By Jon Tollestrup
This story appeared in The Daily Universe on Thursday, August 18.
The story of LDS hero Parley P. Pratt?s thrilling escape from jail fitted with gospel garb and soul sizzling numbers is displayed in the new musical ?Parley P. Pratt?s Great Escape.? Outfitted with 13 original songs, this musical celebration chronicles the chapter of Pratt?s life while he was held captive in both Richmond and Columbia from the years 1838 to 1839.
The story begins with Pratt being thrown into Richmond jail, where he reunites with his fellow brethren Morris Phelps and King Follett. They are constantly pestered by Luman and Phila Gibbs, both of whom are employed to live in the jail and spy on the three men like a couple of vultures.
Despite the strength found in the company of his brethren, Parley begins to weaken after learning of the perilous situation his family is confronted with in joining an exodus of other church members to Illinois. But a wise angel of soul, aptly named Sister Soul, appears and gently prods Pratt along in his escape with some sassy advice and toe-tapping tunes.
?Are you ready for the Lord to bless you,? Sister Soul said. ?You better be!?
Despite the title, the story tends to focus more on the emotional peaks and valleys that comprise the landscape of Pratt?s distraught mind during the whole ordeal. But other historical accounts of his life such as his first encounter with the Book of Mormon and his only encounter with a Bulldog named Stewboy help give the audience a better insight into Pratt?s character.
The use of music serves to communicate all of these stories and emotions in finger-snapping style that definitely pioneers a genre of Latter-day soul. Although primarily gospel brewed, there are a few solo numbers that reverberate back to a more traditional sound of an emotional hymn that creates a tossed-salad of musical styles not typical of an LDS story.
But it?s the smoky soul and gospel ebullience from the unique character Sister Soul and a small back-up choir that are guaranteed to have audience members humming and swaying in their seats.
In her playwright?s notes, Pam Blackwell said ?the character of Sister Soul was originally inspired by Gladys Knight?s gentle ribbing of the prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, about the need for more upbeat worship music. But it was a duet sung by Sting and Mary J. Blige that sent me to the computer to create a wise woman character who was a counter-balance to Parley?s intense, masculine character.?
Parley P. Pratt?s Great Escape will run the remainder of its performances today at 5 and 8 p.m., and will conclude with an evening performance at 8 p.m. the following night. All performances are will be held in the de Jong Concert Hall located in the Harris Fine Arts Center.