Photo Flash: Aurora Theatre Kicks Off Season with CHILDREN OF EDEN

Children of Eden, a hit musical about love, family and the power of forgiveness, is hitting Aurora Theatre's mainstage from July 18 - September 1! Telling the tale of the Book of Genesis in two acts, this family-friendly masterpiece with book by John Caird and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz covers the story of creation and the great flood - all while examining the complex love between parents and children. Audiences of all ages will appreciate the musical twist on these famous stories!

Boasting music from the great American composer of Wicked, Godspell and Pippin, this epic masterpiece sets the Book of Genesis soaring. The musical is widely known as Schwartz's favorite creation. Narrated by the Storytellers, the uplifting piece takes the audience through the first nine and a half chapters of The Bible. Well-known stories of Adam, Eve and Noah have been adapted to shine a light on the themes of family dynamics, the conflict between authority and self-expression, personal responsibility, love, hope, restoration and so much more.

Aurora Theatre's Season 24 opener, Children of Eden, showcases a stunning cast list. Suzi Bass Award-winner Brad Raymond, a renowned performer at some of the nation's most esteemed institutions -including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Light Opera Works of Chicago, Arena Stage, The Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Opera - makes his Aurora debut as Father. Also making his Aurora debut, Maxim Gukhman will play the roles of Adam and Noah and Naima Carter Russell, Suzi Award-winner Best Lead Actress in a Musical (Memphis) returns to Aurora as Eve and Mama. Russell Alexander II, Haden Rider, Briana Young, Leslie Bellair and a large ensemble complete this stellar cast, who will perform under the award-winning creative team of director Justin Anderson, musical director Ann-Carol Pence and choreographer Ricardo Aponte.

Children of Eden will play at Aurora Theatre July 18 - September 1, with discount matinees on Tuesday, July 30 and August 20 at 10 a.m. Tickets are currently on sale; single tickets start at $30 and may be purchased online at bit.ly/ChildrenofEden or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222. For more information on this production or other programming, please visit auroratheatre.com.