“PressForward:”ABookofMormonFamilyMusical(v.16,3-31-16)

ActI:IntheWilderness1-–FromtheDust Lehi,Prophets,,Cast (11/13/14) (:24)2-ThereforeIMakeaRecord OlderNephi (06/20/03) (1:50)3-ThisIsNotShowAbout… Narrators,Cast (3/2/14) (2:10)4-PeopleofJerusalem Prophets,PeopleofJerusalem (3/28/14) (2:48) ThatIMayHear O.Nephi,Lehi,Angels(9/22update) (11/14/14) (2:38)GreatandMarvelous Lehi,Angels (06/22/03) (1:43) Repent!/WhointheWorld? Lehi,PeopleofJerusalem (06/25/13) (1:35)BlessedArtThou,Lehi VoiceofGod (11/21/14) (1:07)LeaveItAllBehind Sariah,Angels,Prophets,Y.Nephi (11/12/14) (2:37)LikeThisRiver,LikeThisValley Lehi (6/23/03) (1:53)OurFatherIsaFool Laman;Lemuel (6/22/03) (1:34)ForMyself YoungNephi (6/21/03) (2:13)BlessedArtThou,Nephi VoiceofGod (11/14/14) (1:04)IHaveDreamedaDream Lehi (11/27/14) (0:54)IWillGo YoungNephi/Lehi (6/21/03) (1:55)OneRoad,TwoChoices Narrators (9/22update) (11/16/14) (1:20)GettingthePlates(w/3songs) Lehi’sSons,Laban,OlderNephi (11/27/14) (8:30)WhatIsAllThisFor? Sariah,Lehi (3/7/14) (3:12)NowIKnow Sariah,Family,Angels (11/14/14) (1:15)ComeWithUs Lehi’sSons,Ishmael’sFamily (3/28/14) (1:51)JoinedInTheirJourney Narrators,Family,YoungNephi (11/17/14) (2:54)BeautifulTonight Lehi,Sariah (11/17/14) (2:25)Lehi’sDream Lehi (11/20/14) (3:25)IntheValleyofLemuel Narrators (11/15/14) (1:20)TenderMercies Nephi’sWife;Sariah (3/4/14) (3:40)OutHere DaughtersofIshmael;Family (3/9/14) (2:42)PreciousThings DaughtersofIshmael;Family (3/28/14) (2:22)IntheWilderness Laman,Men,OlderNephi,Angels (11/16/14) (1:13)Eventually Sariah,Lehi,Family,Angels (3/2/14) (3:50) ActII:InThePromisedLandEntr’acte:DanceoftheChildren Children (11/17/14) (:48) StrengthfortheJourney Family (11/15/14) (2:41) JourneyingsWithoutMurmurings OlderNephi,Family (11/15/14) (0:39)HomeAtLast Laman,Lemuel,Nephi2;Family (11/16/14) (2:00)IntheBackground Narrators,Women (8/9/14) (2:00) DriventotheMountain Nephi2,Angels (3/2/14) (1:40)

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OurBrotherIsaFool Laman,Lemuel,Nephi2,Sam (6/22/14) (1:55) IHaveNotForgotten Sariah,Mrs.Laman,Angels (4/18/14) (3:05)HomeAtLast,Reprise Lehi,Family,Sariah (11/16/15) (2:07)BeautifulTonight,Reprise Lehi (11/17/14) (2:21)Awake,MySons Lehi (11/19/14) (4:13)Hey,LittleBrother Laman (5/20/06) (2:07) Eventually,Reprise Nephi2,Sariah,Lehi (3/10/14) (1:03)Awake,MySoul Nephi2,OlderNephi,Angels (6/23/03) (3:37)Wronged!Robbed! Laman,Lemuel,Lamanites (3/10/14) (1:18)TheMannerofHappiness Nephites,Lamanites (3/11/14) (2:17)TheTimePassedAway Jacob,Nephites (11/22/14) (:32)Eventually,Reprise2 OlderNephi,Sam,Warriors (3/10/14) (1:30)WeTalkofChrist OlderNephi/Wife,Nephites,Angels (9/23/00) (3:20)ImperfectWorld Narrators,Cast (11/16/14) (1:10)FromtheDust,Reprise OlderNephi,Lehi,Nephi2,Cast (11/18/14) (:30) YeMustPressForward OlderNephi,Cast (2/5/03) (2:30)CHARACTERLIST:LEHI: AconscientioushusbandandfatherinJerusalem,whobecomesasober,visionaryman.(INFJ)SARIAH: Hiswife,dynamicandvibrant.Shelovesbeautifulthings,andadorestheirchildren. (ENFP)NEPHI: Theirfourthson,humbleanddeep-thinking;becomesbold,determined,andpassionate(INFJ)LAMAN: Theiroldestson,intenseandangry–andanabsolutelydevotedhusbandandfather. (ENTJ)LEMUEL: Theirsecondson,jovialandsarcastic;amiddlechildseekingnoticeandvalidation (ESTP)SAM: Theirthirdson,quiet,compliant,caring,andsupportive–agentlemiddlechild. (ISFJ)JACOB: Theirfifthson,borninthewilderness–asober,thoughtfulchildandfutureleader. (INFP)JOSEPH: Theirsixthson,borntowardstheendofthewildernessjourney. (ISTP)ZORAM: FormerlyaservantinJerusalem,heisaquiet,loyaladoptedsonintheirhousehold. (ISTJ)OLDERNEPHI:Primarynarrator,anolderversionofLehi’sfourthson,seasonedbyexperience. (ENTJ)NARRATORS: Nephi’stwoyoungestsisters,servingasvibrantangelicnarratorsthroughoutthestory. (ENFP)ISHMAEL&WIFE:Agingparentsofyoungadultchildren,andfriendsofLehiandSariah.(HeISTJ,SheISFJ)ISHMAEL’SDAUGHTERS:MarriedtoLehi’ssons:Laman’s:Sensitiveandneedy,ISFP;Lemuel’s:

Flippantandjovial,ESFP;Sam’s:Gentleandsupportive,ISFJ;Nephi’s:Tenderandfaithful,INFP;Zoram’s:Devotedandsteadfast,ISFJ.THEIRCHILDREN:IncludingLaman’s5y.o.son(ESTP)

ISHMAEL’SSONS,ANDTHEIRWIVES(2+):FriendsofLamanandLemuel(#1:ISTP/ESFP;#2:ISTJ/ESTJ)LABAN:Amightyandwickedman,fearedinhiscommunity,withmanyarmedguardsandservants. (ESTJ)VOICEOFGOD:Heardearlyintheshow,gentlebutstrong.Later,singswithAngelChorus. (ENFJ)PROPHETS:Jeremiahandothers,senttoJerusalem,slainbyitspeople.Later,partofAngelChorus.(ENFJ) PEOPLEOFJERUSALEM:Friendlybutidolatrousandviolent-varietyofagesandpersonalities. (Chorus)ANGELS:Pre-mortalandpost-mortalmembersofLehi’sfamily,andotherswatchingoverthem.(Chorus)WARRIORS:YoungmenwhofightundercommandofLabaninAct1,militarycommandersinAct2(Chorus)

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ActI:IntheWilderness(#’scorrespondtoCDtracks.Alllinesaresung,unlessspeakingisindicated.)#1:FromtheDust(2Ne.3:19-20;Morm.8:23;2Ne.33:13;Is.29:4;Moro.10:27,32;1Ne.6:4)(Themusicisboldandstrong,withanancientAmericanfeel.Lightscomeupdimly,afoggyatmosphereisseen,withthesingersinsilhouette.Lightscomeupontheminturn,astheysing:)Lehi:(center) Ispeakasonecryingfromthedust…+Jeremiah(SL) Ispeakasonecryingfromthedust…+Zephaniah:(SR) Ispeakasonecryingfromthedust…Company: ComeuntoChrist!(theyendona3-partchord,withchoirandorchestrabackup)(8strongchordssegueintothenextsong,astheyexit,andlightscomeupsoftlyonanolderNephiDSL,holdinggoldenplates.HewalkstoC,andsings:)#2:ThereforeIMakeARecord(1Ne1:1;2Ne.4:15-16)OlderNephi: Havingbeenbornofgoodlyparents,HavingbeentaughtinthewaysofGod, AndhavingseenmanyafflictionsInthecourseofmydays-nevertheless,

HavingbeenhighlyfavoredoftheLord,Havinggreatknowledgeofhisgoodnessandhismyst’ries,ThereforeImakearecordOfmyproceedingsinmydays.

Andupontheseplates,Iwritethethingsofmysoul;FormysouldelightethinthethingsofGod.Andmyheartpondereththem,andwriteththem,Forthelearningandtheprofitofmychildren;Mychildren...

Havingbeenbornofgoodlyparents,HavingbeentaughtinthewaysofGod,ThereforeImakearecord...Ofmyproceedings…in…mydays.

(Hereturnstohisworkontheplates,center,aslightscomeupDSRontwoyoungfemaleNarrators,dressedinwhite.Theysingdirectlytotheaudience,asOlderNephi’swifeentersfromDSL,carryingatrayoffood.)#3:ThisisNotaShowAbout…Nar.1: Thisisnotashowabout…Aperfectfamily. (ON’sWife:(offeringhimthefood)Nephi?)Nar.2: Thisisnotashowabout…Aperfectworld.(OlderNephi:I’mnothungry.)Nar.1: Thisnotashowwhererosesbloombeneathourfeet,(ON’sWifegazesonhimsadly,withcompassion)N.1&2:Orwhereallisniceandsweet–No,notatall. (ON’sWife,kindly:I’llbehere,ifyouneedanything)

(LightsuponAngelChorus,whojointhesinging)Nar.2: Thisisgonnashowthatwewillallsometimesfacesorrow,(AngelChorus:Ah..)(ON’swifeexitsslowlySL)Nar.1:Evenifweknowthatwearedoingthebestwecan;N.1&2:Butthisisgonnashowthatthere’sapowerwecanborrow,(reflecting1Ne.1:20)(ONstandswithresolution,

Thatcanguideusthroughtomorrow,Andhelpustostand! andmovesSL,stillwritingandpondering) Nar.1: Thisisastory Ofawomanandaman; (Frontcurtainopens,revealingLehiandSariah,centerstage) TryingtoleadtheirfamilyTowardsapromisedland. (Theirsonsalsobecomevisible,inorderofage)Nar.2: Leavingtheirfamiliarworld,Andallthattheyhaveknown(LamanandLemuellookbacktowardJerusalem) Totrytobuildanewworldontheirown,(TheyandallthefamilyturnandlookDSL)

WiththehelpofGod, (Thescenecomestolife.Lehi’sfamilybeginstointeractwithvendersN.1&2:WiththehelpofGod. whoenter,sellingvariousgoods.Lehi,amerchant,alsosellshiswares.)

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AslightscomeuponJerusalem,3mainhousesarevisible:Lehi’s(SR,inlightcolors,elegantandbeautiful);Laban’s(grandandornate,indarkrichcolors,C);andIshmael’s(neatbutsimple,inearthtones,SL.

Ishmael’sfamilyandothersenter,greetingLehi’sfamily.SariahIsespeciallypleasedtoseeherfriend,Ishmael’swife.)

DaughtersofIshmael:Look,heretheyare!Nar.1&2: Thisisastory(Angels:Ah…) JewishWomen:Goodmorning,Sariah!

Ofawomanandaman;Lehi,LL:Somethingjustforyou!Ishmael:Howisyourfam’ly,Lehi? Tryingtoleadtheirfamily LehI: They’regettingtallerthanme…

Towardsapromisedland. Sons(inturn): Laman,Lemuel,Sam,andNephi,(Theupperclasscitizensbrushofflocalbeggars.Thebuyingandsellingofgoodscontinues.)

Leavingtheirfamiliarworld, Sariah: Howareyoudoing,myfriend?

Andallthattheyhaveknown LehI: Weshouldbegettinghome, Totrytobuildanewworldontheirown,Family: Gettinghome,gettinghome. WiththehelpofGod… Angels:WiththehelpofGod.

WiththehelpofGod. Angels:Thisisnotashowaboutaperfectfamily…Nar.1: OurstorybeginsinJerusalem,along,longtimeago,+Nar.2: Asprophetsshareamessagethatthepeopleneedtoknow:Angels:Ah…(LightsoutonAngelChorus,asProphetsenter,preachingamongthepeople.Jeremiahsingsfirst,thenZephaniah:)#4:PeopleofJerusalem(1Ne.1:4)Jer/Zeph: PeopleofJerusalem(PeopleofJerusalem)

Gatherandhearmywords(Gatherandhearmywords) ForGodhasspokentome(ForGodhasspokentome)

AndImusttellyouwhatI’veheard(AndImusttellyouwhatI’veheard)(Laban,hisarmedmen,and chiefeldersenterfromLaban’shouse,listening:)

(Inharmony:) Jerusalem,ourmightycity,isabouttobedestroyed, Andthereisonlyonewaytoescapeit:

Youmustrepentofyourabominations; (Thecrowdresponds–somewithindignation, Repentofyourwickedness,yourpride;otherswithanxiety,guilt,orearnestconcern) TurntoGodwithyourwholeheartandmind, Thenperhaps,youmayfinddeliverance Fromwhatissuretocome! (Labanleadshisgroupforward,challengingtheprophets)People: Whointheworlddoyouthinkyouare,tryingtotelluswhattodo?

You’renobetterthananyofus,whyshouldwelistentoyou?We’regoodpeople,justdoingourbest,andit’snotforyoutosayWhatweshoulddo,orhowweshouldliveourlives,sopleasejustgoaway!(Labanmotionshismen)

Prophets: PeopleofJerusalem,(Theyareyankeddownfromtheirpedestals)People:(Whodoyouthinkyouare?)

Gatherandhearmywords,(Handsareboundbehindtheirback)(Tryingtotelluswhattodo!) ForGodhasspokentome,(Aspearisthrustundertheirarms) (You’renobetterthananyofus!)

AndImusttellyouwhatI’veheard(Theyaredraggeddownstage)(Whyshouldwelistentoyou?)

Jerusalem,ourmightycity,(Boldly,inharmony,breakingawayDSC)Isabouttobedestroyed,Andthereisonlyonewaytoescapeit: (DraggedtoLaban’spalaceupstageC)(Youbotharecrazy!)

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Youmustrepent (Howdareyou?)Ofyourabominations; (We’reallgoodpeople!)

Repentofyourwickedness,yourpride; (It’snotforyoutosay…) TurntoGodwithyourwholeheartandmind,(toNephI)

Thenperhaps,youmayfinddeliverance(toLehi,Ishmael) Fromwhatissuretocome!(TheyaredraggedDS,R&L)(You’llgetwhat’scomingtoyou!) TurntoGod!/(Lehi:)PeopleofJerusalem! (Justgoaway!)

TurntoGod!/(+Sariah,Ishm/Wife/OldestDtr:)PeopleofJerusalem!(Justgoaway!)TurntoGod!/(+Sam,Zoram:)PeopleofJerusalem!(Justgoaway,We’reallgood….PeopleofJerusalem!(+Nephi,C,lookinghelplesslyontheterriblescene)(PeopleofJerusalem!)

(Theprophetsarerejected,boundandcarriedawayviolentlybyLaban’smen,asthepeoplescatterinfear.Labansmilescontemptuously,asSariahanxiouslyushershersonsintotheirhouse.Asthetownspeopledissipate,Lehiquietlyseparateshimself,andmovestoaquietcornerDSR,rememberingandreflecting.)

#5:ThatIMayHear(1Ne.1:5-13)Lehi: “TurntoGodwithyourwholeheartandmind, Thenperhaps,youmayfind

Deliverancefromwhatissuretocome!”(HelooksbackatJerusalem,thenpleadsintently:) Oh,God,havemercyonme!Onmypeople,onmyfamily! Oh,God,pleasespeakuntome,ThatImayhear!ThatImayhear!

(LightsuponOlderNephi,SL,speaking,asacurtainfallsinfrontofJerusalem)OlderNephi: Myfatherprayed,andbeingovercomewiththeSpirit,hewascarriedaway Angels:(Ah…) Inavision,andhesawtheheavensopen,

AndhesawGodonhisthrone,SurroundedwithnumberlessconcoursesofangelsIntheattitudeofsingingandpraisingtheirGod.Angels:(Lookingup,surroundingLehi:)Gloria!Ah…)

AnditcametopassthathesawOnedescending

Outofthemidstofheaven;andhebeheldThathislusterwasbrighterthanthesunatnoonday,Andhealsosawtwelveothersfollowinghim,brighterthanstars.(AstrongspotlightfallsuponLehi,representingthisheavenlyvisitation.)Andtheycamedownandwentforthupontheearth;Andthefirstcameandstoodbeforemyfather,Andgaveuntohimabook,andbadehimthatheshouldread.(LehireachesoutinpantomimetoacceptAndhereadofdestructionstocomeuponJerusalem.thisheavenlybook,whichheopensandreads)

Andwhenmyfatherhadreadandseen (Lehiclosesthebook,andgivesitback

Manygreatandmarvelousthings, inpantomimetothebeingoflightabovehishead.HedidexclaimuntotheLord: (Thelightsrepresenting“TheFirst”and“TheTwelve”

ascendgradually,thendisappear,asLehiwatchesinawe.Then,exultantly,hesings:)

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#6:GreatAndMarvelous(1Ne.1:14-15)Lehi: Greatandmarvelousarethyworks,LordGodAlmighty!

Thythroneishighintheheavens!AndthypowerandthygoodnessandthymercyAreoverallwhodwellupontheearth. Angels:(begintoaccompanyhim,on“Ah,”inajoyous

andglorioussongofpraise,ashecontinues:Greatandmarvelousarethyworks,LordGodAlmighty!Thythroneishighintheheavens;Andbecausethouartmerciful,thouwiltnotsufferThosewhocomeuntothee,thattheyshouldperish.

Andmyheartisfilled,andmysouldothrejoice, (Heartfilled–Rejoice!)BecauseofthethingswhichIhaveseen. (BecauseofallIhaveseen)Becauseofthethingsthouhastshownuntome, (Thingsshown–Tome!)

+Angels: Iwillliftmyvoiceforeverinpraisetothee!(Keychange)Angels:Greatandmarvelousarethyworks,LordGodAlmighty! Lehi,Angels:Ah…

Thythroneishighintheheavens!

