"Come Home to Kanesville" - Why we love Kanesville! Reflections on the Production

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Why We Love Kanesville!
Reflections on the Production

Coming Home to Kanesville
By Talia Abbott from Los Vegas, Nevada
Played Hannah Martin, 2009

This past summer, I had just graduated from high school with no job, no money, and one thing to sustain me: traveling to Iowa to participate in the Winter Quarters Musical at the historic Kanesville Tabernacle, where Brigham Young was sustained second president of the church.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much I worried about making such a trip -- farther away from home than I had ever been, all by myself to be in “Come Home To Kanesville.” Of course, during such a period of transition, there would have been no better time for me to spend a month away to have an intense spiritual, growing experience.

I had expected “Kanesville” to be similar to church history pageants in Manti and Nauvoo, however, my personal experience in Kanesville will probably never be matched. “Come Home to Kanesville” is much smaller in scale, compared to the large outdoor pageants, and is actually performed inside the historic Kanesville Tabernacle in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Rehearsals took precedence over almost every waking moment, and I loved it! The entire cast prepared for opening night with incredible dedication and results. We spent nearly every day rehearsing. We passed our Sundays at church together, singing in ward Sacrament meetings in the Omaha and Council Bluffs stakes.

The company became extremely close and we all consider ourselves a true [as well a truly large] family. It was the first time I felt at home with strangers, yet with brothers and sisters, all waxing strong in the gospel, working for the same goal, fasting and praying together… and simply having fun.

I loved the entire experience of “Kanesville,” of bearing testimony in word, song and dance in such a small, intimate setting. Each night was a joy, and I felt something different with every performance. At the end of the night, countless eyes would be aglow, and there were always some faces lined with tears.

What did I get out of “Kanesville?” A chance to discover the “presence” of church history. I have always felt a twinge of reverent admiration for the church’s pioneers. But within the Kanesville experience I found myself immersed in the reality of what my heritage offers.

Performing in “Come Home to Kanesville” provided me with the opportunity to visit the Winter Quarters temple grounds, the Pioneer Cemetery and the Trail Center just across the street… and of course, the Kanesville Tabernacle. On side trips, I was blessed to explore nearby church history sites such as Liberty Jail, Adam Ondi Ahman and Independence.

One of my favorite pastimes is to observe and ponder. Here is a cutting from my daily journal, written while sitting at the Winter Quarter’s Cemetery.

“I am glad for the time I have to myself while the others are in the temple. The cemetery was rededicated the same time, as the temple dedication and there is a special spirit here…

”The sidewalk path is almost steep as it winds around the hillside. Dark benches stand at posts along it, glittering with dew in the sunshine or seeming at home with gauzy webs around the legs or arms. A few shy, stone markers poke up from the grass. You can squint at the weathered shadows of their faces, but cannot make out the names and dates that were once clearly etched in them. These markers are few throughout the cemetery despite the many at rest here.

”I struggle a bit, in my flippy shoes, to walk on the incline. I struggle imagining what it was like climbing this hill before this path was paved, climbing up its snowy or muddy side to bury a husband, a brother, a sister, a child. Some of the grave markers are near trees. I can imagine leaning against one, spent of my energy to stand on my own as I watch the ground broken into for a new grave. I wonder what these trees would tell us, should they talk.

”What I love about this place is that you cannot hold to the sadness, the loss. There is too much life, hope and possibility given to us by our Savior. The trials and losses that the pioneers faced must have been discouraging, but it wasn’t for nothing. They were on their way to the valley, to a place they would be able to live and grow freely in the gospel, to build a temple.

“After having to leave behind the Nauvoo temple, I’m sure saints were that much more eager to rebuild and be able to have those blessings and ordinances, to do their work, and seal their families together for time and all eternity. What would be greater than knowing you could move forward to be assured to be with the loved ones you lost along the way?”

I find myself wishing I had more journaled more during that month of July, but I’m not likely to forget the lessons I learned. Nevertheless, from another journal entry –

“I will never forget being a part of “Come Home to Kanesville.” I am grateful for the chance I have to bear my testimony through song and dance, and I pray “Kanesville” will continue stronger each year. This has been a great turning point for my testimony. Being here has provided an anchor for what I believe and has given me a testimony I cannot deny.”

Great Experience - Taught Me So Much!
By Rachael Gleed from Omaha, Nebraska
Played Rachael Martin - 2009

Kanesville 2009 was a great experience and taught me so much! It not only gave me perspective of real pioneer experiences, but gave me the chance to make great new friendships, and strengthened my testimony of the gospel that these pioneers sacrificed so much for.

I had so much fun learning how to dance, sing, and act, all while enjoying great company.

Kanesville Was a Great, Positive Experience - Full of Joy
By Melanie Platt from Atlantic, Iowa
Played Marian Hoyt 2009, 2010

What I like about "Come Home to Kanesville" is that we were surrounded by people who love each other and who loved what they were doing. "Kanesville" was a great, positive experience and full of joy. What a great way to share the gospel and show others about the lives of the pioneers. I have made so many friends and can't wait to do it again.

Highlight of My Year
By Beverly Repouille from Bellevue Nebraska
Chorus 2006, 2008 and 2009, Musical Director 2009

As a participant in “Come Home to Kanesville” for the past 2 years, I have come to love the show – not only for the message of “coming home,” but also all those wonderfully talented people who work so hard to bring the production about. It is a highlight of my year to be with all the actors, directors, singers, dancers, and backstage techs! We are a family in every sense of the word!

"I Didn't Think I Would Grow So Much in Spirit and Testimony"
By Pam Shinsato from Snohomish, Washington
Assistant Director, Choreographer 2009

I have choreographed in many venues in my career but none that compare to the fulfillment I got from being a part of Kanesville. The storyline is so moving bringing one to tears, to laughter and to deep thought. Being with an all LDS member cast was also very edifying building friendships that I will treasure forever. I was far away from home but felt so at-home with the warm hearted people involved with Kanesville. I chose to come here to choreograph, I didn't think I would grow so much in spirit and testimony. It was great and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

"I Felt Like We Were All Family"
By Hannah Shinsato from Snohomish, Washington
Dancer/Chorus 2009

At first my Mom had to force me to come to Kanesville because I thought I wouldn't get to know anybody. Boy, was I wrong!! After the first day, I felt like we were all family! I was so excited to get to be around all these wonderful people every day for 4 weeks! We all had so much fun joking around and working hard. I made lasting friendships with people from all over. I would recommend Kanesville to anybody if you are looking for a second family.

Fond Memories
by Travis Walker
1st Director of "Come Home to Kanesville" 2006

I have very fond memories of the first production of "Come Home to Kanesville". Not being a member of the LDS church, I gained a greater appreciation for the rich history and the fierce love of the Lord the LDS members have. The cast I worked with were wonderful people who put their heart and soul into the production. I have never worked with such dedicated and hard working people. What they achieved was magical. The show transcended everybody away from their every day lives to a world of passionate, strong willed, colorful characters who would sacrifice their lives for the love of God and their family. Working with this show just reiterated what I have always admired about the Mormon people; The strong devotion to family. This emphasis on the family unit is something that I feel is easily overlooked in today's society. I will always remember the people who gave up countless hours and a lot of sweat to make "Come home to Kanesville" come to fruition. Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful story. I know the love of the Lord will continue to bless this production. May it continue to touch many more souls.

With fond memories,
Travis Walker