent that lives among the hills of the upper midwest. I hope you all realize and appreciate the wonder that such talent is here at all, let alone willing to volunteer this number of hours to prepare a show for you. Come and see the show, come back and see it again. This is one that has levels that become appreciated more every time you see it. We've worked harder than ever before to make this possible. Come make it all worthwhile.
- A good rehearsal last night with some details coming into focus. There are several more areas that I'd like to work on, and we'll have a chance to do that next week. This weekend will finish up our set work (it HAS to!) and costumes are pretty much ready to go. Our main costume coordinator has had a rough time this show as we needed her talent in the pit orchestra as well. Thanks Barb for doing double duty! The kids are doing well, and the theater itself is coming together for opening night. I did finally snap some pictures of the show. Just a few to tantalize. More to come over the next two weeks. I can now say with certainty that we will indeed do justice to this wonderful show and music. You will NOT be disappointed. When the cast starts asking ME if they can come early and do some work on music to have it just right, you know that you have a bunch of professional people who want to do it all right for you, the audience. Come and join us, and feel the joy that only live theater can bring.
- Lots of wonderful things happening on stage, in the pit, and out in the house these past few rehearsals. Not that I stop and say that as often as I should. A nervous director always concentrates on fixing problems, and there are always problems to fix. I'll stop and tell you however, this is a great cast and crew. Orchestra was there in full force tonight and it really makes a difference. They have a tough job with this music, and they are doing wonderfully. I did stop and take one picture tonight.
The snake does indeed dance and does it well!"
We'll be working with costumes tomorrow, so I hope to do more pictures. We'll be missing a few people the next two rehearsals which always makes it difficult. That's one of the tough things in amateur theater, it's all a done with volunteers. Very talented ones in our case, but volunteers none the less who lead busy lives otherwise. Sometimes events happen that were not planned for. We have next week to make this show perfect for you, and we'll all do our best to make that happen.
- As we hit our last eight rehearsals, I begin to see everything come together. Lots of details to work out yet. This is an incredibly complex work, and while it can be done simply, the emotional interactions are making me examine how each line is delivered, and from where. We want this to flow so well that you will be caught up in the story and come along with us as we tell the tales. I did get some pictures of our weekend set work, and will work hard at getting some cast pictures as well. I get so caught up in the story and the details myself that I constantly forget.
I would be greatly remiss if I didn't give a huge thank you to all of the people who have worked so hard to allow this show to happen this fall. Light crew, production personnel, and sound people have been putting in long long hours getting things up and running in our renovated theater so that we can practice with all the technical items needed to make it work. A few more days and the lucky people who are purchasing tickets will be able to see and hear the results of all their work, along with the skill of this talented cast and orchestra. Don't miss your chance to see the progress of the renovation, as well as hear the talent of our area in this wonderful production. Get your tickets NOW!
- This weekend will be a telling one for the show as all the details are coming together. Set work, including most of the detail work, should happen this weekend. We hope to get the sound technical wiring finished so we can begin working with mics and the new speaker system that has been installed. The final few props need to be gathered and final touches on costumes are happening as well. I fully expect a transformation, as far as the progress of the physical and behind the scenes portion of this show is concerned, to happen by Sunday night's rehearsal. Ad into that the fact that this cast is now really getting into high gear on learning parts and the details that will make this show a joy from beginning to end. I will endeavor to get pictures of the set transformations, and hopefully a picture or two of our cast at work to share after the weekends work. Ticket sales are brisk, and I'm recommending you get moving early to get your ticket! While for the cast's sake, I'd love to see a sellout every night, I also would hate to see anyone who really wanted to, miss this show. Remember, wider padded seats with wider rows and aisles mean more comfort, but they also mean less seats available to see the show.
- It's past time for me to update you on where we are. (Especially after my last message!) The orchestra joined us in full force on Sunday. We spent Sunday evening and Monday evening running through all the music and coordinating the various cuts, tempos, and general sound. Things just keep getting better in this area. I know that a big part of our orchestra are our three keyboard players, who have been working with us on a shared basis throughout early rehearsals, so they know the music. When the entire orchestra came together for the first time, it was almost as if they have been practicing for quite some time already. The sound is incredible. Both last night and tonight, I spent the time wandering the theater listening, and getting chills (and no it wasn't cold in the house!)