Lehi: Iwillliftmyvoicetotestifyofthee, ChildAngels:Liftyourvoice!Testify!Tosharethehopefultidingsthouhastgivenuntome, Sharethehope!Sendforthyourcry!ForIhaveseenandfeltofthymercy,OLord! TellofHismercy!(Thymercy,Lord!)LordGodAlmighty! Ah!Thythroneishighintheheavens! (Hecontinueslookingup,hearingthevoiceofGod.(Angels:Ah!)(>Musicoff) (LightsoffonstageexceptonLehi.Angelsexit.LightsuponOlderNephi)

OlderNephi:AndaftertheLordhadshownsomanymarvelousthingsuntomyfather,hewentforthamongthepeople,(Speaking) (>Music#7)andbegantoprophesyuntothemconcerningthethingswhichhehadseenandheard.(Thecurtainsopenagain,revealingJerusalem,torch-litatnightfall.LehimovesbackUSCintoJerusalem,weighed

downbythemessagehehasbeenentrustedtoshare,andgrievingthesinsofthepeople.)(1Ne.1:,18)#7:Repent!/WhoInTheWorld?/Depart!(1Ne.1:18-20)Lehi: Myfriendsandmyneighbors,Mykindredandmypeople,(Hegentlymakescontactwithhis Godsendsyouamessagethisday: associatesinJerusalem.)AllOnstage: (Whatdidhesay?) (Theygatheraroundhim,curious.) Lehi: Jerusalem’sindanger,andsoontofacedestruction;(Labanandhismenenterthreateningly.)

Andyoumaysaveheronlyinoneway: (Lehi’sfamilyreactsinconcernwhentheyseeLaban.)

(Boldly)Youmustrepentofyourabominations, +PeopleofJ:(Notanotherone!) Repentofyouridolatries,yoursins! (He’sascrazyastheothers!) TurntoGodwithyourwholeheartandmind; Thenperhaps,youmayfinddeliverance Fromwhatissuretocome!PeopleofJ: Oh…Whointheworlddoyouthinkyouare,tryingtotelluswhattodo?

You’renobetterthananyofus,whyshouldwelistentoyou?We’regoodpeople,justdoingourbest,andit’snotforyoutosayWhatweshoulddo,orhowweshouldlivesourlives,sopleasejustgoaway!

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Lehi: Repent! People:Justgoaway! Please…Repent! People:Whoaskedyouanyway?

Myfriendsandmyneighbors,Mykindredandmypeople… People:(deepandmenacing)Justgoaway!

(Heextendsafinalpleadinghandtowardthem,buttheyallstormoff,leavinghimaloneonthestreet.

Lightsoutonhim,asLabanandothernoblesgatherDSL,conferringangrily,gesturingtowardhim.)#8:Conspirators/BlessedArtThouLehi(Instrumental):OlderNephi: AnditcametopassthattheJewsdidmockhim,andwereangrywithhim,forhetrulytestifiedoftheir(Speaking) wickednessandtheirabominations.Andtheysoughthislife,thattheymighttakeitaway.(Lightsouton

theconspiratorsandJerusalem;lightcontinuesonLehi.)ButitcametopassthattheLordspakeuntomyfather,andcommandedhimthatheshouldtakehisfamilyanddepartintothewilderness.

(LightsoutonallbutOlderNephi,asacurtainfalls,andawildernesscampissetupDSL)

AndmyfatherwasobedientuntothewordoftheLord,whereforehedidastheLordcommandedhim. Andhelefthishouse,andthelandofhisinheritance,hisgold,hissilver,andhispreciousthings,and

tooknothingwithhim,saveitwerehisfamily,provisions,andtents,anddepartedintothewilderness.Andwhenhehadtraveledthreedaysinthewilderness,hepitchedhistentinavalleybythesideofariverofwater.(1Ne.2:3-6.)(Musiccontinues,aslightscomeuponLehiinthewilderness,sittingonalargeboulderneartheirtent.Sariahapproacheshim,fullofconcerns.Theirboyslistenin.)

Sariah:(Speaks)Howlongarewegoingtohavetostayouthere?Lehi: I’mnotsure.TheLorddidn’tsay.(LamanandLemuelexitangrilySL;NephiandSamgointothetent)Sariah: We’velefteverythingbehind.Everythingwe’vegathered,oversomanyyears.Everyonewe’veloved.

Everypreciousthingweeveracquired.(>MusicOff)Lehi:Everypreciousthing…exceptone.Themostpreciousthingofall.Westillhaveourfaith.Andwestill

haveourlives.And…westillhaveeachother.Thatwhichismostprecious(>Music#9)isstillverymuchwithus.Evenhere.(Helooksintohereyes,thenembracesherkindly.)(Sheisstillnotfullyconvinced,butistrying.Heexits,leavingheralonewithhermanyconflictedfeelings.)

#9:LeaveItAllBehind(1Ne.2:4)Sariah: Leaveitallbehind–Leavetheworldyou’veknown–(Singing) Leaveyourcomforts,leaveyourtreasures– Leaveyourkinfolk,leaveyourhome. (Agentlefemaleangelappearssilentlytosupporther)

Leaveitallbehind–Wanderfaraway– Angel:Leaveitallbehind–Faraway Todwellinthiswildandunfriendlyplace– Hereinthisplace(Otherfemaleangelsenter) Unsurehowlongyou’llhavetostay. Angels:Unsurehowlongyou’llhavetostay. Leaveitallbehind Leaveitallbehind

Turnyourfacetowardthewind. Thewind Letitblowallyourdreamsaway– Ah Hopingsomethingbetterwillbegin. Somethingbetterwillbegin

Leaveitallbehind(Leaveitallbehind)–FollowGod,followthisman–(Followhim) Thoughyouhavenotsharedhisvision(Hisvision);Thoughyoudonotknowhisplan(Hisplan). Leaveitallbehind(Leaveitbehind)–Leavetheworldyou’veknown–(Thisworldyou’veknown) Tryingnottoshedathousandtears (YoungNephienters,withhisownthoughtsandgriefs) Asyoumakethisdesert…Home…(Makethisdesert…Home)(JerusalemlightsupdimlyUSR)

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(Jeremiah,stillbound,enters,followedbythepeopleintorchlight,asLaban’schiefhenchmanstormsin,enraged.)

Henchman: Enoughofhim! PeopleofJ:Youhavejudgedus,weareallgoodpeople!Prophets: Jerusalemwillbedestroyed-PeopleofJ:Herewegoagain!Howdareyou!Angels,YoungNephi,Sariah:(Leaveitallbehind)Prophets: Thereisonlyonewaytoescapeit-(Escapeit!) PeopleofJ:You’llgetwhat’scomingtoyou!Pr’s,Ish,YN,S: TurntoGodwithyourownheartandmind, Youbotharecrazy!Youareoutofyourmind!

Leaveitallbehind! Angels+Zoram:Leaveitallbehind!(LightsoutonJerusalem)Sariah/Y.Nephi:Leaveitallbehind Angels:Leaveitall/Leaveitallbehind

Aworldthat’sdoomedtofall Doomedtofall. Whenyouseethingsastheyreallyare,

(S/YNharmony,angelswiththem)Itisn’tanysacrifice…Itisn’tanysacrifice…(Unison)Atall- LeaveitallbehindToleaveitall….Behind. Leaveitallbehind.(Lightsoutonangels)(>Musicoff)

Lehi:(Speaks) (EnterswithLamanandLemuel.)Mysons,Iknowthishasallbeendifficultforyou,andforyourmother.ButGodhasbroughtus,foroursafety,intothismajesticvalley.Thisgrandriver,flowinggentlyintothewatersoftheRedSea,Ihavenamed,Laman,afteryou.(>Music#10.)AndLemuel,thisvalley,thisplaceofsafetyandrefuge,Ihavenamedafteryou.(1Ne.2:4-8)

#10:LikeThisRiver,LikeThisValley(1Ne.2:9-10)Lehi: Likethisriver,likethisvalley,Omysons,Iprayyou’llbe;

Everpeaceful,evertranquil,everhappy,everfree.Likethisriver,everrunningintothefountainofrighteousness;Everfruitful,everflowing,evereagertohealandbless.

Likethisriver,likethisvalley, Sariah:Likethisriver,likethisvalleyOmysons,Iprayyou’llbe; Lord,Ipraythey’llbe.Thatyoumightrisetoyourfullstature, Thattheymightrisetotheirfullstature,Andfulfillyourdestiny. Theirdestiny.Likethisvalley,firmandsteadfast, Likethisvalley,firmandsteadfastImmovableandsure, ImmovableandsureSoIprayyouwillbeinkeeping SoIprayyouwillbe:ThecommandmentsoftheLord.(heexits) Likethisriver,likethisvalley

So,mysons,Iprayyou’llbe...(sheexits)(TheNarratorshaveappearedinalightSR,watchingthefamily.)Narrators: (Thisisnotashowaboutaperfectfamily…) (Angrymusicerupts,asLamanpullsLemuelasideDSR.#11:OurFatherisaFool(1Ne.2:11-14)Laman: Ourfatherisafool,Stuffedwithsillydreams; (Notharshhere–seemingtogoalongwiththeirLemuel: AndIknow,asarule,Thatnothing’sasitseems.father’splan,butlaughingathimbehindhisback.)Laman: HepretendsthatGodhasspoken,andhastoldustofleeaway,

FromJerusalem,whichwillbedestroyednowanyday:Lemuel: Likethatcouldhappen!+Laman:Likethatcouldhappen!(Sariahre-enters,concerned)Lemuel: Ourfatherisafool,Blindlyleadingusouthere,(Lamancrossestoherfiercely)

Intothisgod-forsakendesert,leavingallweholdmostdear(Lemuelfollows,snappingather)

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Laman: Weleftourhome, (Samenters,hearingtheturbulence)Lemuel: Ourlives, Laman: Ourtreasures,ourinheritancebehind:(Hetriestoshieldhismotherfromtheirverbalassault)+Lemuel: What!Isthemanoutofhismind?(SheretreatsintearstoLehi’srock)L&L: Whydidweeverlistenforonesecondtothecrazyramblings (TheystomptoC)

Ofthisolddelusionaryman?______ (Theystompback,conspiring)Maybeit’snottoolatetoturnaroundandjustgohomeagain:(Theypointontheworld“home”)Maybewecan-Maybewecan! (Theyjoinherattherock,continuingtheirtirade)

Sam:“Honorthyfatherandthymother!” Laman: Ourfatherisdeceived,fulloffoolishimaginations, Can’tyouseeLemuel: Itcannotbebelieved-WhywouldGoddestroyanation Youarebreakingherheart!

Thatkeepshisstatutesandhisjudgments,livingbyhislaw? Speaknomore!(Nephientersquietly)L&L: Something’sputastrainonthebrainofdearoldPa! Speaknomore!Laman: Ourfatherisafool...Lemuel: Ourfatherisafool...(Sariahrunsoutintears)L&L: Thebiggestfoolofall! (Inbewilderment,Nephiwatchesthisdevastatingfirestorminhisfamily.)Narrators: (Watchingsadly)Thisisnotashowaboutaperfectfamily…Sam:“Honorthyfather!”(AllbutNephiexit,continuingthisintensefamilyconflict.Gentlemusicbegins.Hemovesslowlytohisfather’srock) #12:ForMyself(1Ne.2:16)Nephi: Allmylife,I’vebeentaughtinthelearningofmyfather; (Sitsonhisfather’srock,DSL)(Singing:) Allmydays,I’vebelievedthatwhathesaidisso;

ButnowIfindthatjustbelieving(Standssharply,movestoLC.)Nolongerisenough:NowIfind,Ineedtoknow,

Formyself:Ineedmyownexperience. (MovestoC,pleadingtoGod)Formyself,Ineedalightinside;Forthiswildernessissimplyjusttoohardtotake,Withoutthestrengthofmyownwitness,myownguide:Ineedtoknow–Ineedtoknow- Formyself. (HemovesandkneelsDR.inferventprayer.)

OlderNephi: Wherefore,IdidcryuntotheLord,andbeholdhedidvisitme,anddidsoftenmyheart,(Speaking) thatIdidbelieveallthewordswhichhadbeenspokenbymyfather;

wherefore,Ididnotrebelagainsthimlikeuntomybrothers.Nephi: Formyself:I’vegainedmyownexperience. (Hestandsslowly,gainingpower)(Singing:) Formyself,I’vefoundalightinside;

Andthiswildernesswillneverbetoohardtotake,)NowthatI’mledbymyownwitness,myownguide.NowIknow-NowIknow-Formyself!(>Musicoff)

(SamslipsoutofthetentandfindsNephi.Nightbreezesandsoundeffectscontinueastheyspeak.)(1Ne.2:17)

Sam:(Speaks) Nephi–it’slate.Willyoubecomingbackinsoon?Mother’sworriedaboutyou.Nephi: (Stillintheafterglowofhisexperience)I’llbeininaminute.(Samsighsdeeply,thenturnstoleave)Nephi: it’strue.(Samturnsbacktolookathim)

Father’snotimaginingit.It’salltrue.

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Sam: Ihopeyou’reright.Becauseit’shardouthere.Nephi: Butit’sworthit,Sam.It’sallworthit.Sam: That’sgoodtoknow.Nephi: Itisgoodtoknow.Now–let’sgetinside.

(HeleadsSambackintothetent,andtheyenterthroughthedooraslightsgoout.)OlderNephi: Sambelievedmywords.(Morninglightcomesupsoftly)Butbehold,LamanandLemuelwouldnothearkentomywords.(>Music#13)

LamanandLemuelcomestormingoutofthetent,crossingtooffstageright,Nephi,gesturingtowardthem,SamandSariahstandinghelplesslybehindhim.)

OlderNephi: Andbeinggrievedbecauseofthehardnessoftheirhearts,IcrieduntotheLordforthem. (Nephipraysfervently,standingC)AndtheLordspakeuntome,saying:#13:BlessedArtThou,Nephi(1Ne.2:18-22)VoiceofGod: (Gently)Blessedartthou,Nephi,becauseofthyfaith,(Singing) Forthouhastsoughtmediligently,Withlowlinessofheart. (Morestrongly)Andinasmuchasyekeepmycommandments,Yeshallprosperintheland; AndinasmuchasthybrethrenshallrebelagainsttheeTheyshallbecutofffromthepresenceoftheLord Andinasmuchasthoushaltkeepmycommandments, Thoushaltbemadearulerandteacheroverthem.(Nephiwillhavetogrowintothisstartlingnewidea. (>Musicoff) NowheislearningnotjustwhoGodis–butwhoheis.)O.Nephi: AnditcametopassthatI,Nephi,returnedfromspeakingwiththeLord(>Music#14)(Speaks) tothetentofmyfather.(Lehientersfromthetent,lookingtroubled)Nephi: Whatisit,father?Istheresomethingwrong?(1Ne3:1)#14a:Behold,IHaveDreamedaDream(1Ne.3:2-5)Lehi: Behold,Ihavedreamedadream,InthewhichtheLordhathcommandedme(Singing ThatthouandthybrethrenshallreturnuntoJerusalem,toNephi:) TothehouseofLaban,toseekplatesofbrasswhichcontainsacredrecords

Andbringthemhithertocarrywithusintothewilderness.

Andnow,behold,thybrethrenmurmur,sayingit’sahardthingwhichIhaverequiredofthem.Butbehold,Ihavenotrequireditofthem,butitisacommandmentoftheLord.(1Ne.3:1-5)

#14b:IWillGo(1Ne.3:6-8)Nephi: Iwillgo,IwilldoThethingswhichtheLordhathcommanded,(Singing:) ForIknowthatHewillprepareaway WherebywemayaccomplishallthatHehathcommanded. Iwillgo,IwillHisworktoday.Lehi: Go,myson;andbecausethouhastnotmurmured, ThoushaltbefavoredoftheLord.

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Andoh,myson,byyourfaithfulstrengthIsee Thatalreadyyou’vebeenblessedoftheLord!(Keychange)Nephi/Lehi: Iwillgo(Go,myson),Iwilldo(Faithfulson) ThethingswhichtheLordhathcommanded ForIknow(Oh,myson)thatHewillprepareaway(InyouHehaspreparedaway)Both: WherebywemayaccomplishallthatHehathcommandedNephi: Iwillgo,IwilldoHisworktoday…IwillBoth: Go,(Iwill)doHisworktoday. (>Musicoff) (Nephi’sbrothersenter,carryingtentsandprovisionsforthetrip.LamanandLemuelareclearlyirritated.)Laman:(Speaks)Comeon,littlebrother.Let’sgo,andseehowquicklywecancarryoutthisridiculousidea.Lemuel: Athreeday’sjourneythereandback.IfGodreallywantsustohavethosebrassplatessomuch,

whydoesn’thejustflythemherehimself?(NephiandSamobserve,silentlyexchangingglances.)(Sariahenterstoseethemoff.Sheisdeeplyconcernedabouttheirsafety.Underscoremusic.)

Sariah: Goodbye,mysons.Becareful.(>Music#15)Andbebacksoon.(Sheembraceseachanxiously.)Lehi: I’llbeprayingforyoursuccess.

(LamanandLemuelwalkrightpasthim,rollingtheireyesandstormingout.NephiandSamquietlyembracetheirfather,thensilentlyfollowbehindtheirelderbrothers,asSariahwatcheswithconcern.)

#15:OneRoad,TwoChoices(LightsuponNarrators;Jerusalemsetchange.Lehisitsonarockandprays.)Nar.2: SomepeoplewalkingthroughthewildernessHearthevoiceofGodinthetrees;(Singing:) TheyseethehandofGodineverysunrise–TheyfeelHistouchwitheverygentlebreeze.Nar.1: Butothersmaywalktheexactsameroad,Andmissallthewondersthere–(Sariahworriesandstews)+Nar.2: Focusingonalltheshadowsandthorns,TheymissthedailyevidenceofGod’scare(Shelooksup,angry)Nar's: Oh,oneroad(oneroad)–twochoices(twochoices)– (Angelsecho,supportingher.)(harmony:) Always,(always)twodifferentvoices(twodifferentvoices); Oneinviting(Ah…)youtoturntoGod–theotherpullingyouaway– It’sachoiceweallencounter(Lightsfadeout,asL&Senterthetent, Alittleeveryday.(Oneroad,twochoices.)(>Musicoff)inverydifferentstatesofmind.)Scene:GettingthePlates(1Nephi3-4)(Spoken,asthebrothersquietlyenterthecityatdaybreak)Laman:(Speaks)Well,hereweare.Jerusalematlast.Lemuel: Whatdowedonow?Laman: (Frustrated)Whyareyouaskingme?Lemuel: Well…youaretheoldest….Laman: (Grumbling)That’strue…So,iffather’sright,andGodreallywantsthistohappen,

thisshouldbeeasy,right?Nephi: (underhisbreath,toSam)Itwasn’talwayseasyforMoses.Laman: (Fiercely)Didyousaysomething,littlebrother?Nephi: (Meekly–he’sbeenthetargetofLaman’sangerbefore.)No…Sam: (Gently,protectingNephi)Goaheadandtellusyourplan,Laman.Laman: (Flippantly,makingitupashegoesalong)Well…we…castlots.Sam: (Shakinghisheadindismayanddisbelief)That’s…theplan?....Laman: Whoeverloses,goestoLaban,andasksfortheplates.Lemuel: ALONE?Laman: Ofcoursenotalone!(Thickwithsarcasm)WewalkwithGod,remember?We’reonhiserrand!Sam: (Quietly,toNephi)Idon’tknowaboutthis…(Nephiagrees.Lemuelisnervousaswell.)

