BY PEGGY KINNAIRD

The Colorado Springs North Stake, or geographic region, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints put on three performances of the musical production "1856" to honor the sesquicentennial year of the handcart pioneers.

"1856," The Musical, depicted the true story of the Mormon handcart migration from Iowa City to the Salt Lake Valley. To avoid persecution for their religious beliefs, about 3,000 Mormon pioneers in 10 handcart companies decided to move West. The first three companies who walked 1,300 miles pulling their handcarts filled with supplies were relatively free from danger. The following two groups called the Willie and Martin handcart companies were caught in winter storms resulting in the deaths of 250 members out of 1,000.

The musical was historical fiction with true characters such as Brigham Young (prophet and President of the church in 1856) and Levi Savage, a historical pioneer who traveled West with several companies. The two families depicted are fictional but based on true events that occurred. The Lee family are converted in England and depart for America on an early ship making it safely to the Salt Lake Valley. The Parkers, their friends, are not as lucky -- they encounter poorly prepared handcarts, lack of supplies and some members eventually succumb to the severe weather. The rest of their family is eventually rescued by parties sent out by Brigham Young.

The final musical number of this production portrayed the message or meaning of the musical, said Pam VanWie, Production Director, "that there is a spiritual rescue that awaits all of us through Jesus Christ."

The musical was written and completed in 2005 by Cory Ellsworth. He began writing it while living in London and was struck by the faith and testimony of the pioneers while teaching a course of Church History to teenage seminary students. He wrote poems that turned into songs and then created the story line for a musical play. Cory is also a relative to Edmond Ellsworth, who lives in Colorado Springs, CO. His great, great grandfather was the leader of the first handcart company to arrive in Salt Lake.

The author, who now lives in Arizona, came to Colorado Springs, said VanWie, "just for our production to see what we've done with it."

She heard about the new musical through a friend, Randy Kartchner, who collaborated with Ellsworth to arrange and compose the music for "1856." "I was so taken by the music and its message that I thought this was wonderful," said VanWie.

The author made it very accessible, said VanWie. "He knew "1856" would have a very viable presence in a Stake rather than performed as a huge production." Close to 100 people of all ages participated as actors, singers, dancers and technicians in the production along with a 20-piece orchestra. "The church supports the performing arts and encourages people to develop their talents," said VanWie.

She believes many people volunteered their time because they have pioneer ancestry and, "it was a way of honoring and giving back to our forbearers for their sacrifice."

Wyatt Pagano, a 12-year-old who attends Mr. Ridge Middle School, portrayed the character William Lee, who is very confident and excited to be going to Zion. "I like acting and I've always wanted to do a church play," he said. "It's good missionary work."

Lisa Fife of Northgate had three daughters participating in the musical and wanted to support them by joining the choir. "I have pioneer ancestors and it's kind of neat to experience what they felt and went through." During rehearsals, "you totally feel the spirit."

VanWie said she had no idea what it took to put on a musical like this. "We've had so many little miracles happen." One of the cast members has a sister who does costuming in Salt Lake and sent five sets of men's period tailcoats back from Utah. One ward (congregation) member who is a retired art teacher donated scenery he had in his garage from a previous production. Another man had built an authentic handcart from original blueprints, using no nails, just wood peg construction. His handcart was sitting in his basement and is now a part of the musical. "The Lord has had a hand in this," she said.

An estimated 1,300 people attended the musical's three performances, on Oct. 13 and 14.

"We wanted to give to the community and members of the church an opportunity to commemorate the faith and courage of the handcart pioneers," concluded VanWie.