September 4, 2008
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
James Arrington
(801) 404-2796
A new play titled, “March of the Salt Soldiers”, written by James Arrington, associate professor at UVU and former UVU student Mahonri Stewart ’08, is set to premiere September 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Centre Stage in the Sorensen Center.
The Utah War Committee asked Arrington to write a play about the Utah War (also known as Johnston’s Army and Buchanan’s Blunder) that took place in the 1850s. Faced with writing a historical educational play, Arrington selected Stewart to assist in co-writing the play who is a former student of his and also an award-winning playwright. Together they came up with a unique way to present the historical story.
“I’m pretty sure this isn’t what the historians had in mind when they chose me. I think they kind of thought this would be a costume drama with me playing Brigham Young and peopling the play with Johnston, Buchanan and other historical figures. But I knew that would be expensive, difficult and not travel well,” said Arrington. “So the play is about a panel discussing the Utah War that swings wildly, dangerously and intensely out of control.”
The play is dramatic as well as comedic and is directed by David Morgan of BYU. “Arrington and Stewart have crafted an ingenious mix of personalities and history to create a fascinating theatrical real-time experience. At least that’s what we're planning on it being,” said Morgan. “We have a truly wonderful cast and I still laugh and enjoy the play as we move along in rehearsals.”
The cast includes Hank Florence, Tatum Haugen, Jean Jenkins, Lawrence McLay, Lauren Moss, and Ben Sansom. “March of the Salt Soldiers” will run September 10, 11, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Centre Stage. Tickets are $6 to $10 and can be purchased at UVU Campus Connection, (801) 863-8797. The play will also show at the annual Utah Historical Society meeting on September 12.
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College Marketing Contact:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Britnee Nguyen
(801) 863-8504