I was filled with doubt about “The Savior of the World” – not the divine Being, but the musical that my stake decided to produce, one of only 3 stakes in the world attempting to put on this large musical production that originally premiered in the new LDS Conference Center. For the relatively small and geographically disperse Appleton, Wisconsin stake to undertake such a massive task and do it justice just seemed unreasonably ambitious. The sacrifice asked of so many members – long rehearsals, frequent travel, so much work – struck me as too much to ask. Would the musical succeed? Could it possibly work? (I wasn’t one of the cast members, but I know some of them shared similar concerns.)
I went to one of four performances last night in Appleton. My doubts were quickly dispelled. Though we may lack the talent that can be found in Salt Lake, the musical far exceeded my expectations and touched me deeply. It was beautifully done, well acted, and a pleasure to watch. The set was impressive (occupying the stage and a large section of the adjacent cultural hall floor), costumes were OK, lighting turned out well in spite of archaic equipment, the singing went well and had some really beautiful moments. But what really hit me was the power of the message. I was really touched by a quiet scene when Joseph learns that Mary is pregnant out of wedlock – it gave me some insights I had missed and new respect for what Joseph dealt with. And then I was most touched by the power of the testimony it provided regarding the reality of the Savior of the World and the need for all of us to be witnesses of Him. He is real. He lives. There were and are witnesses of Him. As foolish as it is to the world, we have not been fooled by cunning fables, but we know that He is the Son of God and lives.
This grumbler came away with increased respect for the faith and vision of our Stake leaders, driven by the vision and commitment of an incredible director, Tanya Fordham, and the others in the cast and crew.
A flyer for the Appleton, Wisconsin Stake’s 2005 production of “Savior of the World.”
I HAPPENED TO BE IN THE MUSICAL… AND ALTHOUGH WE DIDN’T HAVE MUCH MUSICAL ABILITIES, I BELIEVED THAT THE LORD REALLY PLAYED A HAND IN ALL THINGS. I WAS TOUCHED BY HOW STRONG EACH AND EVERY PERSON’S TESTIMONY WAS AND HOW IT RADIATED THRU THEIR ACTIONS IN THE MUSICAL.
I was in the original cast that opened at the conference center, and i have no doubt that the performace put on by your stake was eaqualy , if not more powerful in testifying of christ. The church is not in the theater business its in the salvation business.
I was in the Appleton Stake production.I was not a member at the time, but striving for rebaptism. I was also going through a divorce and had prayed to the Lord that if I joined this production I would leave the fate of my marriage in his hands. The day for my divorce had come and gone because my husbands Lawyer had put it on hold with no new date sceduled. I was confused and didn’t know what was happening. My husband and I hadn’t spoken in several months. (his choice)He wasn’t a member either. The practises started, I made one final atempt to salvage our marriage in a letter to my husband and that was when The Lord worked his miracle. One of the first few days in Feb. there was a knock on my door, it was my husband. I was scared and cnfused , but opened the door and let him in. We talked for hours an he took me out to eat. He left and came back the next day. We decided to work things out. We knew we both had things to work on, but with the Lords help we could do it. A month later we were living together again. He went to all the practises and productions with me.In Nov.2005 on his birthday he was Baptised and confirmed a member of the church. I was Baptised Dec.2006 and now we are working on going to the Temple to be sealed next year some time.(2008)The Production was wonderful and you could really feel the spirit. I loved being in it. I was one of the towns people. I’ll do it again if the chance persents it’s self.We now live in Nevada.Being in The Savior of The World was a very special and spiritual time for me. I know others had spiritual experiences as well.