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Laman: (Pullsout4straws,withagrandflourish.)Hereweare!Everybodytakeone.Shortoneloses. (Theyclosetheireyes,anddrawstraws.Theyopentheireyes,extendingtheirstraws.Lamanhasthe

shortone.Theothersexplodeintolaughterandrelief.Lamanisaghast,staringathisshortstraw.)Laman: WHAT?!!!Lemuel: (Chortlingmerrily)Well…youaretheoldest!Haha!….(SamandNephialsolaugh,morequietly.)Laman: (Chokingwithanger)Fine!I’lldoit!I’llbebacksoon.(HeexitsthroughLaban’sdoor,lightsout.)OlderNephi: AndLamanwentinuntothehouseofLaban,andhetalkedwithhimashesatinhishouse.

(SpotlightcomesuponLamanspeakingwithLaban,alarge,rough-manneredman,finelydressedandseatedinanexquisite,expensivechair.)

Laban: SoletmemakesureIunderstandthiscorrectly.Youwishtohavemegiveyoutheplatesofbrasswhichareinmytreasury?

Laman: Yes–thatiswhatwedesire.Laban: (Risingtohisfeetmenacingly.)Thatismymostpreciousandpersonaltreasure,outofallthatIpossess.

AndyouwantmejusttoGIVEittoyou?You’reascrazyasyourfather!(Thunderingwithanger)Laman: (Ashamedandfrightened)I’msorry–I’llbeonmyway…Laban: (Grabshimviciously)IfIeverseeyouonmypropertyagain,IswearIwillkillyou,youlittlethief!

Getout!(Throwshimtotheground,andwalksawayindisgust,asaterrifiedLamanrunsforhislife.)OlderNephi: AndLamanfledoutofhispresence,andtoldusthethingswhichLabanhaddone.

Andwebegantobeexceedinglysorrowful.(Lightsuponthebrothers.)Lemuel: Itoldyouthiswasawasteoftime!(>Music#16)Sam: Well,atleastwetried.Laman: We’regoingback.Atthispoint,we’realotsaferinFather’stentthanwearehere.

(Hestartsheadingout;LemuelandSamfollowhimdejectedly.Nephiwatches,them,rememberingthecommitmenthemadetohisfather,andtoGod.Hegathershiscourage,andthensuddenlycriesout:)

#16:Nephi’sVow(1Nephi3:15)

Nephi: AstheLordlivethandaswelive,wewillnotgodownuntoourfatherinthewilderness,(Sings) untilwehaveaccomplishedthethingwhichtheLordhathcommandedus!

(Theyturnandlookathim,shockedatthesuddenconvictionofhisoutburst.)Sam:(Speaks) (Gently,asmusicalunderscorecontinues)Whatareyouthinking,littlebrother?Nephi: (Thinkingoutloud)WhenourfatherleftJerusalem,heleftgold,andsilver,andallmannerofprecious

things.Wedon’thavetotakewhat’snotours.Wecansimply…trade.(Theypause,ponderingtheidea.)Sam: (ToLamanandLemuel)Itmightbeworththinkingabout.Laman: Youwanttojustgiveawayourentireinheritance?ForaBOOK?Sam: (Gently,toLaman)Thinkaboutit.Wewon’teverbecomingbackhere.Lemuel: (Grimly,butfacingthehardtruth)Andwecan’ttakeanyofitwithus.Sam: True.Allthoseexpensivethingsare…Lemuel: …Useless…Wherewe’regoing.Laman: (Sighsdeeply;thenquietly,inresignation)Allright.Isuppose…it’sworthtrying.Let’sgo.

(Theyfollowhimout,aslightsgooutontheboys,uponolderNephi.)(>Musicoff)

OlderNephi: Andwewentdownintothelandofourinheritance,andgatheredtogetherourgold,andoursilver,andourpreciousthings.AndwewentupagainuntothehouseofLaban,anddesiredhimthathewouldgiveustherecordscontainedonthebrassplates,inexchangeforourriches.

(LightsupontheboyswithLaban,whoisrakinghisfingersthroughtheirgold,ponderingtheiroffer.)

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Laban: Itisanofferworthconsidering.Forthisisafinecollection,indeed.Wellworththepriceofasingle

treasure–howeverpreciousitmightbe.(Hishenchmannods;Zoramisaghastatthisassessment.)Laman: You…youagree,then?(Theboyslookateachotherhopefully.)Laban: Iagree..(LabangrabsLaman’shandandshouldertosealthedeal.)Thesearepreciousthings.

Iagree…thattheywillmakeawonderfuladdition…(withaslysmile)tomytreasury.(SharpenshistalongriponLaman.)WhichiswhyI’mnowfulfillingmypromisetoyou.(Viciously,hissingintohisface)Get…off…myproperty.Or…Iwillkillyou!Iwillkillallofyou!

Sam: Whatabouttheplates?(Labanlaughscontemptuously.)Nephi: (ConfrontingLaban)Youcan’tdothis!Laban: (CastingNephiaside)Ican,andIwill.(Callsfiercely)Guards!Afterthesemen!Laman: (FranticallybreakingfreeofLaban’sgripasLaban’sguardsapproach)Laban: (Barkingorderstohisguards!)Slaythem!Slaythemall!(ThebrothersfollowLaman,runningfortheir

livesasguardschasethemoffstage.Labanandhismenlaughcontemptuously,asLabanrakeshisfingerswithsatisfactionthroughtheirabandonedtreasures,asthelightsgooutonLaban’shouse.)

OlderNephi: AndwedidfleebeforetheservantsofLaban,forcedtoleavebehindourproperty.

Andwefledintothewilderness,andhidourselvesinthecavityofarock.(Lightsupontheboys.LamanandLemuelarepushingNephiroughly,strikinghimwitharod.)

Laman: (Enraged,strikinghimoverandover)Whydidweeverlistentoyou?Lemuel: (Hittinghimfiercely)Nowwehavenothing!Absolutelynothing!Allthankstoyou!(>Music#17)Sam: Stopit!Stopitnow!(HetriestoshieldNephifromtheirblows,becomingtherebyatargethimself,

astheybeginstrikinghimaswell.Astronglightbeforethem:)#17:IntoYourHands(1Nephi3:29)Angel: (Inaloud,powerfulvoice,stoppingthem.)Whydoyousmiteyouryoungerbrotherwitharod?(Sings) KnowyenothewaschosenandordainedofGod-Tobearuleroveryou,becauseofyouriniquities?

(TheyreleaseNephiwithastart,lookingathim,aghast.Theangelsingsmoregently:)Behold,yeshallreturnuntoJerusalem,andtheLordwilldeliverLabanintoyourhands-

Intoyourhands.(Theangeldeparts,thelightgoesout.)(>Musicoff)Laman: (Tremblingwiththeimpactofthisnewinformation).HowisitpossiblethattheLordwilldeliverLaban(Speaks) intoourhands?Behold,heisamightyman,andhecancommandfifty,yea,evenhecanslayfifty–

thenwhynotus?Nephi: (Gently,toLaman)LetusgoupagaintoJerusalem,andletusbefaithfulinkeepingthecommandments

oftheLord;forbehold,heismightierthanalltheearth,thenwhynotmightierthanLabanandhisfifty,orevenhistensofthousands?

Lemuel: Youjustsawwhathecando.Nephi: Yes.ButIhavenotforgottenwhatGodcando.Hehelpedayoungshepherdboybringdownagiant.

HedeliveredthechildrenofIsraeloutofEgypt.Thatsamemightypowerisavailabletous,now,tohelpuswiththis.(SamandLemuelfindstrengthinthesewords-butLamansighs,turningawaybitterly.ToLaman,gently:)You’vejustheardanangelspeaktoyou–howcanyouevendoubt?

Laman: (Inatired,defeatedvoice,hiswillbeatendown)Iwillgoasfarasthecitywall.Nofarther.

(ThisisallthefaithLamancanmuster.)

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Sam: (Gently,seeingthetransformationinhisyoungerbrother.)Goahead,Nephi.Youleadtheway.(Nephimovesforward,andtheothersfollowhimsilently,asthelightsgodown.)

OlderNephi: AndtheydidfollowmeupuntilwecamewithoutthewallsofJerusalem.Anditwasbynight.(Lightsup)Nephi: Let’sstophere.Youallhideyourselves.(LamanandLemuelleave.ToSam)I’mgoingin.Sam: Whatareyougoingtodo?Nephi: Idon’tknow.I’mgoingtofollowtheLord’shand,whereveritmightleadme.

(Lightsoutasheleaves.Actionfollowsthenarration.)

OlderNephi: AndIwentforthintothecity,towardsthehouseofLaban.AndasIcamenear,Ibeheldaman,andhehadfallentotheearthbeforeme,andbehold,hewasdrunkenwithwine.AndwhenIcametohim,IfounditwasLaban.AndIbeheldhissword,anddrewitforthfromthesheath.(>Music#18)AndtheSpiritoftheLordspakeuntome,saying:

#18:AWay(1Nephi4:12-13)SpiritofGod: (Singsquietly)Slayhim.Nephi: (Trembling)NeverhaveIshedthebloodofman.

(Helooksattheswordinhorror,pullingitawayfromhim.)SpiritofGod: Slayhim-Behold,theLordhasdeliveredhimintoyourhands.

TheLordslayeththewickedtobringforthhisrighteouspurposes.Itisbetterthatonemanshouldperishthanthatanationshoulddwindleandperishinunbelief.

Nephi: (stilltrembling,singingsoftly)(Sings) Iwillgo,IwilldothethingsthethingswhichtheLordhathcommanded,

ForIknowthatHewillprepare…Away…(Themusicintensifies)(NephiliftsdrunkenstuporousLabanbythehairofhishead,liftshissword,andthenbringsitdownsuddenlywithaloudcrashofsound,asthelightsgooutonJerusalem.)(>Musicoff)

OlderNephi: AndafterIhadslainLabanwithhisownsword,Iputhisclothesuponmybody,andinhisvoiceordered(Speaking) hisservantZoramtoopenthetreasury.Andthusweobtainedtheplatesofbrass.Andbelievingmeto

behismasterLaban,Zoramfollowedmebeyondthecitywalls.Lemuel: (Lightsupdimly)Someoneiscoming.(Hepeersoverthewall,thenreportsinterror):ItisLaban!

HehasslainourbrotherNephi,andnowseekstoslayusaswell!(Theyturntorun,thenNephicalls:)Nephi: Stop!It’sme,Nephi!AndI’vegottheplates!(Suddenly,Zoramrealizesheisnotwithhismaster.He

turnstoflee,butNephicatchesholdofhim.Theystruggle,asNephispeaks:)

Donotfear.Wearepeacefulmen,andwewillnotharmyou.Wearejourneyingintothewilderness,tothetentofourfather.AndIfyouwillgowithus,youshallhaveplacewithus,andwewillspareyourlife.Andyouwillbeafreeman,likeuntous.

Zoram: (stopsstruggling,andlooksatNephiintently)Iwillbe…free?Nephi: Evenlikeuntous.Iswearit.Zoram: Then…Iwillgowithyou.Nephi: Onward,then.(Jubilantly)Tothetentofourfather!Sam&Lemuel:(Withafistoftriumphraised)Tothetentofourfather!

(Nephi,withZoramathisside,leadsthegroup,SamandLemuelfollowing.Lamanwatchesthemwithaheavyheart,lettingthemgetseveralpacesahead.Lemuelfinallystops,turns,andcallsbacktohim:)

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Lemuel: Laman!Areyoucomingwithus,brother?Laman: (Inaquiet,defeatedvoice.)Yes.Iamcoming.

(Hefollowsthem,remainingseveralpacesbehind,hisheadhunglow.Nephitriumphantlyleadsthegroupintothewilderness–Zoramononeside,Laban’sswordinitsscabbardonhiswaist,andthebrassplatestuckedcarefullyunderhisdownstagearm.Nephiisaboynolonger.Hehasearnedarightfulplaceastheleaderofthistriumphantjourneyhome.)

OlderNephi: AndthuswewereobedientinkeepingthewordoftheLord,andfulfillinghiscommandments.(>Music#19)Butourjourneywaslong,andourmotherSariahgreatlyfeared,believingustohaveperishedinthewilderness.

(LightsoutonJerusalemandthebrothers;lightsuponSariahinthewilderness,seateddejectedlyonthe

ground,lookingtowardsthepathherboystookawayfromtheirencampment.)(MovetentonstageSL)#19:WhatIsAllThisFor?(1Ne.5:2-6)Sariah: (InamourningcrytoGod)Ooo….Ooo…(Singing) Mysonsarenomore,andwe’relostouthereinthisbarrenwasteland. It’sconstantlyuncertainwhat’sinstore–Orifwewillevensurvive! Canyoutellme–Whatisallthisfor? (CryingtoGod) Isthereapointtoallthisstruggle,allthisfear? ‘CauseItellyou–Ican’ttakemuchmore. AndIcan’tunderstandwhywehadtocomeouthere.(Lehiapproachesher,listeningandconcerned.) Tothisharshandbarrenplace–Wherethereisnotoneloved,familiarface, Wherethere’snobodytoturnto–Andnohomelefttoreturnto– EverythingandeveryoneI’velovedisgone!(Lehirushesovertocomforther)LehI:Sariah…Sariah/Lehi: (Singingtohimintensely,throughtears)Canyoutellme–Whatisallthisfor?(L:Oh,pleasedon’tcry.) Isthereapointtoallthisstruggle,allthisfear?(Letmewipethetearsfromyoureyes) ‘CauseItellyou–Ican’ttakemuchmore.(You’resogoodandstrong;) AndIcan’tunderstandwhywehadtocomeouthere.(I’msureitwon’tbelong.)Sariah: (Breaksaway,turningonhim)Oursonwasright!You’rejustadreamer!Justavisionaryman, Ablindoldfoolwhocan’tseewhatyou’vedone!Oursonwasright!

You’rejustadreamer…(Sheimmediatelyregretsherharshwords,crumplingwithpain.)Lehi: I….amavisionaryman! AndIknowthattheLordwillprotectanddeliveroursons.

(Hetenderlycomfortsher;shecrumplesfurtherunderhiscare.) AndIhaveobtainedalandofpromise,InthewhichIdorejoice! BythegoodnessofGod,wehavenotperishedwithourbrethreninJerusalem–

(Shestartstoexpressworry–hestopsher)Sariah…(shedropsherhead)

Liftupyourhead–Becomforted–Anddon’tdespairanymore, Foritwon’tbelongtillyouseeforyourselfWhatallofthis…Isfor.Sariah: (Inacryofpain–anddistanthope)Ooo….+Lehi: (Joiningandcalmingher)Ooo….(>Musicoff)

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(Asthesongends,theboysapproachtheencampment.)Lemuel: (speaks,callingfromadistance)Mother!Sam: Father!Laman: (Theboysenterthestage,Lamanisstillattheendofthegroup.)We’reback.Nephi: Andwewereabletoobtainwhatwesought. (Hehandshisfatherthebrassplates.

Lehiregardsthemwithutmostreverence.)Sariah: Oh,mysons!IhadthoughtIwouldneverseeyourfacesagain.(Sheembracesthemfervently.)Sam: We’resafe,Mother.(>Music20)Lemuel: We’reallhere.Laman: We’reallhome.(Sariahisjoyouslysurroundedbyhersons.Herheartisfull.)#20:NowIKnow(1Ne.5:7-8)Sariah: NowIknowofasurety,ThatmyhusbandwascommandedtofleeIntothewilderness. (Singing) AndIknowthattheLordhasprotectedmysons,(Angelsstandprotectivelyaroundthefamily) Andgiventhempower

ToaccomplishthethingwhichLordhathcommandedthem.Lehi:(joyfully)Nowyouknow,youknow!(Hetwirlsheraround,theylaugh.Theboyslookateachother.

They’venotseentheirparentslikethisbefore.)

Sariah: AndnowIknow(Angels:Know)that(+Nephi,Sam)wearenotalone- (Youarenotalone!) We’renotforgotten,eveninthisdesertplace.(Lemuel/Zoramjointhem:Eveninthisplace)AndnowIknow(Know)thatwewillmakeourhome(Makeahome)Heretogether,whateverwemightface.(LamanbristlesatSariah’smotherlytouch)

NowIknowofasurety (Angel:KnowHeThatGodwasneverfarfromme, Wasneverfarfromthee)Thoughsometimes,Hehadfeltsofaraway! (Laman:Ifeelsofaraway)

AndIknowIcanbestrongenough (Lam/Ne:)(canbestrongenoughTobearwhatevercomes tobearwhatevercomes)

Sariah: Aswecontinueonourjourneydaybyday.(Angels:Ah…)Family: ThankyouLord!Thankyou,oh,myLord!(Lam/Lem:Icanbestrongenough…Angels:Ah,,,) (>Musicoff)OlderNephi: Aftergivingthanks,myfather(HesitswithSariah)examinedtheplatesofbrass,andfoundthemtobe(Speaking) ofgreatworth,fortheycontainedthewritingsofalltheholyprophets.Whereforeitwaswisdominthe

Lordthatweshouldcarrythemwithusonourjourney.(Lehiclosesthebookreverently,thenstands.)Lehi: Mysons…(Hebeckonsthem;theygather,curious)ThevoiceoftheLordhascomeagaintome,saying

thatweshouldnottravelaloneintothewilderness,butthatweshouldraiseupseeduntohiminthelandofpromise.(Thebrotherslookateachotherwithdelightedanticipation.)

Therefore,HehascommandedthatyoushallreturnagainuntoJerusalem,andtakeuntoyourselveswives,ofthedaughtersofIshmael.(Thebrothersburstintojubilantexcitement.Sariahweepsforjoy.)

Lemuel: NowthatisonerevelationIamnotinclinedtoquestionintheleast!(>Music#21)

We’regetting’wives!(Thefamilyexitsjubilantly,withlaughterandsmiles)OlderNephi: Soonceagain,wedepartedintothewilderness,makingourwaytowardJerusalem–thistime,intothe

houseofIshmael,wherewefoundfavorwithhim,andwithallhishousehold.(1Ne.7:1-4)(LightsuponIshmael’sfamily,seatedwithintheirhouse,listeningintentlytoLehi’ssons.)

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#21:ComeWithUs(1Ne.7:4)Nephi: You’veheardalltheprophecies–Youknowwhat’sgoingtobe–(Singing) You’veseenhereinJerusalemCorruption,depravity. YouknowthatwhenGodspeaks,hecarriesouthiseveryword;Brothers: Nowwehavesharedamessage,andwehopethatyouhaveheard: Laman: (Gently,tothedaughterofIshmaelhefavors)Comewithus,andwewillbeafamilyoutthere;Lemuel: (Brightly,tothedaughterofIshmaelhefavors)Comewithus,forwehavegotanewworldtoshare. Lam,Lem,Sam:(Tothefamily:)Comewithustoalandofpromise,choiceaboveallotherlands;Lam,Lem Oh,hearandunderstand:+Nephi,Sam Andcomewithus.Laman: Comewithus,andwewillbuildanewworldthere;(Ishmael’sFamily:Anewworldthere)Lemuel: Forthere’splentyofroomtogrowandroomtoshare.(Ishmael’sFamily:There’sroomtoshare)Lam,Lem,Sam:Comewithustoapromisedlandthat’sfullandrichandbroad.(Ishmael’sFamily:Ah…)Nephi: Comewithus,andbeguidedwithusBythehandofGod.(Ishmael’sFamily:Ah…)Laman: Comewithus,andwewillbeafamilyoutthere; (Ishmael’sFamily:Afamilyoutthere)Lemuel: Comewithus,forwehavegotanewworldtoshare. (Ishmael’sFamily:Newworldtoshare)LLNS: Comewithustoalandofpromise,choiceaboveallotherlands;L&L: Oh,hearandunderstand:Brothers: Andcomewithus.L&L: Oh,hearandunderstand: (Ishmael’sFamily:Ah…)Brothers: Andcomewithus. Ishmael: Yes,wewillcomewithyou.TheLordhasextendedhisarmofmercytousthroughyou.Andwewill(Speaking) takeit.Packyourthings,mychildren.Itistimeforustoleavethiscity,beforethereisnopartofitleft.

(Theygathertheirthings,preparedtotravel.Themoodisbrightandexcited.AlreadysomemutualattractionsareevidentbetweentheLehi’ssonsandIshmael’sdaughters.LightsoutonIshmael’shouse.LightsupontheNarrators,stageright.)

#22JoinedinTheirJourney(1Ne.7:5-21)Nar.1&2: Sothefamilieswerejoinedintheirjourney;But,sadtosay,theyweren’tunitedlong.(Singing) ForwhentherigorsandrealitiesHitamongthewild,brambledtrees, Theysoonweresingingquiteadifferentkindofsong:(Lightsupontheclaninthewilderness.Thegirls’dressesaregettingcaughtonthebramblesofthewilderness.TheyareallfollowingNephicuttingthroughthethickfoliage,andtheirfuturewivesbehindthem,helpingeachotherandtheiragingparentsalong.Samandhisfuturebridearenext,followedbyLamanandLemuel,trailingbehindtherestwiththeircomplainingconsorts.AttheendarethesonsofIshmaelandtheirwivesandchildren.)L&LWives: It’ssocoldouthere.(Lamanputshisarmprotectivelyaroundhiswife,withagrimexpression.)SOI-1&2Wves:Dowehaveanyideaatallwherewe’regoing?All4Wives: Orhowlongitwilltakeforustogetthere?Laman: It’s…awaysstill.Lemuel: ButIpromiseitwillbeworthit.SOI-2Wife: (withLemuel)I’llbelieveitwhenIseeit!All4Wives: Whenwegetthere!

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SOI-1/L&LWives:(inharmony)Anewworld,theysaid.SOI-2Wife: Thisisanewworld,allright!Laman’sWife: Idon’tknowwhenI’veeverfeltmorehungry,+Lemuel’sWife:Ormoreafraid.Lemuel’sWife: Trudgingblindlythroughmuddypuddles+SOI-2Wife: Everydayandeverynight;Lam/SOI-1Wives:I’mhungry–Lem/SOI1Wives:I’mtiredL&LWives: Iwish+SOI-1Wife: Thatwehad…+SOI-2Wife: ..simplystayed+SOI1-2: Athome!(>MusicOff)(Lehi’ssonsremainsilent,butbattletheirownfrustrationsandquestions,whichareamplifiedbyawarenessofthedistressofthewomentheycarefor.Speaking:)WifeofIshmael:(Frustratedwiththeircomplaints,eruptsloudly:)Stop!Stopit,allofyou! Ishmael: (Quietly,inaconciliatorytone.)Wedecidedthistogether….SonofI.1 WEdidn’tdecideanything.+SonofI.2: YOUdecided! (>Music#23–Part2….)Laman: (Stopssuddenlyinhistracks,haltingthecompanybehindhim:)(Singing) Maybeweshouldjustgoback.Lemuel: Towhat?Laman: Back...ToJerusalem!Sam: What?Laman: Itcan’tbeanyworsethanthis!Lemuel: Youhaveapoint.Sam: Butfathersaid…(Nephistopshim)Nephi: You’refreetodowhateveryouchoose. Sam: But,Nephi…Nephi: Ifyouwanttogoback,sobeit.Laman: Fine!(Hestartsheadingtheotherdirection,withLemuel,thesonsofIshmael,andtheirwomenand

children,asIshmael,Sam,andtheirwomenstaywithNephi.Itisthefirstfamilysplit.)

Nephi: Butdoknowthis.Ifyouchoosetogoback,youwillperishwiththerestofthem!Laman: (Approachinghimmenacingly)Littlebrother,IhavegrownSOwearyofyourconstantinterference!(Speaking) (Venomouslycommandstheothers:)Gethim! (Tumultanduproareruptsinthefamily.Laman,Lemuel,andthesonsofIshmaellungetowardNephi,

overpoweringhim,astheotherswatchinhorror,powerlesstostopthis.)

Laman: Justtiehimup,(Singing) Andleavehimfordead!Lemuel/SOI-1: Sothatwecandowhatwewantinstead!Lemuel: I’msurethere’ssomewildanimalhere

Thatwouldappreciateatastysnack!(Theytiehimup,andleavehimstrugglingalone,DSL)

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SOI-2Wife: (ToLemuel,snickering)Atleastsomeonewillgettoeattoday!Laman: Comeon,everybody,let’sgetonourway.(HisfollowersjoinhimSR)Lem/SoI-1/WivesIt’stimetoreturn;(Thequieterfamilymembers,fearingmoreviolence,silentlyfollow)+SOI2/W: It’stimetogohome;+Laman/W: It’stimenowtogoback!(TheyallstartheadingoffstageR,leavingNephialoneDSL)Nephi: Oh,Lord,accordingtomyfaithinthee,wiltthounowdeliverme?

GivemestrengththatImaybreakthesebandswithwhichInowambound!(Heexertshimselfandthebandsfalltotheground,freeinghim.Hecallsafterthedepartinggroup:)Laman,youdon’tknowwhatyou’redoing!Stopandturnaround!TheLordhasabettercourseforus!

Lemuel: Howeverdidhegetfree?Laman: Idon’tknow–(viciously)Butthistimewewon’twaitfortheanimalstogethim!(>Musicoff)

(TheyandthesonsofIshmaellungetowardNephi,overpoweringhimSL)

Laman’sWife: (Speaking,cryingoutsuddenly:)Wait!Stop!Please–stop!Nogoodisevergoingtocomefromthis! Ishmael’sWife:She’sright.Stopit!Stopitnow!(TheykeeptheirfierceholdonNephi,butstoptryingtohurthim.) Boys,we’veseenwhat’shappenedinJerusalem.Dowereallywanttogobacktothat? Thisboyisourbestchance.AndGodisouronlyhope.IfweseparateourselvesfromHim,wewillsurely

perish,whetheritbehere,orinJerusalem,oranywhereelse.Lettheboygo.Please–lethimgo!SonofIsh.2: They’reright.Lethimgo.(Lamanresists)“Thoushaltnotkill.”(Shamedandshaken,theyreleasehim.

SpeakingtoNephi,helpinghimstandup:)I’msorry.Weshouldn’thavedonethat.Laman: (Withdeepsincerityandregret.)I’mtrulysorry.You’remyyoungerbrother–Ishouldneverhavelet

thathappen.Anditwillneverhappenagain.Ipromise.Pleaseforgiveme.(HedropstohiskneesbeforeNephi.)Pleaseforgiveallofus.(Theotherattackersdropbesidehimtotheirknees,theirheadsbowed.)

Nephi: (toLaman,gently)OfcourseIforgiveyou.(Hedropstohisknees,lookingintoLaman’seyes.)We’rebrothers,aren’twe?Weremaintogether-always.(HeextendsastrongembracetoLaman,whichLemuelandSamjoin.)

Now–praytoGod.We’reallgoingtoneedHishelpforthejourneyahead.AskforHisforgiveness.AndforHisstrength.(Theyalldroptotheirknees,asLamanuttersasimplebutheartfeltprayer.)

Laman: DearGod,pleaseforgiveusthisterriblethingthatwehavedone.Thejourneyhasbeenhard,anditmay

continuetobehard.Pleasehelpusdobetter.(emotionovercomeshim.)Amen.Company: (thissimpleprayerhavingtouchedtheirhearts,duetotheircomplaintsandweaknesses.Theyallresolve

todobetter.)Amen.

(Nephirisestohisfeet,thenassistshisbrothersindoingthesame.Thecompanyfollows.)

Nephi: (Gently)Sowegoforward,right?Wemoveon.(Extendshishand)Laman: (ClaspingNephi’shand)Yes,brother–wemoveon.(Callingtotheothers)Tothetentofourfather!All: Tothetentofourfather!

(HeexitsSLwalkingsidebysidewithNephi,followedbyalltheothers.Lightsoutonthecompany,aslightcomesuponLehiandSariah,enterDSR,underthestars.Softmusicbegins.)(TentmovesinSL)

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#24:BeautifulTonightSariah(Sings): Thestarsaresobeautifultonight.Lehi: Butnotnearlyasbeautifulasyou.Sariah: Oh,comenow.Ihaven’tbathedinweeks.Lehi: Thatdoesn’tmatter.Sariah: I’mwearingthesametattereddressthatI’veworneverydaysinceweleftJerusalem.Lehi: Butyou’refarmorebeautifulnoweventhanyouwerebackthen.Lehi: You’vegottenstronger,Sariah,anditshows

Inyoureyes,ineverythingaboutyou.YouweartheconfidenceofsomebodywhoknowsThatthere’sneedtodoubt,noneedtofear.(Zoramenters,slowlyremovinghisshackles)

Sariah: Doyouknowwhenthechildrenwillbehere?Zoram:I’vealwaysbeensomebody’sservantLehi: They’llbehere…whenevertheyarrive. IneverknewI’dfeelsofree!Sariah: Ilookforwardtonolongerbeing

Theonlywomanhereincamp! Zoram:NowIseeLehi: Ilookforwardtothepitter-patterofmanyfuturelittlefeet.Zoram:AndmyjoyisnowcompleteSariah: Fillingourpromisedland Thatyou,Lord

Withmanypreciouslittlelives., Havetrulyheardmymanycries!

Lehi: You’vegottenstronger,Sariah,anditshows Zoram:I’vealwayscalledsomebody“Master,” Inyoureyes,ineverythingaboutyou. ButnowmyonlyMaster,Lord,isyou!

+Sariah: You/IweartheconfidenceofsomebodywhoknowsAndnowItrulyknowSariah: Thatthereneverwasaneedformetodoubtyou.Oh,never,Lord,willIdoubtyou! Lehi: Theworldissobeautifultonight, Butnotnearlyasbeautifulasyou.Sariah: Thiswildernesscanbealonghardfight, Zoram:Thismaybealonghardfight:+Lehi: Butthere’snooneI’drathershareitwiththanyou. Iwillbefaithful,Lord,toyou!

(Ishmaelentersthescene,followedbytheirtwofamilies,thrilledtoarriveaftertheirlongjourney.)Ishmael: (>Music#25,Reunion)Lehi!Mydearoldfriend!(Theygreeteachotherwarmly,asSariahecstatically(Speaking) embracesandwelcomeshersonsandthenewarrivals.)(1Ne.7:22)Lehi: Ishmael!Awarmwelcometoyouandyourhousehold!Sonowourtwofamiliesbecomeone!Ishmael: True!Ipredictthatweshallseemanylovelygrandchildren!Lehi: Yes!Asitshouldbe!(Theychucklewarmly)Ishmael: So-whereisthispromisedlandofyours?Lehi: Thispromisedlandofours,oldfriend!Weshallfinditsoon-Nowthatyouarehere!

(Itisahappyandfestivetimeofheartfeltunityandhope.Thenewwomenincampquicklybringaspiritofhomethatcheersthespiritsofall.Soon,othertentsarisebesideLehi’stent.Hisfamilyislongeraloneinthewilderness.Nightfalls,andeachfamilygoesintotheirtent.Dreammusicbegins.)

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#26a:Lehi’sDream(1Ne.8)Nar1&2: Earlyonemorning,inthevalleyofLemuel,Lehiawokewithastart!

(Heemergesfromthetentdoor,lookinglikehe’sseenaghost.)

Sam:(Speaks) Whatisit,father?Lehi:(Sings) Behold,Ihavedreamedadream;Orinotherwords,Ihaveseenavision.

AndbecauseofthethingsIhaveseen,Iexceedinglyfear.Foryou,mytwooldestsons–LamanandLemuel–ButNephiandSam,Irejoiceforyou–Oh,hearkenallandhear:

Sariah:(Speaks)Whatdidyousee?LehI:(Sings) Isawamandressedinwhitewhobademefollowhim;

AndasIfollowedhim,IfoundmyselfaloneInadarkanddrearywildernessBymyselfformanyhoursonmyown.

ThenIprayedtotheLordandIsawatreeAndpartookofitsfruitwhiteandfair;Anditfilledmysoulwithexceedingjoy,AndIknewthatwhatI’dfound,Ihadtoshare.

SoIcastmyeyesaround–Hopingmyfamilymightbefound; AndIsawyouall,andyouheardmycall,andsomeofyoujoinedmeandpartook Ofthefruitofthetree;butsomeofyouwouldnotcometome. ThoughIbeckonedandIcalled,youwouldnotpartakeatall, Anditbrokemyheart.

AndIalsobeheldastraightandnarrowpath AngelChoir:Oo….Whichcamealongbyanironrod.IsawmanypeoplepressingforwardTocometothetree,whichwastheloveofGod.(Keychange) AngelChoir:Ah….

Thenamistofdarknessroseandconcealedthepath, Andmanywhocommenceddidlosetheirway;Butotherscaughtholdofthatrodofiron,Pressingforwardonitboldlyalltheway,

Tilltheycametothetree,(Ah..)andfelldownthereandpartook,justlikeme.(Ah…) Butotherswanderedandweredrowned–andnolongercouldbefound Anditbrokemyheart.(Ah) Pressforward,mychildren,holdfasttotheironrod

ThatcanleadyouonastraightcoursetotasteoftheloveofGod (Ah)Pressforward,mychildren, (Pressforward,always)Andchoosethepaththat’sright. (Choosethepaththat’sright) Pressforward,pressonintothelight.(HeandSariahgathertheirboysinafamilyembraceasthelightsfade.)

Musicseguesgentlyintothenextsong.)

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#26b:IntheValleyofLemuel(1Ne.8:1-16:10)(LightsuponNarratorsandAngelChoir)Nar.1: ThereinthevalleyofLemuel,thereattheriverside, Twofamiliesslowlymergedintoone–Eachdaughterbecameabride.(Indance,thedaughtersemerge)Nar.2: Itwasahappyandpeacefultime,aseachmanfoundhiswife, (Angels:Ah…)

(ThebrothersandZoramtakethehandsoftheirwives,asdoLehiandIshmaelandhissons) Sidebyside,theyallworkedtogether,preparingfortheirnewlife.Nar.1: Theygatheredwhatwasneededforthejourneyupahead- (Angels:Ah…) Seedsofeverykind,provisionsandtents,foreachcouplewed;Nar.2: Andwheneverythingwasgathered,andwhenallwasatlastprepared, Godspoke,sayingitwastimetoleavetheirencampmentthere.(Lightsupslowlyonthetents.)Nar.1: Andwhentheyroseupinthemorning,onthedaywhentheyweretogo, (Angels:Ah…)Nar.1&2: Theyfoundacuriouslyfashionedlittleballonthegroundnearthetent’sfrontdoor.

(SariahpicksuptheLiahonainawe,examiningit)(>Musicoff)Sariah:(Speaks)Whatisit?Lehi: I’mnotsure…Itseemstobe…acompassofsomekind.Sariah: Lookatthisworkmanship.It’sexquisite.Wherecouldthishavecomefrom?Lehi: Itcouldhavecomefromonlyoneplace.ItisagiftfromGod,toleadusthroughthewilderness.Nephi: Whatisit,father?Lehi: (Overjoyed)Look–it’sacompass!Acompassfromheaven!Nephi: It’spointingtowardstheriver.Lehi: (>Music#27:Instrumental-LikeaRiver/BrokenBow)Yes.Ariverwewillneedtocross.Today.Lemuel: Sounds…wet.Lemuel’sWife:Andcold.Laman: Surelythere’sanotherwayoutofhere.Lehi: No.WewillfollowGod’scompass.Thatisourpathtosafety-ourpathtothepromisedland. (Lightsoutonthem,uponOlderNephi,writing.)OlderNephi: Anditcametopassthatwedidtakeourtentsanddepartintothewilderness,acrosstheriverLaman.

Andwedidfollowthedirectionsontheball,whichledusinthemorefertilepartsofthewilderness. Andafterwehadtraveledforthespaceofmanydayswedidpitchourtents,thatwemightrest

ourselvesandobtainfoodforourfamilies.(LightsuponNephiandhisbrothersbowhunting.) AndasI,Nephiwentforthtoslayfood,behold,Ididbreakmybow,whichwasmadeoffinesteel.

(>Musicoff)Andmybrethrenwereangrywithme,becauseofthelossofmybow.Laman: Howwillwenowobtainfoodforourfamilies?Lemuel: (Bitterly)Ourbowshavelosttheirsprings,andnowyouhavebrokentheonethingthatstoodbetween

usandstarvation.(Sarcastically)Goodwork,Nephi!(LehiandSariahapproach,greetingthemanxiously.)

Sariah: Mysons,you’rehome!…(seeingthemempty-handed)Everyoneissohungry…Lehi: Whyhaveyounotbroughtbackfood?Lemuel: Youknow…that’sareallygoodquestion!(Thefamilybeginstogather,concerned,watchingsilently.)Laman: (Contemptuously)Tellhim,Nephi!Tellhimwhatyoudid.(Nephisilentlyraiseshisbrokenbow.)

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Sariah: Yourfinesteelbow!Ouronesecurityinthisbarrenwasteland…Howdidthishappen?Nephi: I’mnotsure...Itjusthappened.I’msosorry.Lehi: (Losingconfidence)I’msorrytoo.I’msorrythatIeverlistened.I’msorrythatIbroughtyouallout

here.Weshouldhavejust…stayedhomeandhopedforthebest.Laman: (Underhisbreath)That’swhatI’vebeensayingallalong.Sariah: Lehi,Iknowyoudon’tmeanthat…Lehi: (Bitterly)No,Idomeanthat!(ToGod:)Lord,Itrustedyou!Itrustedyouwithmysafety,andthatofmy

wife,andofmychildrenandmyfamily.AndnowIshmael’sfamilytoo.Theyalltrustedme,theyallfollowedmeouthere.BecauseItrustedyou,andfollowedyou!Whyhaveyounowabandonedus?

Why?(Herunsoffindespair.Theyareallsilencedandstunned.They’veneverseenhimlikethisbefore.)Lemuel: (Harshly,toNephi)Youseewhatyoudid–prophet-boy?

(Thefamilydissipatesslowly,murmuring–allbutNephi’swife,whoapproacheshimgently.)N’sWife: Nephi…Nephi: (alittlesharply)What...areyougoingtoattackmetoo?N’sWife: No–ofcoursenot!Ijust..don’twantyoutobealone.Nephi: Youcan’tdoanything.N’sWife: No.ButIdoknowsomeonewhocan.(Forthefirsttime,Nephiliftshishead,lookingather.)#28:TenderMercies(1Ne.1:20)Nephi’sWife: (Gently,toherdowncastyounghusband)Justwhenthenightturnsitsdarkest,(Singing:) Justwhenthewindhowlsitsworst; Justwhenyoualmosthavegivenuphope,

Justwhenyouthinkyou’reattheendofyourrope, Hesendshistendermercies,Undeservedandever-flowing. Tendermercies,Thatsustainyoursoul,andkeepyouknowing Thatnomatterwhat,he’salwaysthere,andyou’realwayshisconstantcare:

Tendermercies.(LightsuponSariah,whohasfoundLehisittingalone.)Sariah: (toadiscouragedLehi)Justwhentheworldyou’veknownisending, Whenyouonceagaincrashintoyetanotherwall,

Justwhenyouthinkyou’vereachedyourlimitatlast, Whenyouhonestlybelievethatallyourgooddaysarepast,+N.Wife: Hesendshistendermercies,(Histendermercies)

Thatpickyouup,andkeepyougoing, Tendermercies,(Tendermercies)

Thatsustainyoursoul,andkeepyouknowing Thatnomatterwhat,he’salwaysthere,andyou’realwaysinhisconstantcare, Tendermercies.(Musicshiftstounderscore,aslightsfadeoutonLehiandSariah.)Nephi’sWife: You’llknowwhattodo.(Speaking:) He’llletyouknowwhatyouneedtodo.NephI: (Softly)Yes.Healreadyhas.(Heextendsagestureofaffection,anddeparts,aslightsgooutonthem.)OlderNephi: AndIdidmakeoutofwoodabow,andoutofastraightstick,anarrow;

whereforeIdidarmmyselfwithabowandanarrow,withaslingandwithstones.AndIwentforthuntomyfather,(lightsuponLehi,sittingalone)andsaid:

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Nephi: (Gently,toLehi)Father,whithershallIgotoobtainfood?(Lehilooksup,andseesthenewbow)Lehi: (Humbly,withdeepgratitude)Oh,myson.Mydearandfaithfulson.(Heembraceshisson,lightsout.)OlderNephi: AndmyfatherinquiredoftheLord.Andhewassorelychastenedforhismurmurings;nevertheless,the

voiceoftheLordsaiduntohim,“Lookupontheball.”Andfollowingdirectionsontheball,Ididgoforthandslaywildbeasts,thatIdidobtainfoodforourfamilies.Andtheirjoywasgreat;andtheydidhumblethemselvesbeforetheLord,anddidgivethanksuntohim.(Lightsuponthefamilywiththeball.)

Women: Wegrowstrongerandstronger,(Singing:) Witheverypassingday.Men: Thoughthejourneyseemslongerandlonger,Families: Weknowheisthereforus,alltheway,withhis(Keychange) (+Angels:Ah!)Families: Tendermercies(tendermercies)Thatkeepussafe,andkeepusgoing, Tendermercies,(tendermercies)thatguideuson,Andkeepusknowing Thathisloveforusisalwaysthere, (Alwaysthere,)

Andwe’realwaysinhisconstantcare, (Constantcare.) Andthere’sreallynothingwecan’tbear, (Ah…) Nourishedbyhisdaily,tendermercies,

Tendermercies,Histendermercies.(>Musicoff)

OlderNephi: Andwetookourjourneyagain,travelingforthespaceofmanydays.Andwedidpitchourtents,(Speaking) anddidtarryforthespaceofatime.

AnditcametopassthatIshmaeldied.(>Music#29)Andhisdaughtersdidmournhislossexceedingly.(Lightsuponthewomenofthecompany,huddledingrief.ThewivesofNephi,Sam,andZoram,alongwithSariah,sitwithIshmael’swidow,comfortingher.Inanothercorner,nearIshmael’sgraveside,thewivesofthesonsofIshmael,andofLamanandLemuel,sing:)

#29:OutHere(1Ne.16:34-36)SOI/L&LWives:Outhere,thereisn’tevenbread;(Singing:) Outhere,we’rebarelyevenfed.

Andmyfatherwouldbealive,notdead,Ifwehadn’tcomeouthere.

Outhere,it’seitherhotorcold;Outhere,wesimplydowhatwearetold.

Goingthisway,goingthatway,onthewhimofasillyball,Ifyouaskme,itjustmakesnosenseatall!

Comingouthere–Ididn’thaveachoice.

Outhere–Ihaven’tgotavoice.WhatIhopefordoesn’tmatter–

Whatisdeartomeisgone– Andtheansweriswesimplymustgoon-Outhere!

Lehi: (Sadly)Outhere,Lord,yourvoicehasgrownsodim;Iwonderifthechildrenmayberight.

AmIjustablindoldfool,Chasingdownsomesillydream,Anddraggingalongmyfamilywithoutreason?

Alreadyithastakenmydearfriend’slife–Whowillbenext,Lord?Myson…mywife?Outhere…

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Nephi: Outhere,itseemsimpossibletobear;

ButIknowthatnothingistoohardforthee!Won’tyoupleaseshowmetheway,Lord–ForIknowthatyouarethere;Oh,tellmewhattodo,Lord-Pleasespeaktome!Outhere!(SonsofIshmaeljointheirsistersonstage)

Ishmael’sChildren: Ourfatherwouldnothavedied,ifwewerenot…+Company: Outhere!Lehi&Sariah: Wecan’tsaywehaven’ttriedourbest…+Company: Outhere! Ishmael’sFamily: Oh,theendlesstearswe’vecried.+Nephi,Lehi,Zoram,Sam: Wehaveprayed,noone’sreplied.+Laman,Lemuel: Tothequestionsburninghereinside…. Outhere!Nephi: Father,pleaseshowmetheway–+LehI: Makethywillclear.Sariah: (Makethywillclear…)All: Outhere! (Themusicseguestoanangriertone,reprisingtheearlierrebellion.Singinginwhisper:)#30:PreciousThings(1Ne.16:34-36)SOI-2’s’sWife: Whydidwecomeouthereatall?SOI-1’sWife: That’s…whatI’dliketoknow!L&LWives: Wehadeverythingweeverwantedbackathome.All: Everythingweeverneeded. SOI-1’sWife: Wehad…ahouse…+SOI-2WifeAlovelyhouse...+Laman’sWife:Alovelyandcomfortablehouse,fullofpreciousthings.Lemuel’sWife: Wehadfriends–+Laman’sWife:Wehadourfather–All4: Wehadabeautifullife,inthathousefullofpreciousthings.AllDaughters: Nowlifeishard–Andwehavewanderedmuch–(Laman,Lemuel,Sam,Zoram,andsonsofIshmael

HereinthiswildernessOfsorrowandofpain. jointheirwives.) We’vesufferedhungerandthirstandfatigueandtoil,SOI-1,2/L&LWives:Justbyhungertonowbeslain-

Oh,thatwecouldgohome,Andseeourpreciousthingsagain!(Theyturntotheirhusbandsforcomfortandprotection.Themenaretouched–andangered–bytheheartbreakotheirwives–otherthanSamandZoram,whoareincreasinglyconcerned.LehiandNephioverhearthisexchangefromdistance.Laman,tendertothefeelingsofhissufferingwife,isparticularlyincensed.)

#31:IntheWilderness(1Ne.16:37-39)Laman: (Eruptingferociously,toLemuelandthesonsofIshmael)Behold,letusslayourfather! AndourbrotherNephitoo! Forweknowthatheliestous,weknowwhatheisreallytryingtodo: Toleadustosomestrangewilderness,theretomakehimselfaking Thathemaydowithusaccordingtohiswill!

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Lemuel: Come,letusslaythem!(SariahandNephi’swifeapproach,overhearingthis,recoilinginhorror.)+SonofI.1,2: Come,letusstrikethem!+Laman: Come,letuskill…them!OlderNephi: ButtheLordwaswithus, (AngelsandNarrators:Ah…)

Andhisvoicecamedown,(themenfalltotheground,hearing,asastrongspotlightshinesonthem) Anddidspeakmanywordsuntothem, (AngelsandNarrators:Ah…) Andtheywerechastenedexceedingly,

Whereforetheydidrepent Anddidturnawaytheiranger. (Samapproachesthemgently,helpsthemup,invites

NephiandLehiIntothegroup.Theyarereconciled, havingfinallyreceivedlong-soughtdivineguidance, validation,andpeace.)OlderNephi: Whereforewewereabletocontinue (Thefullgroupgathers.LehiquietlyhandsNephitheLiahona,

Inourjourneytowardsthepromisedland;andnudgeshimforwardinleadingthegroup.Theycontinuesjourneying,withNephiinthelead,holdingandfollowingtheLiahona)

Wetraveledinthewilderness, (NextfollowSamandZoramwiththeirwives,thentheother

GuidedbyGod’shand. womenandchildren,thenthesonsofIshmael,followedby LamanandLemuel,stillshamedandshakenbytherecentrebuke.)

(>Musicoff)(Lehiwatchesthemsadly,gatheringstrengthforthisnextlegofthejourney,stilloverwhelmedwiththeprivatedevastationofhissons’murderouswordsagainsthim.)(Sariahstandsathisside,concernedforhim,andgatheringherownstrengthforachallengingjourney.)Sariah: (Speaks)Heneversaidthejourneywouldbeeasy.Lehi: No.ButHealsoneversaiditwouldbelikethis.Sariah: Hedidsay…theyneverpartookofthefruit.LehI: (closinghiseyesinpainfulrecollection)Iknow.(Openshiseyes,brightwithtears)

Ijustneverthoughtsomethinglikethiscouldhappen–inourfamily.(Hesitsdejectedlyonalargerock.)

#32:Eventually Sariah: (Sings)Theycanbreakyourheart-Tearitrightintwo;

Theycandevastateyourdreamsforthem,Andshredthemthroughandthrough. Theycantakeeverythingyoutriedtoteachthem,Andthrowitallaway. Theycanbreakyourheartalittleeveryday.

(SheapproachesLehi,standinggentlybehindhim.)Sariah: Butyouwillneverstoplovingthem;No,youwillneverstoplovingthem. Andyouneverwillstophoping,No,youneverwillstophoping Forthetinieststrandofareasontobelieve Thattheywillfinallyfindtheirwaybackhome…

Eventually.

(Instrumentalmusiccontinues,asSariahspeaksprivatelywithLehi)

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Sarah:(spoken)There’ssomethingelseyouprobablyneedtoknow.Lehi: (stillfocusedsadlyonhisrebellioussons)Oh?What’sthat?Sariah: (hesitates)It’shard…Lehi: (tunesintoher,concerned)Whatisit,Sariah?Sariah: (takesadeepbreath,thentellshim:)We’regoingtobedoingthisagain.Lehi: Doingwhat?Sariah: (quietly–alittleafraid)Being…parents.Lehi: What,youmean?….(Shenods,intears.Herushestoher,concernedforhersafety)OutHERE?Sariah: I’malreadysotired.Andsomucholderthanthelasttime.HowwillIeverdothis?(Angels:Ah)Lehi: (Reassuringhergently)Thesamewayasalways.Withmeatyourside.

AndwiththeGodofheavenwatchingoverusboth.Sariah: Andoverourchildren.Allofthem.(Theyarebothmindfuloftheirtroubledeldersons–andofthis

newestadditionsoontojointheirfamily,intheseharshconditions.Theyareunitedinfaithandresolve.)Lehi: Yes.TheywereHis…beforetheywereours.Sariah: Andwewillcontinuetocareforthemwell.Evenhere.Lehi: Evennow.

Come,it’stimetomoveon. (Theybreathedeeply,thenturntorejointhefamily. (Lamanentersgingerly,deeplybruisedbyrecentevents. (Lehiopenshisarms,andLamanrushesintohisfather’sembrace)

Family: Oh,loveisthelongestroadZoram/Mrs.Z:Loveiswhatwefoundouthere,outhere.Angels:Ah…(Singing) Onwhichyoucanembark.Mrs.Laman:CanItrusthim?CanItrusthim? ‘Causeitgoesonforever–SOIWives:Maybesomedaywe’llgetbackwhatwelost,+Zoram,Wife: Fromthemomentthatyoustart, Eventually!(Keychange)+Lehi: Oh,you’llneverstoplovingthem;Laman:Maybeit’snotAngels:Oh…Neverstop…Lovingthem.Sariah: No,you’llneverstoplovingthem. toolateforme Neverstop…Lovingthem. Tofulfillmydestiny!(inrichharmony) Andyouneverwillstophoping,Mrs.Lemuel:Justkeepinggoing: Angels:Ah…

No,youneverwillstophoping+Doubters:We’lljustkeepgoing! ForthetinieststrandofareasontobelieveSariah: Thattheywillfinallyfindtheirwaybackhome, Angels:Ah… Lehi: Andtheirheartswon’talwaysbeasstone; Ah… SamandNephi: Somehowthey’llfindtheiranswersontheirown…They’llfindtheiranswersontheirown.Sariah: Eventually… Mrs.Laman:MaybeIcantrusthim…Ah…Y.Nephi: Eventually.

(Thefamilygatherstogetherinoneunitedgroup,withLehiinfront,holdingtheLiahona) Families: Pressforward!(Pressforward!) Nephi: Pressforward! Angels:Ah!

(>Musicoff)

-------------------(LightsoutonActI.Curtainclosesforaten-minuteintermission.)--------------------

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“PressForward:”ABookofMormonFamilyMusical(v.16,3-31-16)ACT2–THEPROMISEDLAND(8yearslater.Manyyoungchildrenhavenowjoinedthefamily)(#=CD,Act2)#1:Entr’acte(DanceoftheChildren,withtheirmothers,laughing,playingpeekaboo,thenskippingoutmerrily.)

(Lastofall,twolittlegirls,about5and3yearsold,areleftaloneonstage,dawdlingandenjoyingeachother’scompany.LightsuponNarrators,watchingthechildren.)(>Musicoff)

Nar.1:(Speaks)Look,thereweare!(Shepointsatthetwolittlegirlsonstage–theirmortalselves,yearsearlier.)Nar.2: Lookhowlittlewewere!(Alittleboy,about7yearsold,entersandpointstothegirls.)Nar.1: Andourbrother,Jacob!(SariahenterswearilyDSR,carryingayoungchild,lookingforthem.)Nar.2: AndlittleJosephtoo!Look-theyweresotiny!(>Music#2)Nar.1: (Concerned)Motherlooks,,,tired.(Indeed,Sariahseemsagedbeforehertime,duetoconstantstress.)Nar.2: SheWAStired.Thatshouldn’tbetoosurprising-afterEIGHTyearsinthewilderness,raisingteenagers

ANDhavingbabies!(Olderchildrencomeandtakecareofthechildren,soSariahcanrest.Sheexits.)

