‘Children of Eden’ Has Family Appeal

Creation has been no cinch for “Children of Eden,” a musical based on the Book of Genesis. After an ignominious debut at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1991, composer Stephen Schwartz and his librettist John Caird continued refining the show, the revised version of which premiered in 1997.

Patience has been a virtue, at least in this case. More than 100 productions of Schwartz and Caird’s biblical epic were produced last year alone--remarkable considering that “Children” never had a Broadway production.

In Musical Theatre West’s production at Long Beach’s Carpenter Performing Arts Center, it’s easy to see why the play is so popular. Although not much new ground is broken in the familiar tales of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel and Noah’s Ark, the show’s multi-generational appeal is undeniable. For adults, the plangent themes of adolescent rebellion and thwarted father love are surprisingly cathartic, while kids get the big kick of seeing all those neat animals file onto the ark.

Scenic and costume designers J. Branson and Gregg Barnes, respectively, efficiently adapt the handsome rental costumes and set. Julie Ferrin’s lighting and Raun Yankovich’s sound are first-rate. With the assistance of musical director Michael Brill, director Wayne Bryan capably mobilizes his enormous cast. The more bodies on stage, however, the more haphazard the pacing--a reminder that, for economic reasons, many in the ensemble are amateur performers.

That’s in contrast to the consummate professionalism of Adrian Zmed, who plays both Adam and Noah, and David Burnham, an intense young performer who plays Cain and Japheth. LaTonya Holmes has a glorious gospel range as Eve and Mama Noah, but her thick Southern accent seems misplaced here. As for the towering and majestic LaQuin Groves’ performance as God--well, it’s typecasting.

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* “Children of Eden,” Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Cal State Long Beach, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Tonight and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m. Ends Sunday. $20-$38. (562) 430-2324. Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes.