The original title of George Nelson’s play on Joseph and Emma Smith was “The Story of Lunatic?”
then “1820: Musical” because Brigham Young University Theater / Art Professor None of the award-winning playwrights wanted to offend Latter-day Saint Church of Jesus Christ, a member of their own faith.
Still, Nelson believes the original title is more “provocative” and accessible to more viewers.
“He was called a madman,” said Nelson. “The original idea for me was to come and see if he was crazy. Come see and when you finished watching he was a madman or what happened to him and he said, did what you said really happen to him? ”
It starts on Friday, August 6th, and Nelson wants the audience to think about it when he sees his Broadway-style play, “1820: Musical,” which will be performed at the Coby Arts Center through Saturday, September 11th. This is a deep question. In Provo, Utah.
As the opening night approaches, the director talks about the inspiration behind the musical, its religious themes, year-round pandemic delays, and his desire to reach larger audiences with thoughtful messages. I’ve spoken to the news.
What influenced “1820: Musical”?
As a Latter-day Saint, Nelson cares when people attack Joseph Smith.
He said, “The Book of Mormon” Musical “. It downplays the prophet, the church, and their missionary work in disrespectful, vulgar, and profane ways.
Nelson was inspired by this experience to write “1820”. He wanted to review some of the important moments in Joseph’s life and show the audience a more loyal side.
“There is a clear message from the Book of Mormon musical and a clear message from our musical: ‘Look again, see for yourself, and understand this.’ He’s either a prophet or a madman. He has nothing in common. ”
What is “1820: Musical”?
The theater production is a contemporary and personal representation of the life of Joseph When Emma. Her life and her trials in a small vignette, spoken through Emma’s eyes and driven strongly by song and dance.
Nelson’s goal is to show the human side of the choices and choices made by Latter-day Saint leaders. The show doesn’t avoid touchy subjects like polygamy.
“We tried to keep track,” said Nelson. “The Prophets Joseph and Emma cannot really deal with this without seeing the role multiple marriages played in their relationship. Many attacked Joseph with it, and many attacked Joseph. I tried to protect them all. I’m trying to show Joseph and Emma what they did. “
Will Zach Wilson Act If You Play Soccer?
The role of Joseph Smith is played by a person whose name is known to football fans.
The actor / cast name is Zach Wilson, but don’t confuse him with Zach Wilson, now quarterback New York Jets.
“Isn’t it interesting?” said Nelson. Former BYU walk-in football player himself. “People said, ‘I didn’t know Zack was an actor.'” I didn’t know he was a footballer, “I said. But our Zack is probably one of the most athletic I’ve ever met. “
Actor Zach Wilson is one of 17 cast members in a racially diverse cast. Keririn Johnson plays blonde Emma Smith and black Konron Bonner plays Hyrum Smith.
“We’re in costume, we’re dancing, and we’re telling the story from our point of view,” said Nelson. “The look we’d like to feel in the past is very versatile, but now we want it to look like it’s here.”
The production music was written and composed by Kendra Row Holt, Keirian Row Juarez and Doug Row.
According to a press release, artist David Archuleta describes the show and music as “great and well-written”.
Delay due to COVID-19
The play was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 as part of the Church’s 200th anniversary to celebrate Joseph Smith’s First Vision, but has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We had a set under construction, a costume under construction, we had a plaster cast,” Nelson said. “When it was unplugged, we were all ready to move forward.”
Despite the pandemic, the show’s soundtrack was recorded and distributed so that the audience could get a feel for the music in advance. According to Nelson, most of the cast stayed because they loved the show.
What is the ultimate goal of the “1820 Musical”?
Ultimately, Nelson would like to make the piece accessible to a wider audience.
He showed the “1820” to a very interested New York producer.
“In his estimation, this could be as universally appealing as” Joseph and Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. “For him, it was about human problems and real characters,” said Nelson. “He said,” The only thing I knew about your religion was what I saw in The Book of Mormon musical or Tony Kushner’s Angels in America. “Said,” I didn’t know anything about your religion. “
Nelson welcomes people of all religions “to see for yourself who this Joseph Smith really is.”
For more information on 1820: The Musical, please visit the official website. 1820musical.com Search for ticket information with and coveycenter.csstix.com.
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