Stephen Schwartz's CHILDREN OF EDEN Receives U.S. Symphonic Premiere 7/15-24

Piane Productions (Charlie Piane & Ashley Gordon, Producers) kicks off its 2011-2012 season with CHILDREN OF EDEN. The production is the U.S. premiere of a new symphonic version of the show. The musical will play the Kansas City Music Hall July 15-24.

As a very special companion piece to the production, Piane Productions will present an evening of the works of legendary CHILDREN OF EDEN songwriter Stephen Schwartz. This July 18th gala concert event will include musical performances from the multi-award winning author's entire body of works, including PIPPIN, GODSPELL and WICKED. The evening will feature some of Broadway's top talents, Kansas City theatre veterans and the composer himself.

CHILDREN OF EDEN features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (WICKED, GODSPELL, PIPPIN), a book by John Caird (LES MISERABLES), and is based on a concept by Charles Lisanby.

"I've been a longtime fan of this gorgeous piece, but always found the orchestration to be lacking in size," said Director Charlie Piane. "This large-scale production features a full symphonic orchestra, which brings a lush, epic warmth to Stephen's phenomenal score." In addition to the principal cast of 38, the production includes a large SATB community chorus, 25-member children's ensemble, and the Kansas City Boys and Girls Choirs under the direction of Mr. Ah'Lee Robinson.

From Stephen Schwartz ("Godspell", "Pippin" and "Wicked") and John Caird ("Les Miserables") comes a joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children and faith... not to mention centuries of unresolved family business! Freely based on the story of Genesis, "Children of Eden" is a frank, heartfelt and often humorous examination of the age-old conflict between parents and children. Adam, Eve, Noah and the "Father" who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children. The show ultimately delivers a bittersweet but inspiring message: that "the hardest part of love... is letting go."

The cast is led by operatic star Nathan Granner ("Father"). Granner is recognized throughout the world as a generative, solo and collaborative artist and as one of The American Tenors, from the Odyssey/Sony Masterworks imprint. Kansas City theatre favorites Cary Mock and Erikka Dunn complete the principal cast as Adam/Noah and Eve/Mama Noah, respectively.

Additional casting includes Bryson Bruce ("Cain/Japeth"), Brian M. Duncan ("Abel/Ham"), Seth M. Jones ("Seth/Shem"), Katelyn Baron ("Yonah"), Taylor Harvey ("Aysha"), Alisha Marie Garnier ("Aphra" and "The Snake"), Kristen May Altoro ("The Snake"), Chelsea Anglemyer ("The Snake"), Jefferey Berger ("Snake"), and Thomas Williams ("The Snake").

The ensemble cast is completed by the Storytellers, including Whitney Armstrong, Sarah Bergeson, Amanda Burns, Mosha Clyma, Taylor Corlee, Aaron Craven, Erin Farste, Michael Golliher, Ashley Harrell, Meredith Hollan, Ansel James, Hunter Johnson, Taylor Lininger, Olivia Lynn, Kira Mayo, Rachel Mears, Ethan Miller, Emily Quinn Monrad, Ramaad Morris, Andrew Mann Nielson, Zachary J. Parker, Nicholas Perry, Jered Solace and Carley Whitt.

The CHILDREN OF EDEN creative team includes director Charlie Piane, Vocal Music Director James Levy, Instrumental Music Director/Conductor Kevin Bogan, Vocal Coach Mackenzie Zielke, Dramaturg Melissa Carle, Stage Manager Nicole Elliott Bays, Scenic Designer Tabitha Pease, Lighting Designer SeifAllah Cristobal and costumes by Costume World.

Tickets are on sale now, and may be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Walk-up sales available at the Municipal Auditorium Box Office Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm. Group ticket purchases of 15 or more can be made by contacting groups@pianeproductions.com.

For more information, visit www.ChildrenOfEdenKC.com.

"We are tremendously excited to produce this season's great works within the stellar Kansas City theatrical community," said Piane. "Our goal has always been to present audiences with brand new, unknown, or fresh approaches to established works of theatre in vibrant productions full of depth and life. Our season allows us to present a wide variety of theatre to audiences both new and seasoned. "

Piane added, "At a time when many shows are cutting back the size of cast and orchestra, we look forward to presenting productions with large casts on stage and a full band in the pit. Theatre is an experience, and it is our philosophy that full-size ensembles are a vital component. We are proud to offer such opportunities with tickets priced at rates that everyone can enjoy."

"The purpose of our work is to present the types of material we ourselves want to see. In many ways, this is theatre for a new generation, and we aim to foster & build an even greater interest in live theatre in our great community." Piane added, "Audiences will see high-quality productions with great music & stories, and, most importantly, theatergoers can expect to be entertained by the productions that make up the 2011-12 Piane Productions season."

Additional information can be accessed at www.PianeProductions.com and the 'Piane Productions' Facebook group.