As I've told the cast, if we keep up this level of improvement, I fully expect the audience to be frozen in their seats after several of the numbers. They just have that effect. One tends to even forget that it's okay to show some appreciation with applause. Everyone is pitching in and making life easier for your poor beleaguered director. We have a fantastic show coming up for you. If I can get even half of the things that are in my head onto the stage with these talented people, it will be a show that you talk about for a long time.
Ticket sales started last week, and have been going briskly. Be sure to make that phone call so you won't be disappointed.
- Sometimes, I just hope to get through a show without that "frantic" stage. Looking back over previous major musicals, I see that it just doesn't happen. Too much to do, and too many people to do it with. The music of this show, as I said at the beginning, is challenging to do right, and darn it! We will do it right! We're the Opera House Players.
The basic set work is done, lots of detail work to do yet, and less time to do it in with the renovation details in the mix. What this means for you the audience is a wonderful show in a wonderful newly renovated theater. What it means for us is many more hours of work, on top of the hours that volunteers have put in all through the summer.
"The devil is in the details" is a phrase I think of often now. If you hear cast members talk about their absent minded mumbling director with somewhat glazed eyes, you'll know why. It is a strong cast with good talent. Now to get them focused as strongly on the show as they need to be so that they can be as proud of this show as you will be impressed to see it. We need to realize that we'll be in competition with a beautiful newly restored theater for attention. We'll keep our attention on the show. Keep your attention on getting your tickets reserved!
- Work continued throughout the holiday weekend on set for Children of Eden. Believe it or not, we finished construction work on two hills, the majority of an ark, a boulder, and eight stools for Noah and his family. Of course, now it is up to our talented painters and decorators to make these things actually look like what we want them to.
The wonder of stage is that we present you with the framework, and let your mind fill in the rest for us. Your imagination is so much better than anything we could do. I did snap a couple of pictures to give you an idea of our progress. More to come as we continue with renovating the theater and preparing for a wonderful show. The quality of the singers is evident in rehearsals. As we give them a quality stage to work with the show is going to blossom. Costume work continues, as does work on gathering orchestra members. It will all fall into place. Tickets will go onsale as soon as seats are in our hands and we know we'll have a place for you to sit on opening night!
- While lots of you were out enjoying the last "official" weekend of Summer, there were a few of us enjoying each other's company at the Opera House working on set for Children of Eden. The chairs should be coming in next week, which means the majority of the set work needs to be finished as soon as possible to allow for more hours getting the theater ready for the show. We'll be back at it today, but meanwhile, here are some pictures to share of our work yesterday on a couple of small hills.
- The rehearsals continue to go well. The music is getting learned, which is the first big hurdle, and we are beginning to do some blocking. The first of the set work happened over the weekend, so that allows the cast to get a better idea of where entrances and exits are going to be for the various scenes. Still lots of work to do there (set) but a start is what we needed. Work will probably continue this weekend sometime.
I did do some picture taking, and will begin to share the start of rehearsals. This link will take you to the first rehearsal I took pictures at. There is a link to move on at the bottom of that page. I'm hoping to have forward and backward links on all the shows picture pages as a matter of protocol. It will make it easier to see the progression as we go.
- I thought perhaps it was time to give an overview of this show as I see it. There are several aspects to this show that make it interesting to me. Most importantly, is the high quality music. I like to pick a show that will challenge the cast, and this is one that does. That also makes it a show that will feature their talent.
One of the important things to realize about this show, is that although the basic idea for the story is based upon the story of the Garden of Eden, and Noah and the Ark, that is where the similarities stop. If you are expecting an interpretation of those two stories, you will be surprised. The authors of this show had a specific theme they were working for, and the backdrop of these two tales fit very well with what they wanted to convey. It is a beautiful theme of how we are personally responsible for our own lives, tied in with the fact, that in order for children to become responsible adults, they must at some point in time be allowed to make mistakes, and take responsibility for their own actions.
