Digital Program

“He called me by name… and said… that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations…”

Today, Joseph’s name is spoken throughout the world—for good and for evil—just as foretold.

We add our voice to those who speak of him for good.

This production is entirely volunteer-driven. Our writers, directors, cast, and crew have freely given their time and talents to bring this story to life.

Meet the remarkable individuals who made this possible.

Thank you for watching.

NOTE: Prop Guns
This production is based on true events. The validity of the words spoken by Brother Joseph may be up for debate in the theological courts of the world; however, the places, times, events, direct quotes, exoduses, extermination orders, and murders depicted in this production are not. They happened. Our goal is not only to tell the story of the early Saints in a way that is strengthening and entertaining, but to do it accurately and respectfully as well.

It is with great carefulness that we relay the following warning: This production contains scenes depicting violence and the use of theatrical firearms, including loud gunshot sound effects. We did not include these scenes for entertainment. They are included to reflect the reality of the Saint’s experiences.

There will be no blood or graphic imagery. The stage props representing firearms are completely inoperable, made from safe materials such as PVC piping and wood, painted to resemble firearms from the time period. They cannot fire projectiles of any kind.

Writers

Blaine Garner

Writer

Blaine Garner

During a family gathering on Thanksgiving of 2021, Blaine approached his two very talented nephews (Scout & Bryant) and asked them to join him on an extraordinary journey to write a musical about the Prophet Joseph.

Due to continual miracles, the God-sent cast and directors, and the undeserving mercies of God, this musical is now presented to you. The Man Who Saw Heaven studio album (available for streaming everywhere) is Blaine’s 7th album.

Blaine loves the story of Joseph and the Restoration of the Lord’s Church.  He considers this story one of the greatest examples of the love God has for all His children.

Scout Garner

Writer

Scout Garner

Scout has genuinely enjoyed being part of this production… but now he is tired and just wants to go take a nap. He is probably back there at the tech table right now, thinking about the hibernation he has scheduled for after the show. 

Big shoutout to Scout’s wife, Alyssa, for sacrificing countless hours watching their 3 kids without him so he could stare at his computer screen, night after night, writing the album. If anyone’s testimony of Jesus Christ and his prophet is strengthened tonight, it is thanks to Alyssa Garner, Jessica Garner, and Olivia Dayley Smith and their sacrifice of allowing their husbands to create this unforgettable night. 

Bryant Smith

Writer

Bryant Smith

Bryant, a lifelong music enthusiast, is stepping into the world of musical theater for the first time. His musical journey has involved learning new instruments, singing in small groups and choirs, and eventually composing, arranging, and recording music across various genres. These experiences have equipped him with the skills necessary to co-write this musical. When Blaine approached him and Scout a couple of years ago with this project, Bryant had no idea of its potential. Now, as he’s cast in the musical, he’s eager to give his all in his acting debut. 

Director

Sierra Sonners

Director

Sierra Sonners

I grew up performing on stage through dance, I didn’t enter the theatre arena until 2014 to direct my first production for a small community homeschool group. Since then, I have continued directing and have fallen in love with it. My husband of 20 + years and I have 6 children. I love to read, play the piano, sing, dance, play volleyball, hike, rock hound, paint, try new things and spend time with friends and family especially at the beach.
 
Words can not adequately express what is in my heart about my experience with The Man Who Saw Heaven.  It’s something that will impact the rest of my life as I have witnessed the Lord’s hand not only in my life, but also in those around me.  
 

Cast

Michael Christensen

Joseph Smith

Michael Christensen

Michael loves running, biking, swimming, hiking, and being outside. He also loves composing music, playing piano, guitar, singing, and writing. He loves movies, shows, and is always listening to some podcast or audiobook. More than anything he loves spending time with his family and absolutely loves watching his children perform and play sports.
 
Michael has participated in various musical productions over the years, mostly back in high school. In college he had opportunities to perform with BYU’s International Folk Dance ensemble in Eastern Europe and China. While attending BYU, he also had a chance to be a part of their 9-man acapella group Vocal Point where they performed all around the country. 