#2:StrengthfortheJourney(1Ne.17:1-4)SOIYW1:(Singing)Thejourney’sbeenlong,(DaughtersofIshmael’ssonssitDR,conversingaboutrecentchallenges)SOIYW2: Andit’sbeenhard;YoungJacob: Butwegetthroughit, (YoungJacobjoinsthem,encouragingthem)+FaithfulSon:BythestrengthoftheLord. (AyoungsonofasonofIshmael,who’salwayslookeduptoNephi)+Morekids: Hehelpsandsustainsusallalongourway;(TheyallenterandsitDRandDL,onpilesofrocksthere.)+Sam,Zoram:Hestrengthensandnourishesusonourpathwayeveryday.(Sam,Zoram,Laman,Lemueljointheirkids)Child1: Whenstormsbefell, Men:Whenstormsbefell(UCLbehindscrim:Ishmael’swife,newlyChild2: Andourheartsweresad,Men:Andourheartsweresad(departed,beinggrievedbyherchildren.)Child1&2: Welearnedthatallwaswell:+Sariah,Lehi:Alliswell,(L&Scomfortthesenewly-orphaned+Jacob,Sisters:Whatweneededwehad.Family:Whatwe’veneededwe’vehad.adultchildren.)+MoreCh: Wewalkedinconfidence Family:Confidence+MoreCh: AsHekeptusfromharm Family:Fromharm+MoreCh: AndHedeliveredus Family:Deliveredus+MoreCh:: Bythepow’rofHisarm. Family:Bythepow’rofhisarm!(Lightsoutbehindscrim)Men,Children:AndinHimwefound–Strengthforthejourney, Whatevertestorafflictionorsorrowourroadledthrough; Hegaveus–Strengthforthejourney, Andslowlyovertime,ourstrengthandourpowergrew.(SpotUCbehindscrim,L&Lwiveswithbabies)Wives,L&L: WeborechildrenMen,Children:(Ah…) (Spot:Sariahinchildbirth,inthunderstorm)Wives: AndweborepainMen,Children:(Ah….) (Spot:Nephi’swifeburyingachild)Wives: Wefacedheat,andcold,andwind,andpouringrainMen:(Ah.)(SonsofIshmaelshieldtheirchildrenDL)All: Andwewerestrengthenedbyallthatwepassedthrough;(BabyJoseph’sfirstcryisheard) Andweweregiventhepow’rtodowhatwehadtodo.(Nephi’swifestandsbravely,wipinghertears)All: Weweregiven–Strengthforthejourney, (Sheisjoinedbyhersisters,supportingher)Women: Thoughweallstartedoutwithafaiththatwasweakandsmall.(Babycry,Sariah’sbabysuckling)All: Hegaveusstrengthforthejourney:Nephi’sWife: Hegaveusthepow’rtogetusthroughitall. (Overcomewithgrief,Mrs.NephiseparatesherselfDC)

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All: Despitethetearsthatwehavecried,Hehaslitalightinside(Mrs.Nephifallstoherkneesinfervent

Thatweknowwillnever,everfadeaway!prayer.Alightfallsonher,givingcomfort.) Hegivesusstrengthforthejourney, AndafaiththatgrowsyetstrongereverydayL&L:(Thejourney’sbeenlong,andit’sbeenhard) Butwegetthroughit,bythestrengthoftheLord.(Mrs.Nephistandsboldly,withrenewedfaith.) (Lightsout;scrimup;spotlightonOlderNephi,writingDL, withhiswife,reflectingontheiryoungerlifetogether.)#3:JourneyingsWithoutMurmurings(1Ne.17:1-6)OlderNephi: AndourwomendidbearchildreninthewildernessOlderMrs.Nephi:Yes,Iremember:+Children: Andwerestrong,evenlikeuntothemen; Stronglikeuntothemen, Andtheybegantobeartheirjourneyings Andwebegantobearourjourneyings Withoutmurmurings... Withoutmurmurings(Women:Ah…) +OlderMrs.N:Andwhilelivingonrawmeatinthewilderness,(Women:Ah…)(Thechildrenruntheirmothershappily,

They(we)nourishedtheir(our)smallbabes thewomenliftandtwirltheirAbundantly; (Women:Ah…) babiesinacommunitydance)

Andaftereightlongyears (Women:Eightlongyears) (Themenjointheirfamilies, Oftrialsandoftears, (Women:Trialsandtears,)armsaroundtheirwives)+Company: Wearrivedataplacebesideashiningsea…(Theyallsingtogether,united,facingtheaudience)

(Musicseguesto#4,includingSoundEffect–wavesattheseashore,comingfromtheauditorium.Lehi,carryingtheLiahona,leadshisfamilyastheywalkforwardslowly,discoveringthisnewlocationwithwonderanddelight.Meanwhile,olderNephiandhiswifereadandreminisce.)

OlderNephi: “Behold,wedidcometoalandwhichwedidcallBountiful,becauseofitsmuchfruitandwildhoney.”O.Mrs.NephI: Bountiful.HowIlovedthelandBountiful.(Heryoungerselfcomesforward,joyfullybreathinginthe

oceanair.OlderMrs.N.reads:)“Andwebeheldthesea,anddidpitchourtentsbytheseashore.”OlderNephi: (Continuingtoread)“Andnotwithstandingwehadsufferedmanyafflictionsandmuchdifficulty,

wewereexceedinglyrejoicedwhenwecametotheseashore.“(Heclosesthebookandleaves,asshecontinuestoquietlyreminisce.)

O.Mrs.NephI: “Exceedinglyrejoiced.”Yes–Iremember…(lightsupontheactionontheseashore)Laman:(tohiswife)Itoldyouitwouldbeworthit.It’sbeenhardforyou,allthistime.Butnow,we’vefinallyarrived.

#4:HomeAtLast(1Ne.17:5-6)Laman: We’rehomeatlast–Mylittlechildren! (Astheystandtogetherinwarmsunset,(Singing:) We’rehomeatlast–Mytenderwife!withthegentlesoundofoceanwaves.)+HisWife: Here,wecanfinallystopandmakeahome,+Children: Here,wewilleatthisfruitandneverhavetoroamagain.+Lemuel: We’rehomeatlast–Throughwithourwandering; (Tohiswife,swingingherhappilyasshelaughs)+HisWife: We’rehomeatlast–Throughwithourpainandfear. +SonsofIshm: Here,wecanfinallyrestandmakeanend;+Wives,Childr:We’vefinallyfoundourpromisedland,righthere.(LightsuponNephi,atsomedistance,lookingout towardtheaudience,asifitwerethesea.HesensesNephi: Whyisthatsea–Callingouttome– itisimportantsomehow–butisunsurewhy. Andwhatmayliebeyondthisrestfulshore? Thisisaplacewithacomfortingembrace- (ThisisOlderNephi,seennowasayoungerman AndyetIcan’thelpfeelingthereismore. actingwithintheunfoldingstory)

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(Keychange) OlderMrs.NephI:Somuchmore…All/Nephi: We’rehomeatlastNephi:Whyisthatsea)– YoungerMrs.NephI:Nephi?….

Throughwithourwandering;(callingouttome?) Nephi?... We’rehomeatlast(Whatmayliebeyond)–

Throughwithourpainandfear.(thisrestfulshore?) OlderMrs.NephI:Somuchmore… Here,wecanfinallyrestandmakeanend;(Isthistheend?) We’vefinallyfoundourpromisedland

Righthere.(Ican’thelpfeelingthereismore…) OlderMrs.NephI:Somuchmore… Righthere.(Ican’thelpfeelingthereismore…) YoungerMrs.NephI:Nephi?…(heturnstoher)

Righthere.(Ican’thelpfeeling–it’sastrongandgrowingfeeling–No,Ijustcannothelpfeeling)Righthere.(Thereismore–beyondthisrestfulshore…)OlderMrs.NephI:Somuchmore…(>Musicoff)(LightsoutonthefamilyandonOlderMrs.Nephi;uponNarrators)

Nar.2:(Speaks)ThattimewespentinthelandBountiful,thereattheoceanside,wasthehappiesttimeinmylife.Nar.1: Minetoo.Butthereisn’tmuchaboutithereinNephi’sbook.Nar.2: There’snotmuchaboutusthereingeneral!Nar.1: Iknow–onlyoneverse.See,hereitis….“JacobandJoseph,andalsomysisters...”Nar.2: 4words?Weonlyget4wordsintheentirebook?Nar.1: Yep.4words.We’re…backgroundcharacters!(>Music#5)Nar.2: Iguessnoteverybodycanbeinthespotlight.#5:IntheBackgroundNar.1:(Sings) Quietly–Inthebackground-Wecookandcleanandfeelandthinkandlive.Nar.2: Silently-Inthebackground-Weloveandprayandfearandhopeandgive.Nar.1: Andyetourvoicesarerarelyeverheard,+Nar.2: AndwhatiswrittenofusIshardlyaword (Lightsuponwomen,quietlybusywithhouseholdtasks)+OMN,Women: Butquietly–Inthebackground–(SamandZoramenter,eachbusywithtasksforthecamp)

Westriveandlearn Andhearandacheandgrow; Sam&Zoram:Westriveandhearandacheandgrow.

Andsilently–Inthebackground– Silently–Inthebackground,weserve:Weserveinwaysnoonewilleverknow. NoonebutGodwilleverknow!

+Children: AndyetourvoicesAreheardbyGodabove;Ourvoicesareheard: AndheseessilentlyOurendlessgiftsoflove.Heseesourlove!

Andquietly,inthebackground,

Hehelpsusthrougheachchallengeonourway. Hehelpsusthrough. Andsilently,inthebackground, Silently,inthebackground,

Hesendshishelpandblessingseveryday; Hesendsblessingseveryday.

All: Andit’snicetoknowWehavesomuchincommon(Angels,joinedbyIshmael’swife:Ah!) WithGodhimself,inheavenupabove Whosilently,inthebackground,

Quietlypoursouthisgiftsoflove. (Silently,inthebackground)Women/Children: Justaswedo-Sam&Zoram:Justaswedo-Angels:Justaswedo-All: Inthebackground.(Angels:Ah!)(Abruptly,themusicchangestoabolddrivingsound,asNephibecomesvisiblereachingthetopofamountain,highup,UL.Lightsfocusonhim;lightsfadeoutonthefamilybelow.)

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#6:DriventotheMountain(1Ne.17:7-9)Nephi: Driventothemountain,likeMoseswasofold;(Backgroundlightsaredramaticandstormy,(Singing) Driventothemountain,intheearlymorningcold; darksilhouettedagainstdark, Followingaquietvoicethatbeckonedmethisway, ashecompleteshisstrenuousclimb, Iam...Driventothemountaintoday. inveryearlymorning.)Angels:(Ah…) Upherewheretheairisclear,oncliffsthatyou’veclenchedandclawed,Angels:(Ah…) There’snotanothervoicetohear,exceptforthevoiceofGod. AndwhenyoucomeheretoseekHim,Hedoesn’tturnaway.(Backgroundlightsslowlyturn That’swhyI’vecometoHisholymountain…Today.airywhiteandpeacefulblue) AndIcry…ToHim. Angels:(Ah…)

AndIcry…ToHim. (Skybecomesevermoreradiantandbeautiful, AndItry… inearly-morningpatchesofcolor)

Tolistenandtohear!

Nephi: Hereonthismountaintop, Angels:(Ah…)MyeyesarefilledwiththingsIcannotalwayssee:

Hereinthisquietplace, Hisquietvoicespeaksclearly,justtoonlyme.(Angelsexit,leavinghimalonewithGod)

Driventothemountain,likeMoseswasofold. (Skybecomessoftyellow–earlysunrise) Driventothemountain….

(>Musicoff)(Lightsoutonmountain;uponthecampbelow,withLamanandsonsittingDSR.Theyspeak:)Laman: (Tohisson,acurly-headed5-year-old)So-how’smylittlemantoday?Laman’sSon: I’mgood,father!Ilikethisplacebetterthananywhereever!(Laman’swifejoinsthemDSR)Laman: Itisbeautiful,isn’tit?Butnotasbeautifulasyourmother!(Tohiswife)Areyouhappy?Laman’sWife: Icouldbehappyhere.(Shestands,looksout)IstillmissJerusalemsometimes.But…it’snicehere.Laman: (Hestands,joiningher)I’llbuildyouabigbeautifulhouse…rightoverthere.

BetterthananythingyoueverhadinJerusalem!Laman’sWife: (Laughs)Oh,Laman,you’resuchatease.ButIbelieveyou.You’vealwaysworkedsohardforus.Laman: I’ddoanythingforyou.Andforourfamily.(Theirsonstands,joiningthem.)Laman’sWife: Iknow.AndI’mgrateful.(Sheembraceshimhappily,theirsonhugsthem,theylaugh.)

(BasedonJacob3:7,1Ne.17:20-21)

(Bynow,Nephihasre-enteredthepicture,gatheringsupplies,andhammeringnailsintoawoodenframeSL.SamandLemuelenter,standC.,watchinghim.)

Sam: Whatareyoudoing?Nephi: Preparing(turnsandlooksatSamjubilantly)…tobuildaship!Laman: Aship…Why?Lemuel: (Mockingly)Areyou…goingsomewhere,Nephi?Nephi: We’reallgoingsomewhere…(Pointstotheocean)There!Sam: Themanywaters?Why?What’soverthere?Nephi: Thepromisedland.Alargeexpanseofland.Abeautifulland.Bigenoughforallofus,forgenerations!

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Laman: (crossingtoCR,aleveldown.)We’renotgoinganywhere.This..(motionstohisfamilySR)THISisthepromisedland.

Nephi: (CrossingtomeethimCL,explaining.)THISisatemporaryrestingspot.Withinayearortwo,withmoreandmorechildrencoming,itwon’tbenearlybigenough.

Laman: Ourwives,ourchildren…Haveyouseenthem?They’refinallyhappy!We’renotgoinganywhere!Nephi: (CrossingbacktoSLtoresumeworkontheship.)Godsaysotherwise.AndHesaysyouneedtohelpme.Lemuel: Helpyou…what?Nephi: Buildtheship,ofcourse!Lemuel: (Sarcastically)Sonow…you’reaboatbuilder.Andyouwantustobeyourhappylittleassistants!Nephi: It’sgoingtobeanamazingship.Godshowedmehowtobuildit.Notafterthemannerofmen.

It’llbeunlikeanythingyou’veeverseenbefore.(Heresumeshishammering.)(1Ne.17:8-16)#7:OurBrotherIsAFool/TouchMeNot!(1Ne.17:17-21,48-55)Lemuel:(Sings) (inrhythmwiththehammering,crossingtoLaman)Ourbrotherisafool-HethinkshecanbuildaboatLaman: (meetingLemuelDCR)Withthesepatheticlittletools,Andhethinksitcouldevenfloat.Lemuel: Tocarryusacrossthesewaters,tosome“promisedland.”+Laman: Hey,brotherdear,shallwecomeandlendahand?(Sam,stillC,oncemorefindshimselfcaught

uncomfortablybetweenwarringbrothers.)(Sariah,hearingthetumult,entersUSR

L&L Whyshouldweeverlisten, holdingherbabyprotectivelyforonesecondtothecrazyramblings.Laman’swiferemainsDSR,watchingcoldly.)Ofthislittlechipofftheoldblock? Sam/Sariah:DearLord,notthisagain!Whenwillthereeverbeanendtoallthissillyfoolishness? (YoungJacobenterstohelphismother)Whenwillitstop?Whenwilliteverstop? Sam/Sar./Y.Jacob:Whenwilliteverstop?

Laman: (criesoutinrage)Iknowhowtomakeitstop–Permanently!(HelungesatNephi,Lemueljoinshim)(SamandYoungJacobleapouttotrytoprotectNephi.Nephiextendshishandmightily,singing:)

Nephi: Touchmenot!OrGodwillsmiteyou,Andyou’llwitherlikeareed!

ForIamfilledwithhispowerandmight,Itconsumesthefleshofme!(Zoramenters,joinsSam)Murmurnomoreagainstyourfather,Andwithholdnotyourlaborfromme;(SonsofIshmaelenter)ForGodhascommandedustobuildthisship,Tocarryusacrossthesea.(LamanandLemuelcower)HeisaGodofpower–HeisaGodofmight– Sam/Zoram:Godofpower,GodofmightAndnothingistoohardforhim, Nothingistohardforhim;Thereisnothingbeyondhissight. Nothingbeyondhissight.Ifhecommandedmetoturnthiswatertoearth, GodofpowerIcoulddoallthatandmore; GodofmightSohecansurelyinstructmetobuildthisship,hereuponthisshore,

L&L,SZ,SoI,SJ: WeknowofasuretyThattheLordourGodiswiththee.L&L:(kneelingbeforehim)ForweknowitishispowerThathasshakenus.Nephi: Iamonlyyouryoungerbrother:WorshiptheLordthyGod; Andhonorthyfatherandthymother, ThatthydaysmaybelongInthelandwhichtheLordthyGodshallgivethee.Sam:(Speaksgently)Let’sgettowork.Whatisityouwantedustodo?Nephi: Weneedtogathersomemoretimber.Let’sstartoverhere.(>Musicoff)

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(Nephileadsthemenoutinsearchoftimber.Lamanlagsbehind.Lemueltakesalastglance,thenfollowsthegroup.)(Lamanpullsawayintoacorneralone.OnceagainNephihasbestedhim–anditfestersdeepinsidehim)Laman’sson: (Ayoungchild,boundinginhappily,tuggingathisfather’ssleeve.Speaks:)Father,canyouplay?Laman: (Bruisedandirritatedfromrecentevents.)Maybelater.GoaskJacobifhecanplay.

(HestandsandexitssullenlySL.Hiswifeandmotherwatchhiminconcern.Mrs.Lamansits,shattered.)

Laman’sson: (RunningtoSariah)Grandmama–PapasaystoaskifJacobcanplay.Sariah: Isupposethat’sfine–aslongasyoubothplaynice.(Theboysgoskippingoffhappily.)

(SariahlooksdownatJoseph,thebabeinherarms,thenwistfullyuptowardLaman.Musicbegins.)#8:IHaveNotForgottenSariah: Sweetlittlebabyboy,brimmingwithlightandjoy,(Singing): Youreyesshiningbrightwithecstaticdelight,Fullofwonderattheworld,

Nowaman,notababy,inform–Tallandhandsome,andyetforlorn;Witheyesdarkandangry,Andblamingandcold–Battlewearyandwar-torn:

You’veforgottenwhoyouare–You’veforgottenwhoyouwere, Andyou’veforgottenwhoyouhaveitinyoutobe. ButIhavenotforgotten,AndIneverwillforget; Formyson,Istillbelieveinyou,AndI’mpullingforyouyet.

Oncealaughing,cherubicchild,Haircurlingsoftlyaroundyourface,(Angelsenter,supportingthem:Ah)Andyourpealsoflaughterfillingtheairwithdelightandjoyandgrace.

+Mrs.Laman: Nowyou’velostyourradiantsmile–Iseeyoustruggledaybyday;(Mrs.Lamanliftsherhead–aAndItrytoreachyou–Itrytotouchyou–Butyoujustturnaway.mixofpain,sadness,andanger)

You’veforgottenwhoyouare (Angels:Whoyouare)–You’veforgottenwhoyouwere, (Whoyouwere)Andyou’velostsightofwhoyouhaveitinyoutobe. (Whoit’sinyoutobe)

ButIhavenotforgotten,AndIneverwillforget; (AndIneverwillforget)Sariah: Formyson,Istillbelieveinyou,+Mrs.Laman: AndI’mpullingforyouyet. (AndI’mpullingforyouyet.)(harmony:) Iwillneverstopfightingforyou–Neverstopachingforyou– (Neverstop–Neverstop) Neverstopbelievingthatyou’llfindyourway; (Neverstop–Ah) AndI’llneverstopprayingforyou–Neverwillstophoping(Neverstop,Neverstop) Thatyou’llgrowintowhoyouwereborntobe…someday. (Ah…)

(Lamanre-enters,coldandangry)Sariah: Mysweetlittlebabyboy,brimmingwithlightandjoy,

Youreyesshiningbrightwithecstaticdelight,Fullofwonderattheworld,Nowaman,notababy,inform– (Angels:Ah…)

+Mrs.Laman: Tallandhandsome,andyetforlorn;You’veforgottenwhoyouare–ButI’venotforgotten.

Lemuel: (Spoken,callingtohim)HeyLaman–youjoiningusoverhere?Sariah,Mrs.L: Ihavenotforgotten.Sam: (Spoken,approachinghimkindly,extendingahand)Weneedyourhelp,brother.Sariah,Mrs.L: Ihavenotforgotten–Ihavenotforgotten.

