West Morris Central Postpones Trip To 'Eden'

LONG VALLEY, NJ - The Biblical musical that chronicles creation and the challenges put upon man about to take the stage at West Morris Central High School has been delayed.

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Originally scheduled for this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, "Children of Eden" has been postponed due to the encroaching novel coronavirus of COVID-19.

The family-friendly production focuses on the time of Genesis and tells a story of loss, forgiveness, family, and unconditional love.

The first act, beginning with Adam and Eve, explores the trials of temptation and choice. The second act then offers a tale of redemption through Noah and the flood. Although Children of Eden uses these familiar stories as backdrops to navigate the human experience and human free will, the book by John Caird does not intend to be scripture, officials said. Instead, it offers a universal message about the human condition and need to learn through trial and error. But, perhaps more prominent than any other theme in the show is that in the context of family, "the hardest part of love is letting go."

Officials noted the talented cast and crew are excited to bring to life the music of Stephen Schwartz, composer of such shows as Godspell and Pippin, and of course the Broadway sensation Wicked. Audiences may also recognize Schwartz's name for his collaboration on Disney's Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and for his song composition on the DreamWorks animated feature, The Prince of Egypt. Yet, with all these critically-acclaimed works under his belt, Schwartz still considers Children of Eden his ultimate prize, they said.

Senior Ian Lertola leads the cast as Father. Other seniors in prominent roles include Lars Olsen as Adam/Noah, Marisol Medina as Eve/Mama Noah, Darcy Caracciolo as Snake/Lilith, Braeden Smith as Cain/Japheth, Mike Oestreich as Abel/Ham, Tori Caracciolo as Yonah, JoAnn Liu as Aysha, and Liyah Austin as Aphra. Additional seniors in the cast are Brianne Apostolico, Jack Bresney, Vincent Bucci, Nate Elia, Alex Macintyre, Michaela Moran, Liam Munley, Evan St. Jacques, and Nick Taylor.

Cast members Holly Branco, James Calderwood, James Flanagan, Livi Mancuso, Ella Musto, Shannon Preblick, and Kirsten Seto represent the junior class. Sophomores in the cast include Mike LeFevre as Seth/Shem, Vanessa Nussbaum as the dove, Maggie Layfield, Gabriella Nowak, and Sydney Schwartz. Rounding out the cast are freshmen Brendyn Freitas as Young Cain, Julia Esposito as Young Abel, Alexandra Byank, Karen Czapkowski, Gavin Brophy, Sean Carpenter, and Phil Togno.

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