Zachary Garner Wood

Joseph Smith

Zachary Garner Wood

Hello, my name is Zachary! Nice to meet you. I hope if anything you enjoy the show and it brings you closer to our Savior and Heavenly Father as it has for me! 🙂

Tikla Fife

Emma Smith

Tikla Fife

Tikla has been performing all her life, but this opportunity has been especially sweet. In part because she thought her musical theater days were over, but mostly because the story of Joseph Smith and the early saints is so important. When she auditioned she said, “I’ll set up chairs, pass out programs, whatever you need, I just want to be part of this!” She is grateful to all the cast members for giving up their weekends to make this show possible!

Chris Harris

W. W. Phelps

Chris Harris

Chris hails from Troutdale, Oregon but has traveled all over the country on performance tours and vacations. He has worked with Mack Wilberg and Lex de Azevedo on various albums and performance projects. His favorite being Gloria: The Life of Christ. He has been on stage in productions of Annie Get Your Gun, Guys and Dolls, Anything Goes, HMF Pinafore, The Secret Garden, Carmen, experimental operas, road shows, and in the pit for South Pacific as a cellist.  His claim to fame is his time as an original member of the comedy a cappella group Moosebutter. He is single, enjoys long walks on the beach at sunset and people who make him laugh. He can tap dance but is very out of practice. He can currently be seen performing with Cantico Singers and Portland Choir and Orchestra.

Bryant Smith

Hyrum Smith

Bryant Smith

Bryant, a lifelong music enthusiast, is stepping into the world of musical theater for the first time. His musical journey has involved learning new instruments, singing in small groups and choirs, and eventually composing, arranging, and recording music across various genres. These experiences have equipped him with the skills necessary to co-write this musical. When Blaine approached him and Scout a couple of years ago with this project, Bryant had no idea of its potential. Now, as he’s cast in the musical, he’s eager to give his all in his acting debut. 

Kristi Crusan

Lucy Mack Smith

Kristi Crusan

Kristi Crusan is a veteran of stage and studio. She has worked with such artists as Donny Osmond, Stephen King, Michael McLean, Stephen Kapp Perry, and Kurt Bestor. Her credits include Guys & Dolls at Sundance Theatre, OpryLand USA in Nashville, West Side Story, The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors, The Magic Flute and performing throughout Russia in BYU’s Young Ambassadors, Her most recent productions have been Into the Woods as the Witch and Gypsy as Mama Rose. Her most beloved accomplishments however are her 5 children and wonderful husband Ben.

Glenn Bentley

Rev. George Lane

Glenn Bentley

Glenn started singing in High School and has never stopped! He was a member of Olympia Choral Society in the South Puget Sound area. He also spent time as a consistent cast member in musical theater in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He played Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls – and was a large contributor to the historical musical All is Calm, as well. Glenn is honored to be trusted with the “bad-guy” role in MWSH. Playing Reverend Lane has been a challenging part to learn and portray, but his relationship and influence on young Joseph was crucial to Joseph having the confidence to ask God.

Darren Shaw

Joseph Smith Sr.

Darren Shaw

My first acting and singing role was as lead in my 3rd grade musical. I was fortunate to be in jazz and swing choirs through middle school,high school and college. This led to starring roles in various plays and musicals in high school and college. In 1992, I directed and starred as Lamoni in the LDS musical “Lamoni” which played in the Gresham area. Over the last 25 years, I have hosted,written and MC’d various musical/skit fundraising events through my employer. In recent years, I lent my voice as narrator and contributed the song “Maybe” to Blaine Garner’s recent biblical epic. Whether through singing,acting or writing,I love to make people laugh and smile. For fun, look up on KBYU radio,The Apple Seed
story I recently sold entitled Winning Dee Dee. Enjoy. Thank you for supporting The Man Who Saw Heaven.

Rachelle Hymas

Catherine Fuller

Rachelle Hymas

Rachelle Hymas is thrilled to be back on stage in The Man Who Saw Heaven! A lifelong performer, she’s sung in two National Honor Choirs and appeared in The Oakland Temple Pageant, From Camorah’s Hill, and Bye Bye Birdie. When she’s not performing, Rachelle can be found hiking scenic trails, laughing with friends, playing games, decorating, or hunting for the perfect find while shopping. Her favorite Disney princess is Belle—a fellow believer in big adventures, courage, and helping others.

