PARLEY P. PRATT'S GREAT ESCAPE, DeJong Concert Hall, Brigham Young University, Provo, through Friday (www.parleysgreatescape.com). Running time: two hours (with intermission).
PROVO — The late 1830s were trying times for the young Mormon Church.
In 1838, Missouri Gov. Lilburn Boggs issued his infamous extermination order, while persecution inflicted hardship and trials upon the Saints. To avoid further bloodshed, church leaders agreed to meet with Missouri militia leaders, who promptly arrested them. Joseph and Hyrum Smith were taken to Liberty Jail, while Parley P. Pratt, Morris Phelps and King Follett were incarcerated in, first, the Richmond jail, and later the Columbia jail.
The latter group spent eight long months in these jails, enduring harsh physical conditions as well as trials of faith. In July 1839, they finally were able to escape.
Playwright/lyricist/producer Pam Blackwell has brought their story to life with enthusiasm and verve in a new musical, "Parley P. Pratt's Great Escape," which debuted at Brigham Young University this week.
Blackwell has chosen to infuse the dramatic story with poignancy, but also with humor — and a variety of upbeat, up-tempo songs that create a joyful, energetic backdrop to the unfolding events.
While events are largely drawn from Pratt's autobiography, Blackwell introduces a fictional guardian angel-type character, Sister Soul, who not only brings in rousing gospel music but also helps to tell Pratt's back story and portray his soul-searching. Angel Winston captures the spirit and feeling of Sister Soul quite well, bringing humor, as well as a rich, powerful voice, to the task.
Randy Porter is equally compelling as Parley P. Pratt, expressing the multifaceted character with appropriate feeling. The supporting players — Dane Allred as Morris Phelps, Rick Priddis as King Follett and Jon Pinney as Orson Pratt — are also strong, both musically and dramatically.
Amelia Schow and Lisa Porter bring both tenderness and ability to the roles of Laura Phelps and Mary Ann Pratt respectively. And Mahonri Stewart and Lynne Bronson provided comic relief in their roles as apostates-cum-spies, Luman and Phila Gibbs.
Simple, but effective staging adds to the atmosphere (who cares if Columbia jail looks just like Richmond; at least it had chairs).
An onstage band provides the musical accompaniment, and a small, angelic choir adds a nice, harmonic touch to the songs — whether they call for rousing spirit or soft harmony. Kelly Eisenhour wrote most of the songs and serves as musical director for the show. Her talents are evident.
The show is a prime example of the diversity that is showing up on the local arts scene. Blackwell notes that she was inspired by Gladys Knight's call for more upbeat worship music. You have to think that even Gladys would be proud of "Parley P. Pratt's Great Escape."
E-mail: carma@desnews.com