Sunday, June 26, 2016 – Church, Sociable with Noteworthy, “Our Story Goes On”

Another wonderful day of Sunday services which included  great talks by the YSSM’s on the subject of the life and mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  Tomorrow will be the 172^nd anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. The YSSM’s that spoke in Sacrament meeting were Sis. Wood, Sis. Nelson and Sis. Heninger. We know each of them personally and they all gave wonderful talks that bore testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, his life and the restoration of the gospel.

We knew the senior couples were part of the year round entertainment here in Nauvoo. Tonight Sis Johnson made the comment that Nauvoo offers far more entertainment than we ever imagined. This evening we had a double treat. First was the mission-wide Sociable (Sociable is what they call a fireside here in the Nauvoo Mission) put on by an acappella group called “Noteworthy.” They mixed music with testimonies that inspired us and touched our souls.

Two songs they sang were particularly moving and awesome renditions of our most sacred hymns. They were “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” Which, just happen to be two of my personal favorites. What a feast for the ears and the soul!

The second musical treat started at 8:30PM after the Sociable. We drove over to the Nauvoo Pageant stage to watch and listen to the production called “Our Story Goes On.” This performance was put on by the same singers and actors that perform the Nauvoo Pageant and the British Pageants that start in July.

 

Wow, it was a great show and with great music. Intertwined with a story line that spanned decades, they sang songs that captured the lives of a typical family that has their share of joy, sorrow, heartache and redemption.  They sang several beloved and favorite songs from Broadway and the movies. They sang “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, “Go the Distance” from Hercules, “Tonight” from West Side Story, “Sunrise Sunset” & “Do You Love Me?” from Fiddler on the Roof, and “You Lift Me Up” by Josh Groban. And finally the best of the evening. . . .

Dallyn Vail Bayles sang “Bring Him Home” from Les Mis! WOW, it was a show stopper! For those of you who don’t know Dallyn Vail Bayles, he is an LDS musician, singer, and actor. His credits include playing Enjolras on the Broadway tour of Les Misérables. He has also performed in the road tour of Phantom of the Opera. You also might recognize him in “Ephraim’s Rescue” he sang the theme song, “My Kindness Shall Not Depart from Thee.” He was great tonight! The whole evening was great.