Jordan Hamann

Oliver Cowdery

Jordan Hamann

Jordan is very excited to be a part of this production! He has previously performed the part of (another) Joseph in ServeINC’s inaugural production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in Albany, Oregon. This is by far the largest church show he’s ever been in!

Jordan has been involved with “The Man Who Saw Heaven” since October 2024 when he helped create the promotional “Sorrow No More” music video. It has been amazing to see this show grow and bear fruit the way it has!

Kelli Dougal

Philinda Merrick

Kelli Dougal

Kelli is grateful for the opportunity to return to the stage! She doesn’t perform as much these days, since she stays busy as a mom of 2 and a child therapist.
Favorite past roles include Irene Molloy (Hello, Dolly!), Cecily Cardew (The Importance of Being Earnest), Babette (Beauty & the Beast), and being a princess party performer. You may have spotted her in a Zumba commercial recently! Kelli is also a world traveler who’s been to 30 countries (and counting!) and loves having her family with her on her adventures.

Matt Woodman

Alexander Doniphan

Matt Woodman

Matt Woodman is a professional actor with more than a decade of experience on screen and stage. He has appeared on NBC’s Grimm and Leverage, and can be seen most recently in Amazon’s Losing Addison Portraying the EMT “Joel KirkPatrick”and as Bigfoot in Prime’s Feet of Death. Matt was recently Lead cast as Josie’s love interest in the play Raising Josie.
Matt’s favorite Disney character would have to be, Pinnochio’s  Honest John.
Outside of acting, Matt enjoys producing electronic music, hiking, working out, and exploring all practices of self-care. He shares his life with his three beloved Shih Tzus — Holly, Betty, and Cuddles.

Lauren Fielding

Mary Fielding Smith

Lauren Fielding

Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Lauren has always loved performing! Some of her favorite roles include Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Jasmine in Aladdin, and Lefou in Beauty and the Beast. She first began directing at age 16 with a small group of preschoolers—and never looked back!

By day, Lauren is a music teacher and founder of the student theater program at her school, where she also teaches third and fourth grade in the Spanish Immersion program.

Outside of the classroom, you can find Lauren soaking up the sunshine on a paddle board, gardening, or watching Dancing with the Stars with her husband. She sends a big shoutout to her homies and family who came to support— all the love to them! And a thank you to her Heavenly Father for the talents and opportunities that he places in her life!

Brock Fielding

Porter Rockwell

Brock Fielding

This production marks Brock’s first time in the theatre, and he couldn’t be more excited to bring the legendary Porter Rockwell to life. Known as a man of loyalty and conviction, Porter’s spirit resonates deeply with Brock, who approaches this debut role with the same grit and heart. Brock gives a special shoutout to his wife Lauren, whose encouragement inspired him to audition and take this leap onto the stage. Outside of the theatre, Brock loves watching sports, diving into a good self-help book, and spending time with his wife and family.

Cohen Garner

Newsboy

Cohen Garner

Im am 15, I have been homeschooling most of my life, I have been in 4 plays, I am in arise choir. I have 4 siblings. I play the piano. I love performing, I am in Summit leadership Commonwealth. I love playing football, I also love being with my friends. And I love Brandon Sanderson’s books

Brady Scott

Samuel Smith

Brady Scott

Hey I’m Brady, I’m 22, and I have been singing for 10 years now, ever since I joined choir in 6th grade, I have been a part of multiple highschool state championships for solo and ensemble, and this is my first production and I am absolutely loving it, I have grown a lot from being a part of it, as well as growing in my faith, solidifying my testimony of the gospel, and happy to represent such a strong character.

Michael Reid

Caleb Baldwin

Michael Reid

Michael Reid (Caleb Baldwin) is honored to be participating in this beautiful production. Michael almost remembers the saints entering the Salt Lake valley from when he studied musical theatre at Weber State University. His credits in the past year include There’s Still Snow in Silver Star and The Miracle Worker at Love Street Playhouse in Woodland, These Shining Lives at Starbird Theatre, and A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story and directing Don’t Dress for Dinner at Vancouver’s Magenta Theater. He is already working on the next projects: Little Women and Blithe Spirit at Magenta Theater. Michael sends his love to his wonderful children, Stephen, Emily, Alex and Sammy and adorable grandson, Andersen.

