Here’s Brother Brigham • A One-Man Show
by James Arrington An enjoyable and enlightening production including stories and experiences of the LDS prophet, Brigham Young, as told by himself, with others helping along in this one-man show — that can be presented with a little creativity as a multi-actor show. The movie version of the play was presented at the LDS Film Festival on March 1st, 2018. PLAY DETAILS 1M solo show (Can be adapted into a reader’s theatre format using additional performers) Simple setting with props & furniture Costumes of the mid-19th Century About 90 minutes ORDER #2085 PERUSAL MATERIALS The PERUSAL PAGES file (in PDF format) is available here: HeresBrother Brigham PERUSAL The video version of the play is available at: James Arrington Productions Or you can read the entire play (along with many other plays in our catalog) in...
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All The Scattered Leaves • a play
by Doreen Crookell It is the Mid-Victorian era in England and the Mormon Church has made a name for itself throughout many parts of the land. Thousands of souls have been converted and have left for Salt Lake City, some never to be heard from again. The general feeling in many of the towns and villages is one of distrust and even fear of the “Mormons”. At the sight of the Missionaries, the women run inside and bolt the doors for fear of being abducted and imprisoned behind the walls of Salt Lake City. But the Mormon Elders continue to proselyte. Thus has the Maitland family’s life been disrupted and changed. Their eldest daughter, Rose, joined the Church the year previous and went to Zion. No word has yet been heard from her. As the play starts the Maitlands...
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Once I Lived In Cottonwood • A Musical
Book and Lyrics by John D. Rather and Susan Rather Music by Lynn G. Burton Available for Wards, and Stakes and Community Groups or Professionals Shortly after the first company of pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, Brigham Young began calling the new arrivals to settle towns throughout the West. Given a choice, most of them would have stayed in the Salt Lake Valley. Harder yet, after having started a home in the valley, was being called to start over again away from Salt Lake. Perhaps the hardest of all was being called to Dixie in Southern Utah. Cottonwood is about one family’s feelings when being asked to leave their home in Cottonwood and go south to Washington County. In a more general sense it is a story about people who, because of their allegiance to...
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Let There Be Love • The Musical Story of Joseph and Emma
Book and Lyrics by Thom Duncan Music and Lyrics by C. Michael Perry This musical chronicles the love story of Joseph Smith and his wife, Emma Hale Smith. Set against the backdrop of hatred and persecution, in an America that was supposed to have freedom of choice as far as religion was concerned, Joseph and Emma struggle, along with the other Saints, to establish a foothold, both personally and publicly, in love and in Faith. They face opposition from without, but the worst of their oppressors are within the Church. PLAY DETAILS: Characters: 11M 2TeenB, 5W + ensemble of 12-16 About 2:00 Settings: Several suggested settings. Some action occurs in places around Nauvoo of 1844, and in other places prior to that, through memory. Costumes: period 1800s Order # 2081 Available for performance to all groups! PERUSAL...
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The Ballad of Parley P! • A New Musical
Book and Lyrics by Thom Duncan Music and Lyrics by C. Michael Perry Additional Lyrics based on the poetry of Parley P. Pratt The Life and Times of Parley P. Pratt (Performable by LDS Wards, Stakes, Educational, Professional and Community Groups) A traveling company of actors in the late 1800s has been traveling the state of Utah from Ogden to St. George. Along the way they heard the story of an amazing man who traveled the world as a Missionary, wrote over 50 hymns, and wrote the very first missionary tract. After conversion, all his adventures, missions, imprisonments, escapes, 12 wives and being a witness to the Guards at Richmond Jail suffering the rebuke by the Prophet Joseph, Parley P. Pratt dies as a martyr to the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, bearing his testimony, as...
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The Plays of Thomas F. Rogers Volume 3: Crises In Faith
Thomas F. Rogers is a prominent Playwright, traveler and observer of Humanity. He is also a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mission President in Russia, Drama Ambassador, Professor of Russian, Director of plays, are just a few of his titles, next to Husband and Father. In the seven plays in this volume, “Huebener,” “Fire In The Bones,” “First Trump,” “Reunion,” “Set Apart,” “The Anointed” (a musical theatre play), and “Petunia Passes” (a short play), the worlds of belief, faith, devotion, belonging, yearning to know God, and standing true when those worlds are challenged, make up the heart of Dr. Rogers’ dramas. With this volume, they are available for study and perusal by Professors, Scholars, and Students, Directors, Actors, Directors, Producers and others ready to settle down into a fine drama and experience life...
