Children of Eden marks the last show of the 2024-25 school year for North Penn High School’s theatre program, as well as the last of director Mrs. Roney’s career before retirement. North Penn High School Theatre and Thespians will present Children of Eden May 1-3 at 7:30 PM and May 4 at 2:00 PM with the always anticipated Gold Card Matinee on April 30 at 1:00 PM in the North Penn High School Auditorium. 

Roney has described the show as being about “parents and children: when to protect our children, when to let them grow, and when to let them go to take responsibility for their actions and lives. Entwined with the theme of responsibility is respect.

Through the story of Adam and Eve (Nicholas Goepel and Julia Beaver, seniors), Father (Kaden Williams, senior) and The Snake (Ashlyn Kelsey, Jesse Oosthuizen sophomores, Max Brodsky, Brendan Leary, juniors, and, Alayna Drolet, Malini Kondisetty, Ethan Kwon, Cate Trapani, Fiona Wenger, and Jack Zagwoski, seniors), Children of Eden explores the themes of family, parenthood, humanity, judgement, consequences, and love. North Penn Theatre and Thespians have already tackled the show once before in 2008, but seventeen years later, it remains just as relevant. 

“How do we look at the humanity of each person and not label them by an outward appearance or the actions of others before them?” Roney said. “Both themes were relevant when we first produced the show, and they continue to resonate now. The themes are particularly meaningful to parents and high school students as the time to leave the nest grows closer. The tales of Adam and Eve and Noah and his family act as metaphors for parents, children, and love.”

In addition to the compelling storyline packed with meaning and metaphors, the show is accompanied by a musical score that showcases talent and further draws in the audience, with “keyboards, guitars, and percussion instruments with some strings and horns to sweeten aided by the powerful lyrics and book,” Roney said.

Further, Roney acknowledges the work from the production of the creative teams behind the show, noting that “Children of Eden is not only a challenge for the young actors but also for the Creative Teams, who must build a garden, a wasteland, and an ark for every performance.”

“In the end, the company and audience are challenged to realize that we are all together on this earth and we must take responsibility for the land, each other, and the other creatures that inhabit the only planet we will ever know. The Storytellers challenge each of us to acknowledge the responsibility to extend the empathy and mercy we all owe to each other in a stirring message of hope and joy and a stunning final effect in which the audience is invited to join,” Roney said. 

As the show marks the year coming to a close for North Penn Theatre and Thespians, the night of April 30th marked the last ever rehearsal for the program’s seniors. 

“This show met my expectations and then surpassed them. Being a part of Children of Eden and portraying Father has truly been magical. I have loved and treasured every second with this show and company,” said senior Kaden Williams, playing the role of Father. 

Senior Malini Kondisetty, playing the role of The Snake, shares the same sentiment, noting the surreal experience her last rehearsal provided.

“My last rehearsal honestly didn’t even feel like my last one. I have gotten so used to being around my favorite people that I can’t imagine it ever actually being over. It felt really bittersweet, because I’ve learned that the best things come to an end, so that we can look back on it and be happy about the memories made. For Children of Eden, it’s really come full circle being a part of the oldest kids there now, and I’m so glad we’ve been able to meet all of the new students, even if it was just for one year. The show has such a lovely message and I hope that anyone who goes to see it can feel it too,” Kondisetty said.

Get your tickets now for Children of Eden at www.npenn.org/theatre. Adult tickets are $10, Student tickets are $5. Gold and Silver cards are honored at all performances for the holder of the card. Gold and Silver cards must be presented to receive your free ticket. Streaming tickets are also available for the May 3 live performance, and May 17 at noon, 4 PM, and 8 PM for $25 with unlimited audience members.