Adalyn Garner

Margaret Cook

Adalyn Garner

Adalyn Garner is 16 years old and has 4 brothers and no sisters. Her oldest brother is on a mission in Uruguay. She has a pet rabbit that is her child. She loves cooking/baking, reading, hanging out with friends, playing the piano, learning ASL, and anything out doors. She is in Arise Choir and loves singing. She is going to start Cosmetology school at Cascadia Tech in September and is so excited. She has been in 5 other production, but this one is by far her favorite production she has ever been in. She loves performing this show with her brother, cousins, aunts and uncles, and of course the rest of the amazing crew, cast and directors!

Jill Maughan

Amanda Barnes Smith

Jill Maughan

Jill is thrilled & humbled to help tell the story of this beautiful musical!! She’s been in school & college & community choirs all her life and a few musicals. Offstage she’s a full time mom to three boys and she’s excited to be performing with her son, Oliver! She thanks her husband and boys for all their love & support.

Jacob Adams

John C Bennett

Jacob Adams

My name is Jacob, and as of writing this I am 17 years old. I enjoy reading, but my favorite things to do involve my closest friends. I love the story of Joseph Smith and I’m so glad I can help bring this history to life in this exciting musical!

Dominic Walsh

Angel Moroni

Dominic Walsh

This is Dominic’s third theatre production. Yes, you have seen him before. He is famous for his portrayal of Jaque in “Love’s Labor’s Lost”. He is also known for his role as Lance in “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”

Dominic likes to be outside in nature. He also has an intense interest in gathering facts on animals of every species – ” two by two of every creature.”

The reason Dominic wanted to be cast as Angel Moroni is because he has always admired Moroni’s story.

Rob Henrikson

Rev. Jesse Townsend

Rob Henrikson

It has been an absolute pleasure to be involved with The Man Who Saw Heaven production.
Even though I play an Evil Minister I do have strong testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith!

Sarah Oldroyd

Julia Murdock Smith

Sarah Oldroyd

Sarah has loved theatre since middle school when she did her first production as Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Since then, she has been a part of Union High School Theatre Players and has played as Elsa in Frozen Jr., a Fate in Hadestown, and is currently working on The Little Mermaid as one of Ariel’s sisters and the play Eurydice as the Loud Stone. She is a sophomore at Union High School and loves to crochet, sing, and always spend time with friends and family.

Samuel Barnes

Heber C Kimball

Samuel Barnes

Samuel is a sophomore at Ridgefield High school. He enjoys playing music with his band and testing his friends’ patience with bad jokes. His favorite role has been Troy Bolton in “High School Musical”.

Liam Gillespie

Orson Hyde

Liam Gillespie

Liam is one of the biggest BYU fans around—of any and every sport! He also loves singing, playing the piano (sometimes at the same time!), diving into theoretical and analytical philosophy, and learning new skills and techniques from people around him.
He’s performed in several productions, most notably as Prospero in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, but this marks his very first musical! Liam is excited to bring Orson Hyde to life and share the stage with this talented cast.

Jonah Lipovich

Alvin Smith

Jonah Lipovich

I’m from the lovely city of Battle Ground, WA. I just returned from my mission in Chicago. I loved sharing the story of Joseph Smith with the people there.

I played trumpet for several years in my school’s Jazz Band. I’ll be studying Mechanical Engineering this Fall at Brigham Young University – Idaho.

Jamie McKell

Ruth Napier

Jamie McKell

This production is my debut on the theater stage. I have loved every minute of it, and this crew has truly become family. I grew up singing—and likely drove my brother crazy because of it! However, it wasn’t until I was a mother of five young children, dealing with depression, that I became serious about pursuing my voice.

I began taking voice lessons and realized how much joy I could find in those moments of song; it was a balm to my heart. When I sing, I want it to mean something. I want to bear testimony and extend the healing I have felt to others. Since then, I have joined the Portland Choir and Orchestra, performing twice a year with a group of people who feel music deeply. The Man Who Saw Heaven is a beautiful combination of everything I love about music; it is a familiar yet entirely new experience. I hope your soul is stirred as you watch us bear our testimonies of the mercy of Jesus Christ.