In building this theme, the story is one that is both light and fun, but also has some depth that speaks to the parent in all of us, for we are the "creator" of our own children as we struggle to teach them how to live in this world.
A good theme, fantastic music, beautiful voices, and a story line that will keep all ages enthralled with the occasional tug at the heart strings that makes a story special. Stay tuned, as rehearsals continue, I'll start snapping some pictures to share.
- We've now had our first two official rehearsals, and even though it is the first time through this material, I am impressed with the progress this cast is making. Lots of very difficult stuff, but there is lots of talent as well and it is showing already. One person there to see the progress of the opera house restoration asked our producer how long we had been practicing. They were quite surprised that it was the first night. We have a second run through for some of the material for a small part of the cast, and then we start pulling the full cast in for some rehearsals. A special portion of the rehearsals will be set aside for the children's chorus with our children's musical director. All is going well for an impressive performance of a wonderful show.
- A good first run through last night. Read throughs are basically a way for people to get an idea of what is ahead for them and a view of the complete show. It starts the images flowing. I've often thought that we should record the first run through, just to let people remember where it all started. This is an incredible show with very complex music and lots of 4 to 6 part harmonies. Most community theaters would start out deciding where they can cut down on that. Not the OHP. We have the talent that allows us to work on every note. Even during the sight reading that wsa going on last night, I heard some of the chords take shape. There is a lot to love about this show, and I intend to help this cast bring it all to you.
- This thursday it begins... our read / sing through starts on Thursday at the Opera House, 7pm. We'll be short a few people because of State Fair, and family vacations, but we should be in good shape once we settle down into rehearsals next week.
I'll have books to hand out, schedules to go over, and costumes will be there with what cast members need to come up with for the show. There is a tremendous amount of organization that goes into these events, and every time we start one, I'm always a bit overwhelmed. Then everyone pitches in, the jobs get done, and the fun starts. They we all can relax and enjoy until we get to crunch tim toward the last couple weeks of rehearsal. We've got a wonderful show, a great cast. I'm anxious to get the two of them together!
- Even with all the renovation going on at the Opera House, I am not neglecting Children of Eden. I spend a good deal of time blocking the show out in my head the past couple of days, and as I did, I found a few mistakes in the pages I set down in the original rehearsal schedule. It has now been updated. No dramatic changes, but if you downloaded the last one, you may want to download and print out the second page again. The link in the preceding comment will go to the newly corrected schedule breakdown. Music and scripts are here. The rehearsal pianists are beginning their work. I'm ready to go!
- I have the tentative rehearsal schedule for Children of Eden finished. Please take a look at this schedule. It doesn't mean yet that you can fill in days where rehearsals aren't scheduled, but it does mean that you can let me know if there are problems you have not already made me aware of. I did take into consideration all conflicts listed on tryout sheets. The schedule is in Adobe PDF format so you will need that reader if you don't have it. Try clicking on the link here for the rehearsal schedule if that doesn't open the schedule you may need to go to www.adobe.com to get their reader. It's a free download.
- We're back from a worksession for Children of Eden. Lots of good ideas for set, special effects, and even costumes. The schedule has been pretty much worked out with a few last minute checks of some school calendars the only thing holding up the release to the cast. I'm still working on the blocking and some physical positionings of set pieces to give us the best effect. With all the work that is happening at the Opera House, we want to have all our ducks in a row when we start this show. We should be having rehearsals in a clean, newly carpeted, and newly painted theater. I for one am ready to start!
- Time for an update. We are fully cast and ready to go. All members have been notified, we are cross checking all known conflicts for rehearsals and blocking out the show over this next 10 days. By the end of that time, we should know what is getting rehearsed when and have our schedule for release to cast and crew. We will be looking for some additional members for the orchestra. The orchestration needs are listed on the Songs and Orchestra web page for the show. We do have keyboard players but are still working on the right people for the other players.
