By MICHELLE TOLMAN
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Promised Valley Playhouse present, “Barefoot to Zion,” a Sesquicentennial musical to run Tuesday through Saturday, June 19 through August 23.
“Barefoot to Zion,” written by Orson Scott Card, with music by Arlen L. Card and directed by Charles Metten, beautifully illustrates the spirit of the gathering.
The musical follows the Prescott’s, a converted family from Manchester England, who are struggling with the decision to come to Zion.
Blaine Smith, general manager of the Promised Valley Playhouse, said, “The Saints from England made up a huge influx of the Latter-day Saints. In 1850 there were 30,000 Saints in England and over the next decade they moved to Zion.”
The play demonstrates the hope and faith of pioneers to sacrifice what they had and follow the prophet’s counsel to gather to Zion. As the Prescott family crosses the ocean, desert and prairie, they struggle with loss and rejoice in love as the find out what it means to have faith in every footstep.
“There is a great message of faith,” said Elder M. Russell Ballard, chairman of the Sesquicentennial Committee. “The Promised Valley Playhouse has worked hard and it was done beautifully.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, co-chairman of the Sesquicentennial Committee, said the church wanted to support a sesquicentennial play to show different ways to commemorate the pioneer experience. Holland said plays, singing and dancing were all part of the pioneer legacy.
The title “Barefoot to Zion” was inspired by the story of Brigham Roberts, a pioneer boy who walked to Zion without any shoes.
Elder Robert L. Backman, vice chairman of the Sesquicentennial Committee, said most of the children came barefoot to Zion, it was quite common.
The musical featured a talented cast, beautiful music and impressive stage props designed by Rory Scanlon.
Frank Basile, who played the role of Robert Prescott, said, “In a play like this there is more than nuts and bolts, it is a spiritual process.”
Basile wonderfully portrayed the inner struggle and strength of his character. “Prescott is a principled man who has a good heart and cares for his family, but he isn’t in touch spiritually. Through transitions he finds his softer side.”
The youth casted added to the strength of the production.
Daniel Cahoon, who played Will Prescott, was full of energy and has a powerful voice for his age.
The music was moving. Card said in working for the church, “Where else can you do work and be uplifted?”
It took Card 18 months to write the music. A CD will be released at a further date.
“People deserve to come and see this,” Backman said. “They will be disappointed if they miss the chance because the story will touch them.”
Smith said because the church wanted families and members of the community to come, they lowered ticket price to $2-4. The show time last one and a half hours.
Tickets are available by calling 240-SHOW, or by visiting the Promised Valley Ticket Office at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building lower level.
