New York Review: "Back To The Garden" at Axial Theatre/GoJo Productions
Pia Haas - Contributing Critic - New York
“What on earth was God thinking when he put forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden if he didn’t want Adam and Eve to eat it?” In Albi Gorn’s astute and humorous retelling of the Adam & Eve Story, you’ll find out… eventually!
Follow the first couple, after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, as they attempt to navigate the cruel, cold world outside on their own. Having taken a sobering bite out of the apple plucked from the tree of knowledge by the serpent, or the angel of truth, as he likes to call himself, the trek is inevitable. They journey forth in search of answers and to gain understanding about God’s will, the meaning of their existence, and really, just about everything.
They come across warring clans of people, who God will not own up to, endeavoring to survive the dire conditions of the Ice age. Adam & Eve’s harsh awakening harkens within them, feelings of empathy and a willingness to help their fellow man as well as a great thirst for self-discovery. When given a second chance to come back to the garden by renouncing their original sin, they don’t. After all, sin has its purpose in God’s plan; sin furthers God’s purpose. Adam and Eve chose between fulfilling God’s will and fulfilling God’s purpose. They chose exactly as they were meant to.
This provocative play certainly gives one lots of food for thought, even if you don’t bite the apple. The witty dialogue and modern quips will keep you entertained, and you’ll learn a thing or two about what God is thinking.
Ably directed by Robin Anne Joseph, the cast features Anthony Barresi, Jr. as the ubiquitous Serpent; Dawn Brown-Berenson as an unpredictable Adonai; Torian Brackett and Maddy Murphy as the beguiling Adam and Eve. The balance of the quirky and engaging cast includes Stavros Adamides as Wayfare; Robert Ansbro as Nomad; Jennifer Berry as Fecunda; Michael E. Boyle, Jr. as Shomein; Marilyn Collazo as Nehebeth; Gail Greenstein as The Guardian.
Lighting designed by Ro-z-Edelson, Costumes designed by Terry Hanson and Sound Design by Jim Simonson, which includes godly sounds and a compellation of sixties tunes, all set an appropriately clever ambiance.
Playwright, Albi Gorn has been acting for more than 40 years and writing plays for the past 28. His work has been produced all over the United States, in England, and Mexico. He has won numerous playwriting contests and festivals. His plays, short stories, and original music are available at albigorn.com.
The Show is a co-production by two Westchester based companies; Axial Theatre is an ensemble-based theatre organization comprised of artists committed to creating professional theatre and a vital educational experience for emerging artists. GoJo Clan Productions is the theatrical company of Albi Gorn and Robin Anne Joseph. It presents professional productions of original and published plays at venues throughout the New York metro area.
Back to the Garden runs through Nov. 17th. Performance times are Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m.
Axial Theatre is at St. John's Episcopal Church, 8 Sunnyside Ave., Pleasantville, N.Y. 10570. Tickets can be purchased at BackToTheGarden.bpt.me for $25 adult, $20 seniors and students. For more information: GoJoClanProductions.com; AxialTheatre.org. Or email BackToTheGarden2019@gmail.com.