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The Order Is Love • Classic LDS Musical
Book & Lyrics by Carol Lynn Pearson Music by Lex de Azevedo © Deseret Book Company, Licensed here exclusively, by permission The classic LDS musical is available once more for production by LDS Wards, Stakes and other groups! The tale of Orderville, Utah—1875-1885—where over 700 Saints lived and worked and played and prayed together in the United Order, a version of the Law of Consecration, seeking Zion, learning tolerance and patience, expanding “love” towards “charity.” We see our own foibles and failings in those of the residents of Orderville as they learn the hard lessons of sharing, giving, getting along, and wondering how can I love my neighbor even when I can’t even stand him and after all I work harder than he does and my skilled work is worth more than his lowly weed-pulling. And oh, it’s about...
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Six Sent South • A Musical
by R. Don Oscarson Music by Kenneth Perry (For production by LDS Wards, Stakes and Community groups.) The place is Utah after the Civil War. The Church is expanding and Brigham Young is calling individuals and families to colonize out-lying areas in Nevada, Southern Utah, Arizona, California, Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho. The fictional Brown family is called to serve such a mission and their reaction to what they come to understand as their duty makes up the story of this musical. This slice of life in post-Civil War Utah, mixed with young love in full bloom, is both funny and touching. PLAY DETAILS: 2M 2W 2TB 2TG 2G + ensemble of mostly young people with a few adults. About One Hour 2 exteriors, 1 interior Piano Accompaniment only Order # 2067 Available for all LDS Groups. PERUSAL MATERIALS The...
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Prayers from Winter Quarters • A Short Play
by Eric Samuelsen (For production by LDS Wards, Stakes and Community Groups. Colleges and Universities may also find it interesting.) While perfect for use by, say, a Relief Society for their monthly meeting, it can also be theatrically produced by a Ward, Stake or Community Theatre. The topics associated with the play are: Prayer, Faith, Pioneers, Trials, Enduring, Being Thankful. It can be produced as a Reader’s Theatre or it can be memorized. It is very simple. No setting. No props. Costumes could be worn, or the characters could stay in modern dress. That might tie-in more closely the prayers from Winter Quarters with women of the modern day. For a Relief Society presentation, each prayer could be separately cast to involve more women. PLAY DETAILS: 3W Simple Costumes No props or settings mandatory About 20 minutes Order #...
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Family Frolics, Relief Society Renditions & Sharing Time Skits
The authors represented are: Charlee Cardon Wilson, Sam Christensen, Sharon Elwell, & James G. Lambert (For production by LDS Church Groups) This collection of 16 skits, sketches, playlets and monologues is specifically designed for use as inservice lessons, Primary Sharing Time, Family Home Evenings, Priesthood, Relief Society or Sunday School lessons, Firesides, Young Mens and Womens classes and meeting nights, and other Ward and Stake presentations. These short plays (not longer than 20 minutes) are designed primarily to teach, in an interesting way, a single or group of related Gospel principles. Drama makes all things easily understandable and able to be grasped by anyone who is learning. They are easy to produce and very affordable. They can all be easily produced with a minimum of props and costumes and no setting. Or you can be as elaborate as you...
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The Red Plush Parlor • A Gentle Musical
Book and Lyrics by Christie Lund Coles Music by Larry Bastian A righteous man who already has six wives has found another lamb to bring into his protective fold. But there is one big problem: his oldest son has fallen in love with this very same young lady. A fun and funny musical comedy. PLAY DETAILS: Characters: 2M 7W 3Teenboys 2Teengirls 1girl + ensemble, if desired About 90 minutes Settings: 3 interiors Order # 2074 Available for all groups. PERUSAL MATERIALS The PERUSAL PAGES file (in PDF format) is available here: RedPlushParlorPERUSAL SONG LIST ACT ONE #1 — Overture — Orchestra Scene 1 — The Sitting Room of the KNUDSEN home in Salt Lake City. #2 — The Wives’ Song — Wives and Dancers #3 — Goodness Knows — Annie and Wives #4 — Scene Change Music —...
