'Children of Eden' returns to area stage

NEW CASTLE ― "Children of Eden" returns to an area stage this week.

The joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children, and faith from the book of Genesis about centuries of unresolved family business hits the New Castle Playhouse Friday. Adam, Eve, Noah and the "Father" who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children.

Directed by Brent Rodgers, "Children of Eden," from the book by John Caird with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, is a memorable and meaningful production.

Connor Watkins of New Castle, is making his New Castle Playhouse debut as Adam and Noah.

Watkins said he auditioned for any part he was able to get, but is really happy to be Adam and Noah.

"It is fascinating to be playing them both. It is Adam through the span of his life, but Noah is more well-rounded and more complex. These characters are a challenge for me as they have had life experiences that I have not such as being a father and making hard decisions, but that is what acting is about," he said.

Watkins said working with Belle Elliott, who portrays Eve and Mama Noah, is fun because they are both goofballs.

"It is just a great honor to be in this show directed by Brent Rodgers and his great cast including Reed Verdesoto who plays the Father as he is such a natural leader," he said.

After graduating from Shenango High School in 2013, Watkins graduated from West Chester University with a degree in English and a minor in theater.

Belle Elliott is also making her New Castle Playhouse debut with the roles of Eve and Mama Noah. When Elliott went to the auditions she was hoping to get the roles of Eve and Mama Noah and was glad when she did.

"It is amazing to be Eve. It's cool to see her transition from child to adult and Mama Noah is very different. She is very reserved, older, a good wife, who loves her family. It is fun to be both of them," she said.

Recently, Elliott graduated from Youngstown University with a degree in theater and is staying at her apartment in Youngstown until the end of July so she can be in the play because Indian Lake, Ohio, is more than four hours from Youngstown.

"It is an amazing opportunity to be in this production and I'm having a wonderful time," she said.

The show ultimately delivers a bittersweet, but inspiring message that "the hardest part of love...is letting go," Elliott said.

What: "Children of Eden"

Where: New Castle Playhouse, 202 E. Long Ave., New Castle

When: 7:30 p.m. July 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 and 2 p.m. July 16 and 23.

Admission: Adults $16, seniors and full-time students $13, children 12 and under $11. For reservations, call (724) 654-3437 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Information: 724-654-3437; www.newcastleplayhouse.org online; email office@newcastleplayhouse.org

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: New Castle Playhouse latest to perform 'Children of Eden'