New
Pioneer Day play at Wilford Woodruff historic farmhouse
Wilford's
Conversion premieres July 23-24. It's a new play about the youth and conversion story of Wilford Woodruff, fourth president of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Utah pioneer. It debuts in Salt Lake City at The Wilford Woodruff Farmhouse historic site, one of Wilford's first homes in the Salt Lake Valley (built in 1860). The audience is invited to tour the farmhouse following each performance.
The play conveys young Wilford's experiences and growth from age 10 to 27 (1817-1834). It weaves together several episodes of his early life to offer a portrayal of Wilford's personality and spiritual quest based on the biography, Wilford Woodruff History of His Life and Labors by Matthias Cowley. The story will be presented in a modified-Brechtian theatrical style, in which each actor may play multiple characters, and break the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience.
In addition to following his discovery of the Church, the play depicts lesser-known events from Wilford's life such as: the time Wilford stayed up all night with the body of a neighbor killed by lightning; Wilford's financial loss by the hands of a swindler; and Wilford's near-death experience the day of his baptism.
The cast is a diverse group of professional actors, theater students, and amateurs from various parts of the state: Salt Lake City, Provo, and Kaysville. Although it is not a musical, the show features an eight-piece orchestral ensemble.
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| Wilford Woodruff Farmhouse |
Starring Joshua Huss, John Hinckley, and Calvin Raines. Written and directed by Karen Findlay. Wilford's Conversion is a Speckled Bird Independent Theater project; it is not an official production of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Performance
Times:
Monday,
July 23, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday,
July 24, 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Location:
Outdoors
at the Wilford Woodruff Farmhouse historic site (1604 South 500 East,
Salt Lake City). Chairs will be provided, however, audience members may bring blankets to sit on. In inclement weather, attendees will be directed to
a nearby alternative performance space.
Tickets
at the door. $5 for adults (cash or check), 12 and under get in free.
For
information, contact Karen Findlay at (801) 885-7550 or
wilfordsconversion@gmail.com
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