Singing Opportunities for Kids in "Children of Eden Jr."

Father: Father is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the universe. Father has a larger-than-life persona and embodies an authoritative presence, balanced with a fair amount of humor and a sense of fun. Father truly loves his children but expects obedience and is not afraid to punish them if they don’t follow his wishes. Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: Bb2

Adam/Noah should be a versatile performer. Adam embodies the excitement, wonder, and childlike innocence of mankind before the fall, and also the strength and persistence needed after they are expelled from the Garden. He should pair well and have a great relationship with Eve, since he will eventually choose her over Father. Vocal range top: Ab4 Vocal range bottom: Ab2

(Snake 1, Snake 2, Snake 3, Snake 4, and Snake 5) lures Eve to the tree and ultimately convinces her to take a bite of the apple. This is a great place to put excellent movers or dancers who can make the Snake feel cohesive. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: A3

Ultimately, her curiosity is what leads to her banishment, though she never stops loving Father. Her life gets harder after leaving the Garden, but Eve’s spark never fully goes out. Mamais more subtle than Eve but has a deep strength that is evident in her love for her family. She honest, smart, and is not afraid to offer Noah her advice and opinions. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: A3

Young Cainis reminiscent of Eve in the Garden. He is curious, confident, and wants to know the answers to all his questions. Cast a good actor and singer who can work with Cain to create continuity between the character as a child and an adult. Vocal range top: Db4 Vocal range bottom: Gb2

Young Abelis are gentle, sweet, and content with their life as a family, even without the Garden. He loves his parents and his brother and does not have the same need for answers as Young Cain. Cast a good actor and singer who can work with Abel to create continuity between the characters at both ages. Vocal range top: Db4Vocal range bottom: Gb2

Cain/Japheth must be comfortable making strong choices onstage. Cain is passionate, curious, longs for adventure, and places the blame squarely at his parents’ feet for giving away his portion of the Garden. He is angry at Adam, Eve, Father, and the unfairness of his circumstances. He doesn’t return from beyond the waterfall with the intention to kill Abel – but he allows rage to overtake him and must endure the consequences. Vocal range top: Ab4Vocal range bottom: C#3

Should be able to create two completely different characters. Abel is gentle, thoughtful, and obedient. He would never cause trouble on his own, but he is caught between his love for his brother, Cain, and his love for his parents. Though Abel respects his parents and Father, Cain can usually find a way to convince Abel to follow him. Abel reflects Adam’s choice to leave the Garden, and his death is a turning point in the show. Ham is one of Noah’s sons, and Aphra’s husband. Vocal range top: E4

Seth/Shemshould focus mostly on Shem. Seth appears onstage at an important time in the story but does not speak or sing. Shemis the oldest of the brothers and rather hot-headed. Married to Aysha, he is the first to blame Yonah for the family’s problems aboard the ark. Shem does not have a solo, so he does not need to be a strong singer. Cast an expressive actor with a great stage presence who can make strong character choices.

Yonah is a descendant of Cain who works as a servant for Noah’s family. While Yonah finds herself in unfortunate circumstances, she handles adversity with grace and strength. She is kind and selfless, and ultimately wins Father and Noah over with her goodness when Noah finally gives Japheth and her permission to wed. Cast an expressive actress with a wonderful singing voice who pairs well with Cain/Japheth. Vocal range top: Eb5Vocal range bottom: Ab3

Ayshais a bit unhappy with their situation aboard the ark. Married to Shem, she also blames Yonah for their troubles, and isn’t afraid to let everyone know exactly what she thinks. Aysha does not need to be a strong singer – instead, look for an animated performer with a good stage presence for this role.

Aphrais a bit of worrywart. Married to Ham, she worries about the flood, and how it will affect their growing family. Like Aysha, Aphra doesn’t need to be a strong singer, but she should be a good actor able to embody Aphra’s sensitive nature.