SCERA & UVU Present Pioneer Musical THE TRAIL OF DREAMS - Nov 13-21

True tales of joy and sorrow, as well as stories of real life and struggle among the pioneers who crossed the Midwestern plains in the mid-1800s inspired a trio of writers, actors and composers to write "The Trail of Dreams" during the Mormon sesquicentennial in 1997.

James Arrington, one of the writers, has long wanted to direct the three-act musical, and now, as his final directorial assignment in a distinguished career at Utah Valley University, he will get his wish. The acclaimed pioneer musical drama will play November 13-21 at SCERA Center for the Arts (745 South State Orem), which is co-producing the play with UVU's Department of Theatrical Arts.

Performances will run Mondays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm with matinees Nov. 14 and 21 at 2pm. Reserved-seat tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors (age 65+) and children (age 3-11) and are available at www.scera.org, by calling (801) 225-ARTS, in person at SCERA Center, open 10am-6pm weekdays and Saturdays from 12Noon-6pm, or at the door 30 minutes prior to each performance. Non-profit and church group rates for 20 or more tickets are available for $6.00 if purchased in advance.

"Although I have always wanted the chance to direct this play, I am surprised to find that it is the most difficult play I have ever worked tackled," he says. "I've directed Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and many other playwright's works, but none have challenged me as much as this one. Part of it may be because it is very personal to me, so I have a hard time being objective. I also, think, however, it is an innovative technique in playwrighting that requires extra directorial work. The message is right up front and you can't mask it. You have to create other options."

Arrington asked Marvin Payne, one of the play's writers, how he managed to direct and take the lead in the original "The Trail of Dreams."

"Marvin told me he didn't remember because it was kind of a blur," Arrington laughs. "He did say the choreography helped, which is true, because the movement advances the story. It's easier for Marvin as he is taking the lead again, but I'm directing him, so he won't have to make all the decisions. Enhancing everything is Steven Kapp Perry's superb music." The show's soundtrack won a Pearl Award and Perry was nominated as "Songwriter of the Year" for his work.

Although "The Trail of Dreams" is a pioneer story, it is not a standard crossing-the-plains account. The stories were pulled from actual pioneer journals, and whenever possible, the words of the pioneers were used. Also utilized were trail leader John Brown's memories. Brown led 13 companies, among a total of 70,000 Mormon saints that crossed the plains, and the work takes the form of his dream. As a point of interest, Marvin Payne is actually Brown's real life great-grandson.

Major roles will be played by Payne, Charlie Flint, Carly Chauncey, Chris Higbee, Dianna Graham, Jake Erickson and Shannon Eden.

Assisting Arrington will be Kristen Bradley, choreographer; Justin Bills, music director; Steve Purdy, set designer; Jaron Hermanson, light designer; and Carla Summers, costumer.

"This is a beautiful, loving treatment of the pioneers," says Adam J. Robertson, SCERA's President and CEO. "We are thrilled to be presenting such a first-class piece of theatre on our stage."

"There are many times when the script shows great power," Arrington adds. "During one scene I burst into tears. I looked over at the costumer and she was crying. When I asked her why she had tears, she said it was for the same reason as me. We had gotten very attached to these people who were struggling to reach their goal and willing to move forward despite difficulties. We could only hope they could outlast all their troubles."

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