This month the Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE program tackles a full-scale musical about parents, children and faith, loosely based on the story of Genesis, by musical giants Stephen Schwartz and John Caird.

"Children of Eden" is a 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 production features 21 local students from the KIDSTAGE TeenSelect program. The cast members are from Edmonds, Everett, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Snohomish and Stanwood. Amanda Cline of Marysville is a featured storyteller in the show.

"KIDSTAGE chose this production for TeenSelect to give a wide variety of students the opportunity to be featured not only in a full-scale musical, but a musical with a very tough score," explained Loni Kappus, KIDSTAGE programs manager.

This performance is very unique in that it will be produced using a thrust-type stage setup, with the audience seated on stage. The staging creates an intimate setting while offering a new challenge for most of the cast members, who are used to working in a traditional proscenium setting.

"Children of Eden" runs February 12 through 21 at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore in downtown Everett, with shows Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are available at the EPAC box office, (425) 257-8600, or at www.villagetheatre.org.

Photo: Hannah Schuerman (God), Daegan Acevedo (Adam), Kayla Watson (Eve). Photo by Jean Johnson. Property of Village Theatre.