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Move On! • A Play with Music
a play with songs by Carol Lynn Pearson Special Musical Material created by Marvin Payne (For production by College/University Groups, Community Groups, LDS Church Groups, Youth Groups) Available again after many years! This is the compilation of journal entries and diary accounts of the Saints crossing of the plains to found their new home in the Zion of the Rocky Mountains. Through stirring true to life scenes and monologues, folk songs and hymns of the era, the Saint’s journey comes vividly to life. Title song composed by Marvin Payne, along with all the other songs can be played by the cast on Guitars and other pioneer instruments. PLAY DETAILS: 7M 7F (Can be condensed or expanded) Unit Set About 90 mins Order #2037 Available for all producing groups PERUSAL MATERIALS A PERUSAL PAGES file (in PDF form)...
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Martyr In Waiting • A Short Play
by Carol Lynn Pearson (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups, LDS & Other Church Groups, Youth Groups) A group of young Latter-day Saint actors are putting on a play about the hardships of the early Saints. They are idealistically ready to follow those footsteps and are even envious of the early Saints’ opportunities to sacrifice. However, when they are called upon to make real sacrifices in the modern world they are not up to it. PLAY DETAILS: 2M 3W Open Stage Setting 20-25 minutes ORDER # 2038 Available to ALL producing groups. PERUSAL MATERIALS The Perusal pages PDF file is available MartyrInWaitingPERUSAL (It contains the first half of the script.) REHEARSAL MATERIALS AVAILABLE Script in PDF format — Order #2038a : $15.00 (from which you will be authorized to copy for your production) First Performance Ward/Stake/Amateur/Educational Royalty...
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Preposterous Parley P! • A One Man Show
a One-man show by Thom Duncan. (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups, LDS Church Groups) The life and times of Parley P. Pratt from his conversion to his discipleship with Joseph and the Church. Funny and compelling. PLAY DETAILS: 8 Characters can all be played by One Actor, or they can be cast as follows: 6M 1W 1B About 90 minutes Order # 2014. Available for ALL producing groups. PERUSAL MATERIALS Perusal Pages File Available ParleyPrattPERUSAL. The PDF file contains the first act of the two act script. REHEARSAL MATERIALS AVAILABLE Script in PDF format — Order #2014a : $25.00 (from which you will be authorized to copy for your production) First Performance Ward/Stake/Amateur/Educational Royalty — Order #2014d : $65 Second Performance Ward/Stake/Amateur/Educational Royalty — Order #2014e : $55 Professional Royalties will be quoted upon application...
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Fire In The Bones • A Play
a tragedy by Thomas F. Rogers (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups, LDS Church Groups) This first ever literary treatment of the Mountain Meadows Massacre brings to light the complex and tragic circumstances that underlie the catastrophe that in 1857 cast a shadow on the Latter-day Saints. Even today some church members fear to know the particulars, while agenda driven detractors only add to the general suspicion. Faithful to Juanita Brooks’ thorough and accurate scholarship, FIRE IN THE BONES completely exonerates Brigham Young as the massacre’s instigator, while still suggesting the tragic dilemma into which well-meaning persons, like John D. Lee, are sometimes thrust and the sacrifices that a community, right or wrong, may require of them.The play is a study in tainted conscience and mob psychology, of people’s paranoia in the wake of an anticipated...
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A High and Glorious Place • A One Woman Play
by Elizabeth Hansen (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups, LDS Church Groups) Eliza R. Snow is one of the few Mormon women who has become a heroine. It is February 11 of 1846 and the town of Nauvoo is bustling as the Saints make ready to leave for Winter Quarters. As Eliza packs, she finds herself doubting her decision to go west. During the night, as she contemplates her life and faith, she comes to understand God’s purpose for her, which ultimately propels her into her role as the great and inspiring woman who figured so importantly in the early days of the Church. Often called “Zion’s Poetess” by the Prophet Joseph Smith, Eliza was an imperfect, yet obedient, daughter of God. One actress tells us the story of this incredible woman’s Faith. Perhaps by experiencing...
