Mount Joy Night at the Barnstormers

BY CATHY MOLITORIS

community organizations, local sports teams, businesses and more.

July 21 through Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

The show features the music of Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the songs for “Wicked,” “Godspell” and “Pippin,” among other musicals, said Mike Kohler, who plays Father in “Children of Eden.”

“This show is basically about choices and how choices can benefit you or get you in trouble and the consequences of choices,” Kohler said, referencing Eve taking a bite from the apple in the Garden of Eden as an example. “And Father, who is the God-like character, his character and his personality wears away as he sees the things that he’s created go against him or make bad choices, and it wears him down.”

Audiences of all ages will find something to love about the show, said Nichole Witman, who portrays Eve and Mama Noah. “There’s going to be a lot of things happening on stage to keep little kids engaged, and then there’s awesome music,” she stated.

Kohler added that the production includes a variety of special effects and unique props, including elaborate costumes to represent the animals in the ark. “The animals going into the ark is a pretty special moment,” he said.

Witman emphasized that although the show might not be well-known to audiences, it will make an impact.

“It’s really a hidden gem,” she said. “The music is wonderful. … It’s almost an opera. There is dialogue,

Head to the ballpark on Saturday, July 29, for a true community celebration. Mount Joy Night at the Lancaster Barnstormers will feature