- We've made the callbacks, and notified the cast for the show, and I've updated the cast and crew page to show the cast for this fall's production of Children of Eden.
I'm looking forward to getting started on this one. There is lots of work to do in lots of areas before we get started, including designing the set, arranging for orchestra members, setting the rehearsal schedule, and of course, finishing the Opera House Renovation. It will make for an interesting summer and fall. I'm confident that we have a great cast, and that we'll have a great show coming up. Make sure you set aside time now. Don't miss it. It will be one to remember.
- I'm sure everyone's wondering about the cast for Children of Eden. We had our final makeup tryouts last night and once again, there was a lot of talent on the stage.
People sometime fail to realize what it takes to get up there and give it your all after spending some 5-15 minutes learning a song and a routine. The tryouts themselves are a good experience we hope. We do strive to make them so, as we want people to keep coming back, even if they don't make it into this particular show.
Where am I leading with all this? This was a tough show to cast. We needed not only good singers, but people with good movement and storytelling skills. For the tryouts, I picked some of the more difficult (emotionally) songs and readings. I want to say right here, that this is not an intense dramatic "downer" show. It is often light and fun, always moving, and most importantly, fun to listen to.
The casting is done. We're going to be contacting all those who tried out over the next couple of days and let them know the news. I ended up eliminating some talented people from the cast this time simply due to numbers. Having to choose between several qualified people is always a difficult task. I'm thankful for the help of the rest of the production crew who helped out with their opinions. Stand by for the cast listing.
P.S. If you tried out, and can't wait.. give me a call. I'm waiting on a fully typed list (some of my notes and papers were left in Elkader) but I'll tell you if I know.
- It was a very enjoyable night last night. There were a lot of talented people among the 25 people who showed up for the tryouts for Children of Eden last night at the Opera House. I enjoyed hearing the music that I've grown to love so well come out of so many talented singers. I enjoyed seeing the work on some of the choreographed moves to see that ability. I enjoyed looking at their faces and watching their acting ability as we went through one of the more dramatic scenes. Then, of course, all the enjoyment stopped as I realized there we had a job to do that would mean cutting some of these talented people from the running.
We had several newcommers, and lots of familiar faces. While decisions like this are very tough for the production staff, it does guarentee the public a fantastic show. The vocal qualities and vocal ranges are broad and will more than do justice to the beautiful melodies that are going to haunt the theater public for days after seeing this show.
We do have a few more tryouts to run on Monday for those who absolutely could not make it on Tuesday evening. Monday, June 24th, before we start our normal Monday evening volunteer night for the Opera House, we'll be listening and watching those last few voices. We'll announce our final cast shortly afterwards. Stay tuned.
- I thought it would be of interest to people to hear my thoughts on the number of adult cast members I'm looking for next Tuesday. I have been hearing quite a bit of interest from people, and it sounds as if we are going to have some possible new faces there as well.
As I have said again and again, this show will require some good singers. One person said to me, "How could anyone hear this music and not want to see or be part of this show?"
The production does require a full quartet for the chorus at absolute minimum, and since we pull main characters from that chorus for the two acts, we need at least 12 people draw from to meet that requirement. Since I would prefer to double up on parts, we can jump that up to 16 right away. Basically, that's 4 quartets. As I've said before, it is possible that I may pull at least one member up from the children's chorus into the adult chorus. I'm looking for 8 men and 8 women with a minimum of 6 men and 6 women. Vocal ranges will become important to match the quartets. There are a few high soprano parts, some low alto parts, and men, although there is a definite bass line in one song, (as usual) wear tight shorts.. ;)
- Thirty Five talented kids showed up at the Opera House June 4th, and there are still a few that couldn't make it to hear from. One of the most difficult parts of being a director is making these decisions. On the way home, after discussing the tryouts with the rest of the production crew, I was reminded that I didn't tell everyone that they should be sure to come back if for some reason they are not picked for this show. I hope they all know that they need to keep coming back.
