Diana Gross in "Adam and Eve"

Posted by Ken Karp on behalf of Bob Gordon. Also, see the NV Suburbanite's coverage.

It was quite a treat. Dare I say “unexpected?” On Sunday, February 10, the Teaneck New Theater presented a musical, based upon a short story by Mark Twain: The Diary of Adam and Eve. There are two principal actors (charmingly portraying Adam and Eve) and three singers who sometimes sing ensemble and often perform solos. The strongest, clearest, nicest, most musical (and well-trained) voice was that of our own Diana Weber Gross. Not only that, she was the musical director as well. And she also has the distinction of having chosen and doing the sound effects, to signify the passage of the days in the Garden of Eden – it was almost Spike Jones-ish, but fitting, as we learned later.

The director and performers asked the audience for questions at play’s end. These came haltingly at first, then more readily. They asked about the staging, the symbolism (especially the sound effects), how the musical numbers were chosen and also evidenced emotional reactions to the story, which was as humorous as you might expect from Mark Twain, until the rather sad ending.

But it was excellent entertainment!

The Diary of Adam and Eve, 'translated' by Mark Twain, is Twain’s humorous look at the very first male-female relationship: how it began, how it evolved and how it matured. This is a witty, playful and ultimately touching portrait of the very first couple as they slowly begin to know, accept and love one another. It’s also an insightful and delightful take on how much, and how little, has changed in the interaction between the sexes. Despite their many differences, Adam eventually realizes he cannot do without Eve. She, of course, knew that all along. Music is integrated into the play to complete TNT’s tribute to Valentine’s Day.

Tickets for The Diary of Adam & Eve are $12; $10 for students and seniors; and $8 for theatre parties of 10 or more. For reservations and information, call TNT at 201.692.0200.

I was tempted to run this story in the March issue of Focus when I realized that if I circulated it this week as well, you would have an opportunity to attend one of the remaining 3 performances, which come up this weekend, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 118 Chadwick Road, Teaneck (behind Holy Name Hospital).

Friday, at 8pm …. Saturday, at 8 pm …. Sunday, at 3pm.

Bob Gordon