(Lamansilentlyrejoinshisbrothers,astheycontinuecraftingtheship.Lightsfadeout;uponNarrators)(>Musicoff)

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Nar.1:(Speaks)Overtime,ourbrothersworkedhardtocompletetheship,tocarryusalltothepromisedland.NephiwentintothemountainoftentolearnmorefromGodabouthowtobuilditjustright.

Nar.2: Andwhenitwasdone,evenLamanandLemuelhadtoagreethattheshipwaswell-builtandstrong,andthattheworkmanshipofitwasexceedinglyfine.(>MusicIntro:#9)

Nar.1: AndtheyhumbledthemselvesagainbeforetheLord.(LightshinesontoLehi,asinhisfirstvision)

AndthevoiceoftheLordcametoourfatherLehi,thatweshouldariseandgodownintotheship.

Nar.2: So,aftergatheringmuchfoodandprovisions,weallenteredtheship.(Lehi’slightout)Andweputforthintothesea,andweredrivenforth (Soundeffect–loudpowerfulwind.)beforethewindtothepromisedland.(1Ne.18:1-8)

Nar.1: Anddespitemanyadversitiesuponthewaters,afterwehadsailedformanydays,wearrivedatanew

land,andwewentforthupontheland,andpitchedourtents.Andwecalleditthepromisedland.(1Ne.18:22-23)

(LightsuponLehiandthefamily,newlydiscoveringthepromisedland.Theirfacesbeamwithwonderandgreatjoy.)#9:HomeAtLast,Reprise(1Ne.17:5-6)Lehi:(Singing): We’rehomeatlast–Behold,mychildren, We’vehomeatlast–Mybelovedwife!(Hetucksherunderhisarm.)+Sariah: (withhersmallchildren.)Here,wecanfinallystopandmakeahome,+Sam&wife: Here,wewillplantourseedsandneverhavetoroamagain.(Keychange)+SZ,Wives/L&L,wives: We’rehomeatlast(Homeatlast)–Thruwithourwandering(Thruwithourwandering)+SofI/wives: We’rehomeatlast(Homeatlast)–Throughwithourpainandfear.(Throughwithourpainandfear.)+Children: Here,wecanfinallyrestandmakeanend;

We’vefinallyfoundourpromisedlandrighthere:We’rehome…Homeatlast!Homeatlast! (Lightsoutonthefamily,uponOlderNephiandwife)

OlderNephi: “Anditcametopassthatwedidbegintotilltheearth…andweputallourseedsintotheearth,(Reading) whichwe’dbroughtfromthelandofJerusalem.Andtheygrewexceedingly;andwewereblessedin

abundance.”ONephi’swife: “Andwefounduponthelandofpromise,aswejourneyedinthewilderness,thattherewerebeastsof

everykind,whichwerefortheuseofmen.Andwefoundallmannerofore-ofgold,andofsilver,andofcopper.“

OlderNephi: “AndtheLordcommandedme,whereforeImadeplatesofore,thatImightengravenuponthemthe

recordofourpeople.”(Theypondertherecordreverently,lightsout)

(LightsuponSariah,sittingaloneinthemoonlight,leaningonalargerock,verytired.Ithasbeenalongjourney,fullofadversitiesandheartbreaks.Hermortalstrengthisquicklyebbingaway.)Sariah: We’rehomeatlast–Ourfamilyispeaceful,(Singing) Inthishealingplace,aftersomuchtimehaspassed. MaybeIcanfinallyrestforjustawhile.

Maybethis…istrulyhome…atlast.(4chords.Shecloseshereyes,andgoespeacefullytosleep.Afterafewmoments,themusicsegues,andLehicomeslookingforher.Heseesherfromadistanceatfirst.)

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#10:BeautifulTonight,RepriseLehi: Thestarsaresobeautifultonight! Butnotnearlyasbeautifulasyou. (Noresponsefromher,asthemusiccontinues) Sariah?(Asthesecondverseplays,heapproachesher.Sheismotionless.Hefinallyrealizes-

herlife’sjourneyisnowover.Agonized,hecriesout:)

Pleasedon’tleaveme,Sariah-pleasedon’tgo!ForIknow,I’llmisseverythingaboutyou.

Wehavefinallyarrivedinourpromisedland- Butitholdssomuchlessjoyforme,withoutyou.

(Strokingherhairgently)You’relookingsobeautifultonight, Withthemoonlightinyourhair–sweetlove,adieu. It’sbeenalonghardjourney,alonghardfight-(Angelsappear,includingIshmaelandhiswife) Butthere’snooneIwouldhaverathershareditwith-thanyou. Ifeelmylife,likeyours,slowlyslippingaway;(Angels:Ah)(AsguardianangelrousesSariah)

ButtherearethingsIknow,thatIstillneedtosay,(GuardianangelliftsSariahtoherfeet) Beforemytimeispast,andIgohomeatlast(Sariahbecomesawareofhercurrentstate)

Toyou,andto…MySavior.(Helooksupwithjoy,asastronglightfallsonhimfromabove.

TheLordhathredeemedmysoul–AndIhavebeheldhisglory!(Angels:Ah)(Sariahinlight)Iamencircledabouteternallyinthearmsofhislove!(Angelsembraceher,beginexiting,

Inthearmsoflove. asthemusicoftheirformerduetplays.Assheexits,shesingstohim: Sariah(exiting:) (Tillthen,adieu.) (LightsoutslowlyonLehi)(>Musicoff)

Nar.1:(Speaks)Sometimes,peoplejustseemtoknowwhentheirtimeonearthispassed.(Gentlemusicintrobegins)Nar.2: Andasourfather’stimegrewnear,hegatheredhisfamilyaroundhim,toimpartsomefinalcounsel. (LightsuponLehi,sittingcenterstage,surroundedbyhisfamily.Lamanisonhisrighthand,Nephiis

athisleft.LemuelandsonsofIshmaelstandbesideLaman.Sam,Zoram,Jacob,andJosephstandatthesideofNephi.Theirwivesandchildrenstandorsitsomewhatfartheraway,onthesidecorrespondingtotheirheadofhousehold.Nephi’swifeholdshernephew,babyJoseph,recentlybereftofhismother.)(Lehisingsweakly,neartheendofhismortalstrength:)

#11:Awake,MySons(2Ne.1:4-5;13-14;21-24)

Lehi: Behold,Ihaveseeninvision–Jerusalemisnowdestroyed;(Singing) Andifwestillhadbeenthere,wealsowouldhaveperishedwiththem,myboys. Buthereweare,inthisnewlandofpromise,Choiceaboveallotherlands. Andaswesettlehere,therearethingsthatyouallneedtounderstand: (Slowlyandthoughtfully)Hereattheendofalifetime,Ireflectonallthatmyeyeshaveseen;

Isharewithyouonefinalmessage,andofferonefinalplea.YouhaveitwithinyourpowerTobemighty,bold,andstrong,Sohearthewordsofatremblingparent–afather’sdyingsong:

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(ToLaman’sgroup):Awake,mysons:Shakeoffthoseawfulchainsthatbindyou;Bedeterminedinoneheartandmind,unitedinallthings.Arisefromthedust,andputolddarkertimesbehindyou.Embracethejoythatthisnewlandofpromisebrings.

Rebelnomoreagainstyourbrother(HebringsNephiforwardtokneelnearhim) Whoseviewshavebeengloriousforyears; Forwithouthimweallwouldhaveperishedlongago Inthatwildernessoftears.Awake,mysons:Shakeoffthoseawfulchainsthatbindyou;(Angelsbecomevisible:Ah…)Bedeterminedinoneheartandmind,unitedinallthings.(Thestagebecomesluminous,Arisefromthedust,andputolddarkertimesbehindyou.asinhisfirstvisionofheaven)Embracethejoythatthisnewlandofpromisebrings.(Sariahstepsforwardslowlyinlight)

Sariah:(Asanangel) Andyouhaveobtainedalandofpromise–Andit’stimenowtocomehome,(shebeckonshim) Toinheritallthatyouworkedfor–Nevermoretobealone.(Hehearsher,delicatelybalancedbetweenthisworldandthenext,ashegiveshisfamilyfinalinstruction)

Lehi:(Speaking) (withinstrumentalverse)AndnowmysonLaman,andalsoLemuelandSam,andalsomysons

whoarethesonsofIshmael,beholdifyewillhearkenuntothevoiceofNephiyeshallnotperish.Andifyewillhearkenuntohim,Ileaveuntoyouablessing,yea,evenmyfirstblessing.ButifyewillnothearkenuntohimItakeawaymyfirstblessing,anditshallrestuponhim.(Thisisshattering,unexpectednewsforLaman,whoforalifetimeanticipatedbeingLehi’sfullheir,andtheundisputedleaderoftheirfamilytribe,afterLehi’spassing.Lehicontinues,inanever-weakeningvoice:)Befaithful,mysons.Befaithfulalways…inkeeping…thewords…oftheLord.(HelooksupatLaman,whoavertshisgazebitterly.ThispainsLehitothecore.)

Sariah:(Asanangel) (Gently)Liftupyourhead–Becomforted–Anddon’tdespairanymore, Foritwon’tbelongtillyouseeforyourself–Whatallofthisisfor.(Sheextendsahandtohim)+Lehi,Angels: (ashejoinsherandtheangels,exitingtogetherintothelight.Hismortaljourneyends.)Ooo.(>Musicoff)(Thestagelooksdarkernow.Nephistandsslowly,gatheringhisstrengthtostandinhisfather’splace.)

Nephi: (Gently,withauthority)Wemustrememberalwaysthethingsourfatherhasspokentousthisday.Laman: (Menacingly)Oh,Iremember,littlebrother.Believeme–thisisonedayIwillnever,everforget.Nephi: Laman…(Concerned,NephiextendsahandtoLaman,whoslapsitawayferociously,asfiercemusic

erupts.(>Music#12)Lightsoutonthefamily,asaspotlightfollowsLaman,boltingtoadark,distantcornerofthestage.Heisseethingwithrage,andlitbyatorchorotherhalf-light,creatingdarkshadowsonhisface.)#12:Hey,LittleBrother(2Ne.4:13,5:2-4) Laman: (Devastatedandresentful)Hey,littlebrother,Youthinkthatyou’resotough!(Singing) Hey,littlebrother,I’vehadaboutenough

Ofyourlecturesandyourendlesswords-There’snoneleftthatIhaven’theard-Nooutragethatyou’veleftunstirredtoday!

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(Moregently,fightingwithinhimself)Hey,littlebrother,Thisisn’thowitusedtobe;Therewasatime,littlebrother,Whenyouoncelookedtome.Funny,now,howthingshavechanged;Howev’rything’sbeenrearranged;Funnyandalittlebitstrangetosee.

(Wistfully)Oh,IrememberotherdaysWhenweusedtoactinotherways.

(Withlonging,almostregret)Hey,littlebrother,Iusedtodryyourtears;(Nephienters,searching)Whenothershurtyou,Iusedtocalmyourfears. (Nephi:Laman?)Iusedtobetheonetowatchyourback– (Upstage,LemuelgathersLamanites;Nowit’smeontheattack! TheysilentlysurroundNephi,readytopounce)HowIwishwecouldgobackintime!(LemuelandLamanites:Nowit’stimetoendthis!) (Theyseizeviolentlyuponhim,restrainhim)

Oh,Ineverwantedtobeyourenemy; (Lemuel/Lamanites:Ah…) Butyou’retheonewhocouldn’tjustletthingsbe! (Angergrowstoaboilingpoint)

(Ferociously)Hey,littlebrother, (Lemuel/Lamanites:Hey,littlebrotherDon’tpushmeagainstawall, (Don’tyoupushme!)‘Causeifitcomestoabattle,brother, (Hey,littlebrother!)(NephiisrequiredtostruggleforItain’tmewho’sgonnafall! hislifeagainstthemall.)(Ah…)Iwon’tletyoutakefromme (Ha…Ha!....Whatismineandwhatwillalwaysbe! (Ah!Ha!....)EvenifIhavetofreemyselffromyou, (Ah!....Ah!...Littlebrother,littlebrother,Littlebrother! (Threateninghislife) (Littlebrother,littlebrother, Hey,littlebrother... (Littlebrother,littlebrother,Littlebrother!Littlebrother! (Littlebrother!Littlebrother!)Littlebrother-Hey!

Mrs.Lemuel,cringout:Stopit!Allofyou!That’senough!He’syourBROTHER!(Nephiescapes,runsfromthem.)Laman(snarling)MyLITTLEbrother!(Hestormsoff,followedbytheotherLamanites,lastofallMrs.Lemuel)

(Laman’sshadowbecomeslonger,deeper,anddarker.Thisonce-handsome,princelyyoungmanisnowentirelytransformedintoamurderous,resentfulmanofviolence-ashadowofwhatheoncewas,andofwhathecouldhavebeen.Theresentmentignitednowwithinhissoulwillshadowthelivesofmanyfuturegenerations.Lightsout.)(LightscomeupslowlyonNephi,crumpledinpainontheoppositecornerofthestage,grievingthelossofbothofhisbelovedparents-andalsothedevastating,unexpectedlossofrelationshipwithhisolderbrothers,andtheemergingriftwithinhisfamily–afamilywhoseleadershiphehadbeenentrustedwithbyhisbelovedfather.)

#13:Eventually,Reprise1(Orphaned)Nephi:(Slowly,andwithgreatfeeling)Theycanbreakyourheart-Tearitrightintwo;

Theycandevastateyourdreamsforthem,Andshredthemthroughandthrough.Theycantakeeverythingyoutriedtoteachthem,Andthrowitallaway.Theycanbreakyourheartalittleeveryday…

(LightsupgentlyonLehiandSariah,asangels)Sariah:(Softly:)Butyouwillneverstoplovingthem;(Nephi:Lovingthem?)+Lehi: No,youwillneverstoplovingthem.(Nephi:Lovingthem.) +Nephi: Andyouneverwillstophoping,No,youneverwillstophoping Forthetinieststrandofareasontobelieve

Thattheywillfinallyfindtheirwaybackhome…

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Sariah/Nephi: Eventually. Sariah/Lehi: Eventually. (LightsoutslowlyonLehi&Sariah) (Nephi’sgriefgrowstooverwhelmingproportions.Aslightonhisangelparentsfadesout,heisleftinthedark toweepalone,intheintensityofhissoul.Hecriesout:)#14:Awake,MySoul!(2Ne.4:17-35)Nephi: OwretchedmanthatIam!Yea,myheartsorroweth,andmysoulgrieveth.(Hecrumplesinfierce

Iamencompassedaboutwithtemptationsthatsoeasilybesetme;painandself-recrimination,AndwhenIdesiretorejoice,myheartgroanethbecauseofmysins;(Hereachessharplyforthesword

ofLaban,anangelrestrainshim)(Angels:Ah…)Nevertheless,IknowinwhomIhavetrusted: (Angels:Knowinwhom(inwhomyouhavetrusted) IknowinwhomIhavetrusted. (Youhavetrusted) MyGodhathbeenmysupport; (Thysupport,Hehathledmethroughmineafflictionsinthewilderness;(ThruthineafflictionsinthewildernessHehathcarriedmeacrossthegreatdeep. (Hehathcarriedtheeacrossthegreatdeep)

Hehathheardmycrybyday, (Thycrybyday)Givenmeknowledgebyvisioninthenighttime, (Inthenight-time)AndonthewingsofhisSpirithathmybodybeencarriedaway(Carriedaway)

+Angels: Uponexceedinglyhighmountains,(highmountains)Andmine(thine)eyeshavebeheldgreatthings,Eventoogreatforman,ThatIwasbiddenthatIshouldnotwritethem.(Ah)

Nephi: Oh,then,ifIhaveseensogreatthings,

Whyshouldmyheartweep,andmystrengthslacken? (Whyshouldthystrengthslacken?)WhyshouldIgivewaytotemptation, (Whyshouldstthougivewaytotempation

+Angels: Thattheevilonehaveplacetodestroymy(thy)peace,andafflictmy(thy)soul?(Reachesforsword)Nephi: WhyamIangrybecauseofmineenemy?(Angel:Notthisway,no,notthistime)

WhyamIangrybecauseofmineenemy?(Angels:Notthistime)

Awake,mysoul!Nolongerdroopinsin. (Awakethysoul!Nolongerdroopinsin.) Rejoice,Omyheart,andgiveplacenomorefortheenemyofmysoul.(Ah….)

+Angels: Donotangeragainbecauseofmine(thine)enemies, Donotslackenmystrengthbecauseofmine(thine)afflictions.(FemaleAngels:Ah..)OLord,wiltthouredeemmy(his)soul? (Lord,wiltthouredeemhissoul?)Wiltthouencircleme(him)Intherobeofthyrighteousness?(Encirclehiminrighteousness)OLord,wiltthoumakeaway, (Lord,makeaway:Formineescapebeforemineenemies? (Escapethineenemies)OLord,Ihavetrustedinthee,AndIwilltrustintheeforever,(I’vetrustedinthee,Intheeforever)Iwillliftupmyvoice,Iwillcryuntothee,Myrock,andmineeverlastingGod!(Myvoiceshallforeverascenduntothee,myGod,myGod!)

(>MusicOff)(Samenters,alongwithZoram,seeingNephiindeepreflection.Speakstohimgently:)Sam: Howgoesit,brother?NephI: TheLordhascommanded…thatwetakeourfamilies…andjourneyintothewilderness.Sam: Again?Nephi: Again,brother.Foroursafety,andthesafetyofourlittleones.Sam: Sobeitthen.(ClaspsagentlehandonNephi’sshoulder.)Zoram: Come,let’sgotelltheothers.

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O.Nephi’sWife:Andwebroughtwithusthebrassplates,andthecompass,andtheswordofLaban.(Theygathertheseitemsastheyexit.LightsoutonNephi,SamandZoram.)Andwejourneyedformanydaysintothewilderness.(2Ne.5:1-14) (Thickdrumbeats;LightsuponfuriousLamanandothers.)#15:Wronged!Robbed!(Mosiah10:12-17)Laman: (Incensed,discoveringsomanypeopleanditemsgone.)Wronged!Robbed!Timeaftertimeaftertime! Myyoungerbrother,takingfromme,Whatrightfullyismine!Lamanites: Wronged!Robbed!We’llseethatthey’regonnapay Generationaftergeneration,Dayafterday!(Sariah’smourningriff,butnowinintensewarcrystyle.)Laman: ForIwaswronged(Wronged!)inJerusalem,Robbed(Robbed!)ofmyinheritance,(Lamanitesecho

Mydreamsandhopesandpowerslicedaway!(Ha!Ha!Ha!) hisrage) Wrongedforyears(Wronged!)inthewilderness,

Nowrobbed(Robbed!)ofmybirthright,andRobbedofmyrighttoleadtoday!

