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'Children of Eden' opens Friday

Jeff Fuller
Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 10, 2007

An inspirational musical focusing on making right choices will be presented the next two weekends when "Children of Eden" takes the stage at Northmont United Presbyterian Church along Perry Highway in McCandless.

The musical will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 12, 13, 19 and 20. The show also will hit the spotlight at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14.

"Children of Eden" follows several religious stories from the Bible. It includes the creation through humankind's expulsion from the garden of Eden and into the wasteland and Noah and his family as they prepare for the coming flood.

The show's director says, just like in those Biblical stories set many years ago, lessons can be learned from experiences. While some may come for the music, others will walk away with an important message.

"'Children of Eden' is really about the choices we make and how they affect our lives," says Deborah Loffredi, director. "Adam and Eve chose to eat the apple, God chose to expel them from paradise and Cain chose to kill Abel. The resounding theme is choice."

The 35-member cast began working on the production in late fall. With busy schedules and lives of their own, the cast was only able to rehearse the production a few times a week.

In addition to learning their lines and music, cast members also strived to discuss themes associated with the show. Loffredi says those discussions have made the experience even more worthwhile.

"There is a way that our choices affect us and man-kind's desire is to always seek more," says Loffredi, who owns Paragon Studios in McCand-less. "In the last few rehearsals, those themes have really come out and are making for a really neat experience."

All cast members either hold a degree in theatre or are currently studying acting at Paragon Studios. Loffredi says cast members derive something from each show in which they are featured, and each performance helps them grow.

"Shows in general, and this show in particular, really inspire people," says Loffredi. "There is a sense of pride and accomplishment when a show is complete, especially because we set the standards so high."

Although "Children of Eden" offers an inspiring story, Loffredi says its music also should hook audiences. From beautiful ballads to rock spirituals, the music, written by Stephen Schwartz, offers an intriguing experience.

Even though the musical has religious undertones and is Biblically based, Loffredi says it is a great production for everyone, religious or not.

"This is a great show for the entire family and despite being based on the Bible, it really doesn't come across as a religious show," she says. "No matter what religion you are or what beliefs you may hold, there is something to be learned from this musical."

"Children of Eden" is being presented by Paragon Studios in association with Northmont United Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $10.

For details, call 412-367-1121 or visit the Web site at www.paragonstudios.org.

Pittsburgh's CLO recently announced their first show of the 2007 Summer Season will be Disney's stage adaptation of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. What are your thoughts on this as a stage musical? Discuss.

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Paragon Studios in association with Northmont Presbyterian will present

Children Of Eden

When: January 12, 13, 19 & 20 - 7:30 P.M.
          January 14 - 2:30 P.M.

Where: Northmont Church, 8130 Perry Highway, Pgh. PA 15237

Tickets are $10.00 and may be reserved by calling Paragon at 412-367-1121 or by emailing Paragon at: paragon1013@yahoo.com

This show is suitable for all ages. This show is produced by Northmont Presbyterian.

This entry brought to you by Paragon Studios :

Paragon Studios is a professional acting studios in Pittsburgh's North Hills. Under the ownership of Deborah Loffredi, Paragon Studios provides intense training in Acting, Musical Theatre, Voice, Dialects and Stage Combat With classes for ages four to adults, musicals and plays, Paragon has something for everyone! A year at Paragon and you won't believe the difference!

Blog Entry for  12/27/06

The arts have a friend in Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. By budgeting a decrease in the amusement tax paid by Pittsburgh's non-profit arts organizations, he is helping to ensure that the arts in Pittsburgh will continue to flourish.  

Thank you Mayor...for caring!