PROVO — Western Wyoming Community College's patriotic one-act musical on the Fourth of July wasn't about keeping religion out of the state.
Rather, it was about keeping the state out of religion. (Virginia was the first government in history to grant that freedom.)
The play depicts Thomas Jefferson's and James Madison's fight with Patrick Henry to prevent the state of Virginia from taxing residents who supported religion. While Madison was wrongly accused of atheism in his quest, it was the Presbyterian and Baptist congregations, according to the script, who won out over politicians and clergy.
Jefferson authored Virginia's bill that ensured religious freedom, which preceded the First Amendment to the Constitution.
"First Freedom" is a one-act version of the full-length musical by the same name. Script and lyrics were written by Rob Lauer with music by Sam Cardon. Jamie Young directed the play's debut in Provo at a temporary outdoor theater in the "Colonial Village" carved out of a neighborhood behind Crandall's Historical Printing Museum.
Next year the school may bring the entire play to Provo, Young said. The musical challenged the young actors' singing and acting talent.
However, First Freedom Productions, which produced the play, sees a larger role for it. Producers are trying to raise $2 million to produce a full-scale major production for presentation as a touring show at high schools, colleges and communities across the nation.
"(The story) was more about compulsion vs. agency," said actress Anna V. Lloyd of Draper. "Agency is always better — the right to choose."
Lloyd played Madison's mother and Lady Liberty, the symbolic depiction of freedom. With only seven actors in the cast, most took on double roles.
The full-length play "is one of those shows I didn't want to stop performing," said Samuel West, who played Thomas Jefferson and the Rev. Leland.
Jonathan David Hansen of West Jordan played Madison.
If the play returns to Provo next year, it will likely have a new and more numerous cast, Hansen said.
A powerful soloist, Canadian Sheldon Baxter, played Henry and a constable. Local actors included Travis Wright of American Fork and Ami R. Abram of Orem.
How to help
First Freedom Productions wants to raise money to produce a Broadway-quality, full-scale show. To help:
Donate cash, which is tax-deductible.
Invest through seed-money contributions.
Become a sponsor of the production.
Write First Freedom Productions, 2955 Earlysville Road, Earlysville, VA 22936, (434-973-8407); e-mail larrysidwell@comcast.net; or see www.firstfreedomproductions.com.
E-mail: rodger@desnews.com