Emily McKell

Joanna Lewis

Emily McKell

This Salem performance marks my debut on the acting stage. After watching my mom practice and perform in The Man Who Saw Heaven last fall, I felt a deep desire to be a part of it! Singing brings me so much joy; while I love participating in my ward and stake choirs, my favorite moments are performing with my family.

Music has always been at the heart of our home. With a mother who teaches piano and sings, and a father who plays guitar, sings, and writes his own music, my four siblings and I were bound to become musicians as well! When I’m not singing, you can find me crafting or running. I love creating floral arrangements and piecing together new projects, but I also enjoy hitting the pavement. Joining the Prairie High School cross country team has been a tradition for my siblings, and I feel closer to all of them whenever I run.”

Reagan Roes

Reagan Roes

Reagan is 16 years old and already has 5 years of theatre experience. She has performed in a variety of different spaces both on the stage and off. She enjoys softball and learning ASL where she continues to perform her best. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her and encouraging her to be here. Moroni 10:5

Elizabeth Zamora

Mary Stedwell

Elizabeth Zamora

Emma Sonners

Jane James

Emma Sonners

I am 16 years old. I love gardening, singing, acting, reading, fishing, swing dancing, and playing the piano and guitar. I have performed in 5 Shakespeare productions, my favorite role was Speed from Two Gentlemen of Verona.  

Grace Schachterle

Elizabeth Ann Whitney

Grace Schachterle

Grace attends Frontier Middle School, where she is a member of the school’s competitive dance team. She loves being involved in theater and has participated in Journey Theater’s productions of Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Tom Sawyer, and is excited to be part of Seussical this year.

When she’s not rehearsing, Grace enjoys singing, dancing, photography, baking, collecting leaves, and watching Dancing with the Stars. She is so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this production and thankful for her family and friends who always cheer her on. Most of all, she gives thanks to her Heavenly Father for the gifts and opportunities He has placed in her life.

Mike Sonners

Willard Richards

Mike Sonners

I grew up singing and enjoy music. This is my first time being part of a production or anything like this. I am more often found at home doing home improvement or landscaping projects. I also enjoy martial arts and have a second degree black belt in Tae-kwon do.

Scott Schachterle

Alexander McRae

Scott Schachterle

Scott loves his wife, Bethany, and his kids: Lily, Maggie, Grace, Isaac, and Aaron. He grew up in Vancouver, WA, served a mission in Mexico, and graduated from BYU with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. At BYU he played French Horn in the marching band and toured with the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble. Next he served as an instructor in the U.S. Navy at the Navy’s Nuclear Power School. Then he returned to Vancouver and now works as a process engineer while also investing in real estate and small business ventures. He enjoys camping, hiking, boating, singing, and taking road trips with his family.

Jason Sherwood

Brigham Young

Jason Sherwood

Jason caught the theatre bug young, playing roles from Friedrich Von Trapp in The Sound of Music to the Scarecrow in The Wiz. But at 15, during a dress rehearsal for Saturday’s Warrior, everything shifted. Standing alone on stage singing “Lift me up,” he realized the words weren’t about Jimmy anymore—they were about Jason. The Spirit bore witness with unmistakable power: God knew him, and he had a choice to make. Years later, after playing everyone from Scarecrow to Jean Valjean, he’s grateful to lend his voice to others bearing witness of truth in The Man Who Saw Heaven as Brigham Young.

Deb Dougal

Abigail McBride

Deb Dougal

I am so thrilled to be in this show! I have been performing on stages, and in choirs and bands since I was 8, starting way back in the 1960’s. It is fun to pretend to be someone else, and develop a character that is not me, but contains a part of me. I have been able to play serious and comedic roles in theater, film, and tv. Thanks to everyone involved in this sacred production.

James Fife

Young Hyrum Smith

James Fife

James Fife is playing young Hyram Smith. His favorite song in the play is Next to you Brother sung by adult Hyrum and Joseph. He is the son of Tikla Fife who plays Emma Smith. James has previously appeared in the Three Musketeers and will be performing in the Shakespeare play Much Ado About Nothing in the spring. He enjoys listening to books, singing, hanging out with friends, getting into deep philosophical conversations, and playing volleyball and tennis.