Lamanites: Weallare-Wronged!Robbed!We’llseethatthey’regonnapay(Standingproudly,Laman Generationaftergeneration,Dayafterday!(Sariah’sriff,withAh’s)iscrownedkingofhispeople,

inagrandcoronation.)Lemuel: Lamanisourleadernow-Hewillprotectourrights!(Lamanspreadshisarmswide,withabacklightLamanites: Fromnowon,wewillbecalledLamanites! behindhim,creatingalargeshadowacrossthestage)

Weallare-Wronged!Robbed!We’llseethatthey’regonnapay! Generationaftergeneration,Dayafterday!(Sariah’sriff,asaferociouswarcry:Ah!)Laman: (Inashadowedlightfromhiscourt,commandingloudly,asking)Killthem!Killthemall!

Makethempayforwhattheyhavetakenfromus!(Ha!)(LightsoutontheLamanites.)#16:TheMannerofHappiness(2Ne.5:27,15,34;Jacob1:9-10;(Mosiah10:11-17)O.Nephi’sWife:Anditcametopass(Narrators:Itcametopass)thatwelived(Thatwelived)(Y.Mrs.Nephihas Afterthemannerofhappiness,(Nephites:Ah)finallybeenblessedwithababyofherown–+Narrators: Afterthemannerofhappiness. (Nephites:Ah)Nephikisseshischild’slittlehead.)+Nephites: WeaskedNephitobeourkingandourprotector;(Nephikneelshumbly,withtheswordofLaban, Welookedtohimforsafety,Andunderhisdirection,tobecrownedbySamandZoram.) (Herises,teachinghispeopletobeindustrious.) Webuiltbuildings,weworkedwoodandironandcopper,(hammerpercussion) Weworkedbrassandsteelandgoldandsilverandore, Webuiltashiningglorioustempleinthewilderness, Andwemade…War! (LightsuponfuriousarmedLamanites,armedwithrough-hewnLamanites: (Inarisingwarcry,lowtohigh)Ahhh…clubs,bows,arrows,andspears,madeofstoneandofwood.)Lamanites: Wronged!Robbed!We’llseethatyou’regonnapay(TheNephitemothers

Generationaftergeneration fearfullyshieldtheirchildren)Dayafterday! (Sariah’smourningriffinintensewarcrystyle:Ah!)

Nephi: (Spoken,toSamandZoram,astheLamanitesapproach.)It’stime.Let’sgoprotectourfamilies.(Nephitewarriorsarmselveswithswordsandshields.LamanitesattackNephites,menengageinwar)

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NephiteWomenandChildren:Warsandcontentions,yearafteryear. (Singingofftotheside,asthemenfight)(Singing) Wetrytolivehappily,andyetweliveinfear. Wenevereverknowwhenthenextattackwillbe,Andyetwetrytolivehappily.(Keychange,aswarintensifies:) TheGodofourfathersprotectsusevenstill. (Angels:Ah…) Hestrengthensandarmsus,andHeguidesusbyHiswill. Butseasonafterseason,anddayafterday,Thefightingstillgoeson! Lamanites: ‘Causeweare…Wronged!Robbed!We’llseethatyou’regonnapay Generationaftergeneration,Dayafterday!(Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!)(Nepites:Helpus,Lord!

Saveus,Lord!LamaniteWomenandChildren: ForwewerewrongedinJerusalem, (Wronged!)(Men,stillfighting:) Thelandofourinheritance; (Ha!) Wrongedwhilecrossingoverthesea, (Wronged!–Ha!Ha!Ha!) Wrongedinthewilderness; (Wronged!) Wrongedinthepromisedland, (Wronged!) Wrongedineverywaythattherecouldbe!(Wronged!)Lamanites: Weallare….Wronged!Robbed!We’llseethatyou’regonnapay

Generationaftergeneration,Dayafterday!(Sariah’sriff,asNephiteschaseLamanitesofftheirlands)

Nephites: Wetriedtoliveafterthemannerofhappiness…Helpus,saveus,Lord!(Lam’s:Ha!)#17:AndtheTimePassedAway(Jacob7:26) Narrator2: Andthetimepassedawaywithus, (Nephitesmoveslowlytocleantheircity) (Singing) Andalsoourlivespassedaway,likeasitwereadream,+Nephites&Narrators:Webeingalonesomeandsolemnpeople,Wanderers,borninawilderness,

Bornintribulation,Andhatedofourbrethren, Whichcausedwarsandcontentions.

Whereforewedidmournoutourdays… (NephitesotherthanNephiexitslowlySR)(Solemn,mournfulmusicplays.Lightsupdimlyonthebattlefield,wherefallenwarriors,bothNephitesandLamanites,laylifelessontheground.Thisrelentlessfamilywarwillberagingforyearstocome.)(OlderNephientersthebattlefieldslowlyfromupstageleft,battle-wearyandheartbroken,indimlight,carryingtheswordofLaban.Helooksaroundsadlyatthefallendeadathisfeet–childrenofhisbelovedbrethren,andalsoofhisowntribe.Zoram,Sam,andothersenterquietlybehindhim,surveyingthesorrowfulscene.)#18:Eventually–Reprise2(Battlefield)Nephi:(Slowly,andwithgreatfeeling,takinginthehorrorsurroundinghim)(Singing) Theycanbreakyourheart-Tearitrightintwo;

Theycandevastateyourdreamsforthem,Andshredthemthroughandthrough.Theycantakeeverythingyoutriedtoteachthem,Andthrowitallaway.(HekneelsatthesideofoneparticularlyyoungLamanitewarrior.)Theycanbreakyourheartalittleeveryday… (Heisovercomewithgrief.Nephitewarriorsjoinhim.)

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Sam,Zoram: (Approachinghimgently)Butyouwillneverstoplovingthem; +Nephi: No,youwillneverstoplovingthem. (Angelsjointhem,extendingsolace)+N.Warriors:(ingentlemasculineharmony)Andyouneverwillstophoping,(Angels:Ah…)

No,youneverwillingstophoping ForthetinieststrandofareasontobelieveProphets: Thattheywillfinallyfindtheirwaybackhome, (Jeremiah,Lehi,andZephaniah,nowasangels)Warriors: Andtheirheartswon’talwaysbeasstone,Prophets: ForthereisOnewhosemercyshallatone(Angels:There’sOnewhosemercyshallatone)Nephi: Eventually.(Astreamoflightfallsonhimgently,comfortinghim)(Angels/Prophets:Ah…)+N.Warriors: Eventually. (Angels/Prophets:Ah…)(Nephigentlyclosestheeyesofthefallenyoungwarrior,entrustinghimtoaperfectSavior.Evenhere,inthedarkestnight,Heisthelightthatshinethindarkness–andHishandsarestretchedoutstill.)(Curtainscloseonthebattlefield,asthemusicconcludes).(LightsupontheNarrators,DSL)(>Music#19:UnendingWar)Narrator1: Ourbrother,Nephi,neverinhislifetimesawanendtowarsandbloodshed.Narrator2: Yet,hepressedforwarddiligently,intheholyworkdivinelyassignedtohim-topreparearecordon

solidgoldplatesofthesacredthingsofourpeople.Narrator1: ThatintheduetimeoftheLord,hiswordsmightgoforthintestimonytothedescendantsofour

people,andofourbrethren;andtoallthefamiliesofmankind-eventotheendsoftheearth. (Nephi,nowdressedasanolderman,stepsthroughthecurtain,thensits,workingonhisrecord.)Nephi: (Speakingashewrites)Behold,INephi,havewrittenwhatIhavewritten,andIesteemittobeofgreat

worth,especiallyuntomypeople.ForIpraycontinuallyforthembyday,andmineeyeswatermypillowbynight,becauseofthem:andIcryuntomyGodinfaith,andIknowthathewillhearmycry.AndthewordswhichIhavewritteninweaknesswillbemadestronguntothem.(2Ne.5:30;33:3-4)(>Musicoff)(OlderNephi’swifeentersashespeaks,Shepicksupandperusesthebrassplates.)

Nephi’sWife: (Readingfromthebrassplates)“Heisamanofsorrows,andacquaintedwithgrief. Andwehidasitwereourfacesfromhim,andweesteemedhimnot….”(Isaiah53:3)

(Sitsinfrontofhim,lookingintohisdowncasteyes.Gently:)Soundslike…somebodyIknow.

Nephi: It’sabouttheMessiah.Nephi’sWife: Iknow.Butit’snotjustabouttheMessiah.It’saboutanyonewhofollowsinhispath.Nephi: Hehasn’tevencometoearthyet.Notintheflesh.Andyet–he’smydearest,mosttrusted

friend.He’smyonesourceofhope–formypeople,forourchildren…formybrothers.Nephi’sWife: Sokeepwriting,Nephi,asyou’vebeencommanded.WritewhatyouknowofHim.Writefor

them.Forourchildren.Forourbrothers.Fortheirfamilies,whethernoworinthefuture.

Itmaynotbetoday.Itmaynotbethiscentury.Butsomeday,Nephi,yourwordswillmakeadifference.Someday,yourtestimonywillbeheard.Anditwillhelpsaveandblessthosewhomyoulovesoverymuch.(Hesitsponderingherwords.)I’llleaveyoutoyourwork.(Sheexits.)(>Music#20)

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Nephi: Forwelabordiligentlytowrite,topersuadeourchildren,andalsoourbrethren,tobelieveinChrist…Forweknowthatitisbygracethatwearesaved,afterallwecando…AndwetalkofChrist,werejoiceinChrist,wepreachofChrist,weprophecyofChrist,andwewriteaccordingtoourprophecies,thatourchildrenmayknowtowhatsourcetheymaylookforaremissionoftheirsins.(2Ne.25:23,26)

#20:WeTalkOfChrist(2Ne.25:26;31:10)Nephi: Jesusismyfriend-Nootherhasgivenmesomuch.(Hismoodbeginstolift,ashefocusesonChrist.)(Singing) Hisloveformeisboundless,withoutanend, Hestands,movesDSR,as

AndI’vefeltHistender,healingtouch. hiswifere-enters,listeningsoftly)

+Nephi’sWife: Jesusismyguide-Hislightshowsmetheway. (Sheenters,movesDSL)AndmydearesthopeisthatImightbecome AlittlemorelikeHimeachday.

Nephi: WetalkofChrist-werejoiceinChrist- (Turningtoher)+Nephi’sWife: WerejoiceinChrist- (Turningtohim)Nephi: Andwewriteaccordingtoourprophecies+Nephi’sWife: Thatourchildrenmayknowtowhomtheymaylook (TheymeetDC)

Fortheirsalvation,forhealing,forhope. (TheysitDCwiththeplates)Narrator1: NephispenthislifetestifyingofChrist,inspokenwordstohispeople,andinwrittenwordspreserved(Speaking) forfuturegenerations. Likehisfatherbeforehim,(Lehienters)hedidtalkofChrist,hepreachedand

testifiedofChrist.Butthatfamilylegacy(Sariahenters)offaithandtestimonydidnotendwiththem.

Narrator2: Yearafteryear,generationaftergeneration,centuryaftercentury,otherprophetsarose(Abinadienters)inturnamongourfather’sfamily–eachbearingwitnessoftheSavior,eachaddinghisvoice(SamueltheLamt.enters)totheunitedtestimonywrittenandpreservedinthatsacredfamilyrecord.

Nephi: Jesusismylight: (JeremiahandZechariah:Heismostjoyoustomysoul!)+Lehi,Ishmael:Mostjoyoustomysoul! +Sam: Hehasliftedmyeyes, +Zoram: Hehashealedmyheart: +Jacob,Joseph:Hehasmademewhole! AlmatheY: JesusismySavior:Hepaystheawfulcost (Angels,Sariah,Mrs.Nephi:Ah…) +Ammon: Ofmysinsandmysorrows-Herescuesme- (Inrichharmony)AndwithoutHim,Iwouldbeforeverlost!(Theyoungmenkneel,asthefrontcurtaingoesup)

+Capt.Moroni:WetalkofChrist–WerejoiceinChrist- (Appearingonarock,withthetitleofliberty)+AngelMoroni:Andwewriteaccordingtoourprophecies (Withthecompletedgoldenplates)+JosephSmith:Thatourchildrenmayknowtowhomtheymaylook(AngelMoronipassesgoldplatestoyoungJS)+EarlySaints: Fortheirsalvation,forhealing, (NauvooReliefSocietyandPioneerFamily)+Nephites: Forhope! (NephitewomenandchildrenenterDSRandDSL)

(LightthroughscrimrevealsmodernfamiliesdiscoveringtheBookofMormon,behindtheancientcharacters)Cast: HeismyKing!(HeismyKing!)thegreatCreator;(GreatCreator)

AndsomedayHe’llcome,andHe’llcomeagain!(He’llcomeagain!)AndwhenIseeHim,(WhenIseeHim,)soonerorlater(soonerorlater)

Nephi: IhopeHe’llknowmeasHisfriend.

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Nephi: WetalkofChrist,+Mrs.Nephi: WerejoiceinChrist- Prophets: Andwewriteaccordingtoourprophecies +Cast: Thatourchildrenmayknowtowhomtheymaylook

Fortheirsalvation,forhealing,forhope! (LehiandSariah,asangels,marveloverthewondersthathaveoccurredwiththeirposterity,thefruitoftheirmanyhardships,griefs,anddisappointmentsinthewilderness.Nowtheycanclearlyandjoyfullysee,forthemselves,“whatallofthisisfor.Meanwhile,theancientcharactersbreakinthecenter,andmovetothebackcorners,makingwayformoderncharacterstocomeforth.)(>Music#21:“WhatAllofThisIsFor”)Lehi: So…Doyoubelievemenow?Sariah: (Laughing)Whatareyoutalkingabout?I’vealwaysbelievedyou.Lehi: Maybenot…always.Sariah: Maybenot…always.Itwashardinthebeginning.It’sprobablyagoodthingwedidn’tknow

howharditwasgoingtobe.Lehi: TheLordiswise.Hetellsusjustenough…tokeepusgoing,stepbystep.(Castsings:Ah…)Sariah: Andwhocouldhaveknownhowfarthatlittleseedweplantedwouldgrow–oversomanyyears,over

somanycenturiesandsomanygenerations.Lookatthem–They’resobeautiful,soradiant…Somany!Lehi: Yes.They…arewhatallofthis…isfor.(Lightsgooutonstage,andcomeuponnarrators.Themidcurtainrises,andtheancientcharactersmovetothebackof

thestageonplatforms,asthemoderncharactersbeginmovingdownstage,carryingBooksofMormon.)Narrator1: ThewordsofLehiandNephi,andthosethatfollowedthem,havenowgoneforthinmanylanguages,

andinmanynations-blessingmanyfamilies,andchangingmanylives.(Castcontinuessinging:Ah…)Narrator2: Weneverknowwhenourhumbleeffortsmightmakeadifferenceinthelifeofalovedone–whether

inthismortaljourney,orbeyond.ButGod,whoseestheendfromthebeginning,andwhoknowswhatwedonot,canguideussecurelytoourmostfruitfulcourseofaction.

Narrator1: Hecandryourtears,cheerourhearts,andseeusthroughwhateverchallengeslifemightputbeforeus.Narrator2: Soitwas,inthetimeinwhichwelived.Narrator1: Soitcontinuestobe,inthetimeinwhichyoulive.(Themusicconcludeswithwarmresolution.)

#22:ImperfectWorldNar.1: (Sings) Soonyouwillgohometoyour…Imperfectfamily.Nar.2: Soonyouwillgohometoyour…imperfectworld.Nar.1&2: Butyouarenotaloneasyoupressforwardthroughyoursorrows, Buildinghappiertomorrowsinyourpromisedland!

(LightsuponwholeCompany,onstage,moderncharactersnowinfront.)

Company: ‘Causewealllivethestoryofawomanoraman, Tryingtoliveagoodlife,justdoingthebestwecan; Seekingtobuildabetterworld,alittlemoreeachday; Lookingforheaven’shelpalongtheway.Nar.1&2: Withourimperfectworld–(Withourimperfectworld)Company: WiththehelpofGod.(Thisisnotashowaboutaperfectfamily!…)

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#23:FromtheDust,Reprise (Inspotlights,asinthebeginning)Lehi: Ispeakasonecryingfromthedust- +Nephi: Ispeakasonecryingfromthedust–+Prophets: Tomybrethren,totheendsoftheearth:+Company: ComeuntoChrist! (Wholecompanylit)#24:YeMustPressForward(2Ne.31:20)(ThestagenowbeginstobelitwithvignettesofmodernindividualsandfamiliesdiscoveringtheBookofMormon,anddrawinguponitspower.WeseemissionariessharingtheBookofMormonwithatender-eyedyoungfamily.WeseeamotherreadingtheBookofMormontoheryoungchildren.Weseeacoupleprayingforguidance,BookofMormoninhand.Weseearadiantfamilyinacircle,studyingtheBookofMormon.)Nephi: Yemustpressforward,yemustpressforward, (EldersshareBOMwithMounteerfamily,B4)

WithasteadfastnessinChrist; +Nephi’sWife: Yemustpressforward,yemustpressforward, (EldersshareBOMwithCarrierfamily,L2)

WithasteadfastnessinChrist.

+Sariah: Havingaperfectbrightnessofhope (MattKrebsfamilysharesBOMwithJoshandwife,C2)+Lehi: AndaloveofGodandofallmen; +Nephites: Havingaperfectbrightnessofhope(LarsonscomedownL1,motherreadsBOMstoriestochild)

AndaloveofGodandofallmen.Cast: Yemustpressforward,yemustpressforward, (BishopBettinsonandsonscomeL4,studyBOM)

WithasteadfastnessinChrist; Yemustpressforward,yemustpressforward, (CurtisfamilymovesforwardL5,prayswithBOM) WithasteadfastnessinChrist.

Nephi: LookuntoJesusandfollowhim,asyouchooseyourpatheachday,+HisWife: Eveninthedarkness,hislightshinesbrightly,Showingyoutheway. Angels:Ah… Company: Yemustpressforward,yemustpressforward,(MichaelandCalliecomeforward,Michael

WithasteadfastnessinChrist; doublingNephi’spart–arepresentationof theyouthofZioncarryingthetorchforward.)Yemustpressforward,yemustpressforward, (The4eldersstandshouldertoshoulderbehindWithastead___fast____ness____InChrist!MichaelandCallie,carryingthemessagetotheworld.)

Nephi’sFamily:PressForward!Company: Ah!#25:ExitMusic