STRANGER TO THE RAIN
CHILDREN OF EDEN
Composer: Music and Lyrics Stephen Schwartz
Production/Performer History: London 1991 (Frances Ruffelle), US Tour 1997 (Kelli Rabke)
Context: Based on the book of Genesis, Yonah is a servant girl in love with Noah’s youngest son. She is forbidden marry Japheth or to come aboard the ark because the is a descendent of Cain.
Choice: Before Wicked, Stephen Schwartz wrote a number of Christian influenced musicals, including Godspell, Pippin and Children of Eden. Original Les Miz Eponine, Frances Ruffelle was part of the RSC workshop cast and this song was written for her. It makes it the perfect audition song for any of the blockbuster musicals from the 80’s and 90’s, including Les Miserables. It’s On My Own for when you don’t want to hear On My Own.