Esmyral Boysen

Dancer

Esmyral Boysen

I am 16 years old. I’ve been dancing for about 5 years and I absolutely love it. Theater is a passion of mine, I’ve been a part of 6 productions and have even taken the role of director in a couple. I am member of JROTC and am captain of our Strength Team. Not even the Missouri Militia has guns like these.

Christian Larsen

Rev. Abner Chase

Christian Larsen

I have enjoyed participating and starring in numerous concerts, performances, and in theater shows over the past four decades

Suzette Gibson

Jane Neyman

Suzette Gibson

I grew up in Moses Lake, Washington. I love musicals and have enjoyed performing since I was young! I enjoy the coast, hiking and spending my time with my two young boys and husband!

Jessica Eldredge

Sarah Cleveland

Jessica Eldredge

Jessica has been in many community theatre productions prior to having children. Now that her children are older and can do theatre with her or can be without her more often, she’s thrilled to be able to be back on stage. For the past three years, she has been on stage as a Party Parent in the DanceWorks yearly Nutcracker production.

Brady Garner

Young Samuel Smith

Brady Garner

This is Brady’s first time participating in a live production. He loves to listen and dance to music. He loves rockin’ songs – and slow songs too 😉

Brady loves his family.

Brady thinks it’s a lot of work and effort to play a non-speaking role (“haha”).  But he’s having a lot of fun!

Angus Garner

Alexander Smith

Angus Garner

This is Angus’ first time performing in a musical production, and he’s having a lot of fun!

Angus loves playing piano every chance he gets. His favorite animal is a fox. He also likes to draw.

Jacob Sonners

Newsboy

Jacob Sonners

This is Jacob Sonners and he is 12 years old.  
 
I love being part of The Man Who Saw Heaven.  My favorite song is Sorrow No More that Joseph, Hyrum, John Taylor and Willard Richard sing at the beginning.  Being part of this production has helped my testimony of Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon and the truthfulness of the Gospel grow.  

Olivia Sonners

Martha Ann Smith

Olivia Sonners

I am 9 yrs old. I love animals especially my cats. I also love to dance and spend time with my family.

Bennett Chezik

Newsboy

Bennett Chezik

My name is Bennett Chezik, I’m 11 years old and this is my 5th play. I enjoy acting, singing, dancing, piano, video games, rafting, and ping pong. I’m super excited to be able to do a play for my church and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Oliver Maughan

Alma Smith

Oliver Maughan

Oliver is 11 yrs old and excited to be in a church musical after performing in theater shows since he was 9 yrs old. His favorite past roles include Joe Harper in Tom Sawyer, Wacky in Annie and Tad in Finding Nemo. When he’s not on stage he’s drawing, playing the piano, playing video games or reading. Some of the characters he’s created while making comics are Ponkopinko The Octopus, Fred The Fish, Crab The Crab, and Paponon The Octopus.

Liliana Eldredge

Sarah Kimball

Liliana Eldredge

This is Lily’s first time in a musical. She has performed for the past 3 years in DanceWorks production of The Nutcracker in various dance roles, as well as performing in piano, guitar and voice recitals, and as part of a Rockband group of other kids her age. She loves music and has an incredible ear for it. In her spare time, she is drawing anime or singing.

David Longhurst

Angel John

David Longhurst

Cast as John the Baptist—retaining his head while proclaiming gospel truths in the modern world—Dave hails from a large family with a storied legacy. By day, he is a software developer; by heritage, a farmer and fisherman; by habit, a critical thinker with quick wit; by addiction, a rockhound spotting intriguing stones everywhere, even in concrete and asphalt; by inspiration, a writer of articles, poetry, and lyrics, chasing overlooked truths like a detective without his magnifying glass; by curiosity in John the Baptist, a hesitant insect sampler testing survivability amid chaos. These traits and more drive Dave to embrace cutting-edge technology for humanity’s safe advancement, while remaining firmly anchored in the words of Jesus Christ.

Jake Chezik

Angel Moses

Jake Chezik

Hello, my name is Jake Chezik and this is my first play of all time. It’s been awesome to do this with my son Bennett who at the ripe old age of 11 has already performed in 4 other plays. This has been a great opportunity for both of us to increase our testimony of gospel and I hope you feel the spirit during the performance. Thank you!

