Jackson Free Press

"Papa Married a Mormon" will be performed Feb. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. on the main stage in the Marion L. Smith Auditorium, located in the Christian Center on the Millsaps College campus.

Religious coexistence is always a valuable lesson, and "Papa Married a Mormon" brings this lesson to Jackson in the form of a warm, humorous play. Charles Whitman's "Papa Married a Mormon" is based on John D. Fitzgerald's novel of the same name. Fitzgerald's work fulfills a promise to his mother to present a true portrayal of "the courageous people in Mormon Territory."

Millsaps' production of "Papa Married a Mormon" is directed by theater veteran Brent Lefavor, associate professor of theatre and technical director at Millsaps College since 1983. Lefavor served as the master electrician for the original production of "Papa Married a Mormon" at Brigham Young University 30 years ago. His enthusiasm for this particular production is clear as he describes the project.

"Many people think Mormonism is some kind of cult, which is just ludicrous. This play addresses these issues of religious prejudice," explains Lefavor. "The play focuses on the relationship between John D. Fitzgerald's Catholic father, Tom Fitzgerald, and his Mormon mother, Tena Nielsen, and their family's experiences in South Utah, living in a mining town divided between the Mormons in Mormon Territory and the 'wild wild west,' often anti-Mormon citizens on the other side of the tracks."

The play is brought to life by a 32-person cast that includes Millsaps students, faculty and staff, along with local actors. The ensemble also features eight children

"We have intolerance in our world now—intolerance of ideas, intolerance of different faiths. This story, this family, exemplifies acceptance … it's a story that needs to be told," LeFavor says.

Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 for seniors and students. For more information, contact Brent Lefavor at 974-1321.