Algonquin's Jacobs opens 'Children of Eden'
Jacobs High School will shine a bright light on family relationships with its production of “Children of Eden,” running today through Sunday.
The musical theater production tells the story of Creation, Adam and Eve and Noah and the ark from the book of Genesis with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It is based on a book by John Caird.
Jake Stouffer, orchestra director at Jacobs High School, said the music and story will strike the right chord for many audience members.
“This show really dives into relationships between family members and we thought this would be a great story to tell,” Stouffer said.
“Also, the music is by Stephen Schwartz, who composed the music for ‘Wicked.' The music is so intricate and deep, and we felt that the audience would walk away appreciating the music and the story.”
The production will feature almost 40 students in the cast and storyteller roles.
“The dedication of the students has been amazing,” Stouffer said. “Plus, there are so many creative people involved in the process that we have put together a very complete show. The music, acting, and visual aspects of this show are stunning, and the stories told are both appropriate and timely.”
Stouffer predicts audience members will leave the production humming anyone of the tunes from the musical.
The timeline of putting the production together is also sure to impress, Stouffer said. Auditions began in mid-February with rehearsals beginning the last of February meaning the students have had about six full weeks of rehearsals. That's about two to four weeks shorter than a normal high school production, Stouffer said.
In addition to the cast, students have also played a part in some of the technical aspects of the production as part of the crew.
Last year, the high school performed “The King and I.”
“That show is a little more traditional, with more stoical and almost stereotypical views of life,” Stouffer said. “This show has a more contemporary take on the relationships between mothers and sons, parents and children, and siblings. This show has a very constant energy to it, and has a lot of memorable music.”
“Children of Eden” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, April 8 and 9 and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 10 at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive, Algonquin.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the door or by calling (847) 532-6279.
If you go
What: Jacobs High School's spring musical, “Children of Eden”
When: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, April 8 and 9; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 10.
Where: H.D. Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive, Algonquin
Tickets: $ 8 for adults; $ 5 for students
Details: (847) 532-6279