The Alternative Press

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - Governor Livingston's spring musical, "Children of Eden," opened to rave reviews Thursday night.

The play, which featured GL students as well as a group of elementary students, follows the first nine chapters of the Old Testament.

"Children of Eden" is the story of Adam and Eve and their journey from the Garden of Eden to their sinful transgressions that causes their permanent division from God, referred to in the play as "Father." Adam was played by junior Steven LaMaita, while Mukt Phatak, also a junior, played Eve. As the story progresses, the characters age and the audience watches as many of life’s tales are displayed through Adam and Eve and all their future generations.

The play followed Adam and Eve’s journey to parenthood where they had two sons, Abel and Cain. "Children of Eden" reflects the tale human curiosity for life’s many truths. LaMaita and Phatak’s roles transpire through time and play the mother and father again, this time as Noah and Mama Noah to their children Ham, played by senior Zach Friedlander, Shem, played by senior Samuel Muriello, and Japeth, played by senior Craig Thomas.

The play follows Father’s careful bestowing of hope into new generations of children. Father is played by junior Kevin Connolly. By the end of the play, the audience is revealed the beginning of our world’s establishment, as all of Noah’s children separate with their own group of animals to follow.

The set illustrated the beautiful tale of the animals boarding Noah's ark in pairs, and the enigma of the apple tree in the garden. The choreography, by Melissa Kaban, instructed the movements of musical narratives by the many storytellers recount of the events of Genesis. Directors are Christine Talarico and Joseph Miceli. The play continues Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Governor Livingston High School.