Nick Haddan

Mob Leader

Nick Haddan

Nick Haddan (Mob Leader/Militia) made his stage debut as “Tree #3” in a second-grade Thanksgiving play, a performance still remembered (by at least a few classmates). Since then, he’s seen several other plays, including The Giver, The Sound of Music, and various others, which he feels has greatly deepened his understanding of theater. When not commanding a mob, Nick can be found chasing soccer balls, mountain views, or ocean waves. He thanks the cast for pretending to take him seriously, his wife and kids for their love and patience, his brother-in-law for roping him into this adventure, and the directors for putting him in more scenes than he anticipated.

Tyber Parsons

Mob Leader

Tyber Parsons

Just a guy wanting to give a shout out to his bodacious wife.

Among many other life achievements, none pertaining to theatrics, he is amazingly easy to draw.

Don Roberts

Angel Elijah

Don Roberts

When I was young I lived in West Virginia.  In grade school I participated in the school Christmas program for 4 years.  My family moved to California in 1960 because of lack of work.  I graduated from high school in 1966, and was known as Jack of All Trades.  Today I enjoy motorcycle riding and helping veterans when it comes time for military honors.  My beautiful wife and I have been married for 47 years.  

Issac Fife

Joseph Smith III

Issac Fife

Jonathan Garner

Militia Soldier

Jonathan Garner

I’ve been in a hand full of highschool plays. They were enjoyable but never something I wanted to continue. However, if there is an opportunity to testify of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his work on earth, I’m there.

Eric Boysen

Gov. Lucas

Eric Boysen

Other than Boy Scout skits, Eric has been out of theater since a childhood stint as the Mikado in the eponymous operetta. Eric has served in the U.S. Army and works as an engineer. He is supported by his wife and nine children.

Halley Sonners

Stage Crew Manager

Halley Sonners

Hi!  My name is Halley and I am 18 yrs old.  I love performing on the stage and being a drama queen in general.  I enjoy drawing, singing, dancing, looking at the stars and doing my makeup.  I love spending time at the beach and going home soaked no matter how cold it is.  
 
Being able to hear the songs from The Man Who Saw Heaven has helped me feel the Spirit and tear up multiple times. I do truly believe that Joseph is a prophet of God.  

Cody Sonners

Stage Crew

Cody Sonners

I love reading, being outside and hanging out with my family. I have participated in local Shakespeare productions for a couple of years and love being on stage.

Jimmi Garner

Stage Crew

Jimmi Garner

The Man Who Saw Heaven

Program

Act 1

CHAPTER 1: They Have Killed Him

  1. Just This Time
  2. Carthage
  3. Sorrow No More
  4. A Poor Wayfaring Man
  5. Joseph The Prophet

CHAPTER 2: An Unusual Excitement

  1. No In-between
  2. War of Words
  3. Oh Mother, Father
  4. Alvin & Joseph
  5. Distracted

CHAPTER 3: Truth and Lies

  1. A Pillar of Light
  2. I Saw God
  3. If You Were Me

CHAPTER 4: When All Is Dark

  1. The Calling
  2. Now All Is Dark
  3. When The Light Comes In

CHAPTER 5: Come To Zion

  1. Never To Be Forgotten
  2. Israel Israel God Is Calling
  3. No Unhallowed Hand

Act 2

CHAPTER 6: Where Art Thou?

  1. Removed From The State
  2. Why How and When
  3. What Are You Gonna Do?
  4. My Jesus
  5. In The Pit
  6. I’m All Done

CHAPTER 7: A Beautiful Place

  1. The British Saints
  2. Here In Nauvoo
  3. John C. Bennett
  4. Alvin Is Not Dead
  5. Take Me Down To The River
  6. Stay By His Side

CHAPTER 8: Lamb to the Slaughter

  1. Bennett, Hyrum & Presidential Campaign
  2. What Are You Gonna Do (reprise)
  3. The Rocky Mountains
  4. Abandon My People
  5. Next To You, Brother
  6. A Cry When Out

CHAPTER 9: Walk By Faith

  1. My Everything
  2. How Did She Do It?
  3. The Living Christ
  4. This I Know