And God Spake. He spaketh about Romer's tribe, folks not mentioned in the good book. The tribe is upset with Eve and her apple-eating habit in David W. Hahn's story, In the Beginning, currently running at the Experimental Theater on the campus of San Diego State University.
Gloriously robed God (Brandon Joel Maier) speaks about creation, accompanied by films. Throughout the production, based quite loosely on the first five books of The Bible, films of the events purloined from classic and not-so-classic biblical films play behind the action. Maury Yeston's music and lyrics move the story amusingly.
Arrogant Romer (Andrew Smith) leads his motley tribe aimlessly through deserts. As a leader, he is a bit pathetic. His wife, Lydia (Cheryl Cline), dutifully puts up with his leadership. Lovely Arielle (Maeve Martin), a biblical hippie, gets involved with a strange nomad, Avi (Steve Limones), and they beget a child. Later we find he is not who he seems to be, but that's another story.
They suffer 40 days and nights of rain by floating in crates. Eventually trailing Moses on his long trek proves somewhat more successful. They cross a parted sea, aided by an ancient film clip. They suffer through 40 years of desert living. They get sick of the number 40. They stumble on the stone tablet that had commandments 11 thru 15 on it. (You know, the one Moses broke, according to Mel Brooks.)
Avi and Arielle's duet, "Til the End of Time," portrays their undying love for each other as well as introducing us to two very strong voices. We meet Ben (Daniel Hirsch), a namer of things and an inventor, and his lovely wife Mavis (Jessica Knowles). His naming is rather weak, his inventions of some value, and it is left to Mavis to provide the vocal entertainment.
The advent of the tribes' entrance to Egypt costs them seven years toiling fields. The pharaoh, Pheti (Joseph Almohaya) and his faithful assistant, Ptapateepa (David Armstrong), are hilarious queens.
In the Beginning is an amusing production, the Bible with a laugh track. Alison Bretches' choreography is equally whimsical. Rick Simas' direction brings the show up close and personal with entrances and exits through the audience. Maier's God spends some time in the audience observing the tribe. Finally, we see his true singing power in a solo, "You Won't Cross Over."
While God is regal in dress, Jeannie Galioto's costumes for the tribe begin with flesh-colored long Johns, which then are finally adorned with strategic leaves and flowers. Once in town, the tribe is actually attired in clothes, albeit just a cut above rags.
In the Beginning is a big show in a small space. Here's an opportunity to see some of the theater stars of tomorrow.
