Musical Recreation of Pioneers Saga Serves as Inspiration to FutureGenerations

The handcart musical, 1856, which chronicles the story of Mormon settlers' arduous, 1,300 journey from Iowa City to Salt Lake in 1856, will return to the stage June 27th through July 5 at Ikeda Auditorium at the Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. in Mesa. Tickets are $20, $16, $14, and $10 and are available at the Mesa Arts Center box office, or online at www.mesaartscenter.com.

The script, written by Cory Ellsworth and his niece, Tawnya Gray, with assistance from Mildred West Wiseman Packard, depicts the story of the hardships endured by the pioneer families who traveled on foot with handcarts to join other members of the church, hear the voice of their prophet, Brigham Young, settle new frontiers and enjoy a life free of religious persecution.

In 1856, five handcart companies totaling approximately 2,000 people made the journey from Iowa City to Salt Lake. Handcarts were a less costly alternative to wagon teams and oxen. The first three companies (the Ellsworth, McArthur and Bunker companies) made the trip with little difficulty. However, the last two companies (the Willie and Martin companies) suffered through early autumn storms and only reached the Salt Lake Valley with assistance from rescue teams sent out from Salt Lake City. The rescue teams are credited with saving members of the companies from near-certain death. Despite these and other heroic efforts, some 250 pioneers perished on the frozen, high plains of Nebraska, Wyoming and Utah. However, despite the hardships, surviving members remained true to their faith, many testifying that their trails strengthened their convictions and loyalty to the Church and the cause they embraced.

The story follows two separate families from their homes in northern England to the Great Salt Lake. Ellsworth said the script stays very close to what is known of the events. The characters are composites of real people in the companies, but do not reflect specific individuals. The Mesa playwright said his goal was to capture the emotional feeling of being there - both the joy and tragedy.

Speaking of the events of 1856, Gordon B. Hinckley, the late president of the LDS Church, said "What a story it is. It is filled with suffering and hunger and cold and death. It is replete with accounts of freezing rivers that had to be waded through; of howling blizzards; of the long, slow climb up Rocky Ridge. Hopefully the story will be told again and again to remind future generations of the suffering and the faith of those who came before. Their faith is our inheritance."

The musical, now in its fourth season, will return to stages in Arizona and Utah. More than 20,000 people in four states have enjoyed the re-creation of the handcart saga of 1856, which is considered one of the most intriguing and important chapters of American history.

The saga is particularly significant in Arizona. Of the roughly 315,000 Mormons in the state, tens of thousands can trace their family history to surviving members of the handcart companies or other early Mormon pioneers.

Ellsworth, Randy Kartchner and Mildred West Wiseman Packard collaborated on the original soundtrack that features 14 original songs that capture the spirit, dedication and sufferings of the handcart companies of that year.

Featured vocalists include Tenor, Joseph Paur, who plays the role of Brigham Young. Paur has starred in numerous stage productions and his movie credits include the lead role in the movie "Rigoletto". Jamie Kay and John Alston will return in their roles as Sarah and Henry Parker.

The entire production, with its Arizona cast of 140, has received rave reviews in both Arizona and Utah for its compelling story, outstanding performances, memorable music and historical accuracy.

"It was fantastic!" said Nancy Yeager. "It was so touching my husband and I both cried. We both had pioneer ancestors and it really brought their experience to life. The level of talent was so excellent. I wish everyone could know about this musical!"

Ellsworth came up with the idea of the play in 1998 while working in London, England. He was asked to teach early morning Seminary for the LDS branch in Addlestone, Surrey. He found the course content - Church History and the Doctrine & Covenants - particularly interesting. He said he was deeply moved by the faith and testimony of the early pioneers, particularly the handcart pioneers who had suffered such great loss. He started by writing a few poems, which eventually evolved into a story line for a play. Musical notes and melodies seemed to stream to him, followed by characters, stories and a structure of a musical.

Once Ellsworth returned to his ancestral home of Mesa, AZ, he sensed a deeply-rooted obligation to complete the musical. He sought out the assistance of Mildred West Wiseman Packard, an experienced composer in Mesa, and Randy Kartchner, a popular composer, arranger and producer. With their assistance and talent, 1856 was transformed into a viable musical production.

The performances are scheduled: June 27, 28, 30 and July 1, 2, 3 and 5 at 7 p.m. There will also be a 2 p.m. matine on Saturday, June 28. For more information call the Mesa Arts Center box office at 480-644-6500.

Musical Recreation of Pioneers Saga Serves as Inspiration to FutureGenerations

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Musical Recreation of Pioneers Saga Serves as Inspiration to FutureGenerations

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