MOUNTAIN MEADOWS
By Debora Threedy
ROSE WAGNER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER , PYGMALION THEATER COMPANY
Feb, March 2023
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Directed by Morag shepherd
Stage Managed by Jennie Pett
Set Design - Allen Smith
Sound Design - Troy Klee
Lighting Design -
Performed by Daisy Blake, Stephanie Howell, Tiffani Digregorio, Carlie Young, Dave Hansen, Matthew Ivan Bennett
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The production clips along, effortlessly moving back and forth across different timelines in the play, including one spanning barely a decade in the 1800s when Miranda, a child who was spared in the massacre, discovers her family’s involvement. The other covers three decades with Nita persevering as a historian working to verify and piece together the puzzle which comprises the story of the massacre. The narrative braids which Threedy crafted work well and are lucid at every beat.
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Morag Shepherd masterfully directed this superb ensemble which easily enabled one to consider a variety of perspectives. Is uncovering the truth worth soiling the reputation of otherwise good people? Is it worth eternal consequences that could effect other family members? Is it worth the reputation of an entire church? One scene with Blake and Young was particularly moving. Saphrona is reminiscing about her life and home before moving out west. She tearfully tells Miranda how it felt to be given only 30 minutes to collect her children and belongings before her house was burned by an angry mob. This expression allows one to consider if the Mormon settlers’ behavior was somehow justified due to previous persecution. I applaud Threedy’s thought-provoking script and Shepherd’s direction that gave ear to such reflections. PYG PRODUCTIONS MOUNTAIN MEADOWS IS THE HISTORY LESSON WE ALL NEED (Utah Theatre Bloggers)