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let’s not talk about the tears that were shed during each of the performances. or the ones that were shed as Children of Eden closed last night.  life will return to normal. I won’t be sharing my evenings with this group of amazing and talented children and their generous parents. Nor will i be in close proximity with my dear friend, (and director), Jason Crespin any longer. This journey as assitant director was a tedious and often challenging one but something that has rewarded me beyond my expectations. I cannot tell you how much i adore the children – or how much *more* respect i have for performing arts and all that is involved in creating the “magic” on stage.

I armed myself with multiple bags each evening for rehearsals and performances. Carrying ipads and portable keyboards to jot down notes. blankets for the cold light booth. a pillow pal for laken who camped out within the walls of ALT for the last two months. snacks. drinks. pencils. highlighters. sticky notes. and … not to mention, my camera.

i’ll soon part with my notebook. you know… the one that held a script that was marked with light qeues, sound qeues, blocking notes, embellishments, choreography and technical details.

and life will return to what it was … before

(whatever that may be)

in all honesty, i didn’t anticipate the task at hand. and often found myself unprepared and feeling inadequate. but i’m proud to say the show survived my lack of experience and continued gracefully and eloquently to thousands of people this weekend!

oh eden… i will miss you.

Amarillo Little Theatre Academy opens to audiences today with the production of Children of Eden.

the story is inspired by the biblical book of Genesis.  It’s a dynamic portrayal of the creation of man and the love our Father feels for us.   The show is set in the Garden of Eden where we see the creation of man, in it’s intricate and dimensional form, and (respectively) the temptation that leads to an end of perfection and childhood.

While it’s a cast of 74 children ranging between the ages of 6 and 18… this show is applicable to all ages – adults and children and really elicits an emotional response from the audience. Beautifully written and projected through song and movement, Children of Eden breathes life, compassion, love, humanity and hope into each of us.

You will be left in awe of the talent. but if i have to say one thing about this production, it would be that our Academy Students have become this story. Each of their talents bring their characters to life and project a story that many of us are familiar with – allowing us to experience and understand the passion of a father, the nature of our sprits and the hope that lies within us. I am so overwhelmed with pride for this cast and cannot urge you enough to make reservations to see one of the four performances this weekend.Drew Grimes makes his ALT Debut as FatherMikayla Tipps as Eve Adam and Eve with Father in the Wasteland

Hagen Hall as Adam with Eve and their children, young Abel and young Cain (Alex Nair and Haydn Harris)

Brade Bradshaw and Micah Adams as Abel and Cain

Eve with her children and grandchildrenKayla Bull plays the servant, Yonah who holds so much hope

The Return of the Animals scene is one of my favorites, here are few highlights of the animals who board the Ark.

Wesley Bahn as Noahand Chesley Hedger as Mama Noah

to this amazing cast and crew: you know how much i adore this show and each of you. you have brought me to tears many a times with the way you eagerly and exquisitely project and portray this story to us. i am so so sooooooo proud to have been a part of this journey from the beginning. i will miss you all tremendously. as you can guess, i’m currently in tears – overwhelmed with joy and excitement to share this masterpiece with Amarillo audiences – and of course sad that it will soon come to an end and i won’t be inspired nightly by every.single.one.of.you! thank you. for your hard work. your dedication. your passion. your hunger.  always always alllllllllllllllllways be in search for your garden of eden.

Enjoy your slideshow!

Artistic Director: Jason Crespin

Music Director: Brandon Bellar

Set Design: Tana Roberson

Technical Director: Gregg Dunlap

Assitant Director: Chriselda (myself)

be eternally blessed