There were many familiar faces, and just as many new ones, which is always a pleasure. This particular show calls for some good actors, and good singers. As a group, it isn't often that I've heard better singing from this age. They are still often nervous when put on the spot, and it always makes me smile to hear the whispers of parents behind me wondering why that same kid that can be heard over anything at home won't do the same thing on stage. We do realize that however, and make allowances when we know we have good pitch, good expressions, good movement, and the ability to listen and follow directions. As a group, this was one of the best ever in terms of the last qualification. That makes a director feel much more comfortable.
Some choices were easy, and we will be starting our phone calls yet this week. Other decisions will wait until all possible cast members have been heard from. As soon as all those who tried out have been notified, I'll have the cast list posted. Now on to getting ready for the adult tryouts in two short weeks.
- We're ready for tryouts tonight. I'll give my impressions after the evening when I've had time to collect my thoughts. I've heard of lots of excitement about this show. I hope we'll see it in the faces tonight. If you are coming, get there a few minutes early to fill out your tryout forms, unless of course, you've already printed the online version and have them filled out.
- A link to a song list by character and some suggested vocal ranges has been added to the tryout information page. This is a show with beautiful vocals (as I've said) and I wanted to give people more information about each character. Click here to go directly to the list of songs and ranges.
- I've been spending some time with the Children of Eden music and will over the next couple of days be getting additional information on the site regarding the songs each character is involved in, as well as (assuming I scanned the songs correctly) the vocal range. This one does have a rather demanding range. Check back. I hope to have the additional information up by Thursday.
- Tryouts are scheduled! Click here to go directly to the tryout information page. Because of the level of interest in this show, we wanted to get the information out as soon as possible to allow people to schedule their summer and get as excited about this show as we are. Tryouts for the children's chorus will be June 4th on the stage at the Opera House in Elkader. This will give you a chance to see the progress of the renovation at the same time. While we will try to make sure the front door is open as well, I also suggest that you use the stage door off the parking lot. That one is the preferred entrance for tryouts and cast use since it takes you right onto the stage. By way of description, we are looking for 12-16 talented young singers and storytellers in the age range of 7 to 15. It is also quite possible that the upper range limit of that age could be part of either the children's chorus or adult chorus depending on maturity level and vocal skills. We are looking for a broad diversity of appearances, the more diverse the better. If you can sing, and you can move, and you can tell a story with emotion, you are the person we want. Come be part of this fantastic production and help us bring it to life in true OHP style. Children's Chorus tryouts Children of Eden - 7pm Jun 4th, 2002 Elkader Opera House
- We have been getting lots of interest expressed in Children of Eden. We are lucky enough to already have people lining up to make this a very memorable show. There have been questions on the parts for those interested in trying out. This is really an ensemble show where although there are many beautiful songs that have solo parts, the entire cast is what makes the show what it is. That goes from the smallest child on up. I have been lucky enough to have seen this show at two very different productions. The most recent show in Chicago still sticks in my mind very well, and what I remember most is the facial expressions and acting of some of the Storytellers. We need what this area has given us so many times in the past, talented singers and actors. This will indeed be a fun show, and every person involved will play a huge role in making it all come together.
- I've updated the pages on songs and cast with information for those that are interested in trying out for Children of Eden. There are several options that we have in casting this show, so not all of what you see on these pages is set in stone. It does give you an idea of the versatility and qualities needed for this production. It is sure to be a wonderful experiece for all involved. Spread the word to those who might be interested. I'll be emailing information out to the standard OHP mailing list soon, and we will of course announce the tryouts in all the local papers as usual.
- The decision has been made. Stand by for Children of Eden for this fall. This show is a phenominal musical by the author of such shows as Godspell and Pippin with music and story that will run the full range of emotions. It is a musical for the full family, and that doesn't mean that it's for the kids and adults can come too. This show has a broad range of messages and entertainment for all age levels, which is one of the reasons we picked the show. The cast will have ample opportunity to show their acting and musical skills. We once again have the opportunity to use a group of the areas talented children with a children's chorus ranging in ages from 7 to 14. Stand by for news about the tryout schedule and additional information on Children of Eden.