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Jedediah! • A Tale of Two Explorers
Book, Music and Lyrics by James G. Lambert and C. Michael Perry (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups, High Schools, LDS & Other Church Groups, Youth Theatres) A musical drama, biographical in nature, yet full of life, romance, beautiful music, energetic dances, with problems and solutions unique to Latter-Day-Saint culture of the period between 1830 and 1848. It is the story of Jedediah Grant as told by his namesake, Jedediah Smith. This story is basically true and generally historically accurate, certain events have been telescoped in the interest of dramatic license. The characters of Salina Wells, the Westbridges, (William Blodgett and the Weems’ in the full version) are composites of several people of the era. All the other characters herein were real people and the events portrayed actually happened. Some license was taken with ages and...
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Wisdom Tree • A Musical
Wisdom Tree – A Pioneer Musical by Max C. Golightly & Yutonna Kerbs (For production by College/University Groups, Community Groups, High Schools, LDS & Other Church Groups, Youth Theatres) A beautiful pioneer show with a cast of Native Americans and European Americans A gentle and at the same time dynamic story of White Settlers contracted by the US Government to settle near a Ute Indian Reservation in Southern Utah in 1852. As the two groups learn to work and live together there are trials and almost even disaster. But the young people of the two cultures find a way to bring about peace in what could have been a troubled world. The wisdom in the story comes from the Native American tradition of the wise old tree, and supplication to the spirit of that tree, as well as to...
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Where Freedom Stands — The Heritage of the American Family • a musical
Book by James G. Lambert Music and Lyrics by C. Michael Perry & James G. Lambert (For production by Community Groups, LDS & Other Church Groups) This is the epic story of the people of Utah and the Heritage they share. Two families serve to represent the families of the State. The Clarke family members are Mormon converts who brought civilization West with them as they were driven from place to place. The Lee Family, who are non-Mormons, brought with them in their move West the industrial revolution — and in the process — prosperity as well. Though both families settled in Utah County, each family plays an important part in everyone’s heritage. Originally conceived for “America’s Freedom Festival at Provo” the theme is universal and the characters can be empathized with by all people everywhere. PLAY DETAILS: 20M...
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SUFFRAGE — a play
a play by Jenifer Nii (For Professional, Educational and Amateur theaters.) SUFFRAGE is an exploration of late 1800s Utah, the second territory in the Union, by 1870, to grant women the right to vote. Wyoming had previously granted that right in 1869. That right was stripped 12 years later when suffrage became a whip for Washington politicians who wanted to end polygamy. The two issues became entwined in a strange, more-than-a-little-malicious way. During the two decades portrayed in the play, Utah women found themselves being called upon to stand strong on two equally threatening fronts. And they did. The story of Ruth and Frances, conveys a bit of what women—particularly polygamous women—faced. The attack was on their way of life, which in so many ways must have felt like an attack on their God and family. The overhanging threat...
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E. Gray Simons III — AUTHOR
Playwright E. Gray Simons III has worked for fourteen years as an Artist-in-Residence at BTF. In 2000, he became Artistic Director of BTF PLAYS! and has since written and directed more than a dozen original plays, among them Aesop’s Network, Nursery Rhyme Café, Mystery Sideshow 2: Strange Waves, and Mystery Sideshow 3: Way Out West. Simons made his BTF directorial debut in 2000 with The Wind in the Willows and in 2001 he became director of the Summer Performance Stories, The Odyssey, The Magic Flute, Arabian Nights, and Monkey. Other directorial credits include The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Oliver! and Peter Pan(2009) on BTF’s Main Stage, Where Has Tommy Flowers Gone? and Holiday Memories in the Unicorn Theatre, Robin Hood at the Berkshire Museum, The Who’s Tommy at Brandeis University with co-director Eric Hill, and Big Love...
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How The West Was Done • The Musical
Book by ELIZABETH HANSEN & ELAINE HANSEN Lyrics by ELIZABETH HANSEN & C. MICHAEL PERRY Music and arrangements by C. MICHAEL PERRY (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups, High Schools, Church Groups, Youth Theatres) HOW THE WEST WAS DONE is fast paced, toe tapping’, rip roarin’ “Western” show full of authentic American music and original songs that will both delight the heart as well as tug at its strings. The story, I hear’d tell, is like this: COOKIE, a right likable “swedish meat-ball” of a chuck wagon cook, has sent fer a mail-order bride. He shows up at a remote way-station to wait fer the stage coach when who should he find? A handful of our fav-o-rite Western types: LUCKY, the Gambler; CURLEY, the true-blue Cowboy; and SHERIFF, the…well…Sheriff. Well, sir, after talkin’ and singin’ a...
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