Helen Hayes Award winner David H. Bell, who adapted Ford's Theatre's popular A Christmas Carol, and most recently directed 1776, returns to direct and choreograph. Performances continue to June 6 at the historic Washington, DC, venue.

Borrowing stories from the Old Testament, "this high-energy production captures the essence of familial relationships in the sage-old conflict between parents and children, second chances, and lessons learned as parents struggle to hold onto growing children." Music and lyrics are by Tony Award nominee Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin), with book by two-time Tony winner John Caird (Les Misérables, Nicholas Nickleby).

Children of Eden begins "in the beginning" with the story of "humanity's first family" — Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and then introduces Noah and his family.

The company includes Becca Ayers, Matt Baker, Nicholas Belton, Joe Cassidy, Tyrone Davis, Bradley Dean, Andre Garner, David Gilleo, Ivo Gueorguiev, Clark Johnsen, Telly Leung, Kelly McCormick, Monique L. Midgette, Karen Olivo, Yonah Brendt Reil, Christeena M. Riggs, Eduardo Rioseco, Toni Trucks, Kara Tameika Watkins, Ronya-Lee Anderson, Rob Sutton, Miles Butler, Jermaine Crawford, Brian Jordan Riemer, Nadia Danielle Ross.

Designers are James Joy (set), Mariann Verheyen (costume), Diane Ferry Williams (lighting). Ticket prices range $29-$45. For information, call (703) 218-6500 or (202) 434-4833 or visit www.fordstheatre.org.