For many cast members in this year's "City of Joseph" production, their participation is a tribute to their own ancestors, who were original residents of Nauvoo, which was founded 150 years ago.

The annual musical, staged Aug. 8-12, was especially significant because it was part of the year-long sesquicentennial of the city's founding in 1839."The 350 singers and dancers, dressed in costumes depicting the 1840s, offered a glimpse into the past as they recreated stories taken from actual journals of those who lived here," said John P. Mathews, national press and publicity director for the production.

Mathews noted that in 1839, 5,000 members of the Church arrived in Nauvoo as religious refugees.

"They drained the swamps and built a city, a `city beautiful,' and named it Nauvoo," he said. "In 1844, after the assassination of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the saints kept moving forward, finished the temple and prepared to move West. During that time they affectionately called the town `the city of Joseph.' "

Mathews said the historical musical - now in its 14th season - tells the story of people who were typical in some ways, yet were motivated by deep faith and conviction.

"They were people seeking religious freedom who came from all walks of life," he commented. "Nine black converts from Connecticut walked over 800 miles to Nauvoo. Four thousand British settlers and groups from Ireland, France and Canada joined those from America. There were blacksmiths, carpenters, coopers, gunsmiths, doctors and lawyers."

"Nauvoo to me means music," said Alta Wetzker, who has been in the cast since the musical began. "My great-grandfather, Orville Cox, played in the Nauvoo brass band."

Mathews' own great-grandfather, Nephi Perkins Mathews, was called to be a captain of 50 in the pioneers' westward trek.

"In the 12 years that I have portrayed Parley P. Pratt," Mathews said, "I've often wondered about the times that my great-grandfather talked with him, and I feel very honored to carry the Mathews name."

Participation in the show is a family affair for Louise McKinney, a cast member for four years. "In the show, our family represents the Seth George Dodge family," she said. "Seth, along with his parents, Erastus and Malissa Dodge, came to Nauvoo from Far West, Mo. Seth was a stone mason on the Nauvoo Temple. I feel such a closeness to my ancestors during the `City of Joseph.'

Eloise King Stever, a three-year cast member, is a direct descendant of Hyrum Smith through his daughter, Lavina Walker. Sister Stever told of the time when Hyrum approached his daughter while she was washing clothes and asked her if she were serious about her desire to marry the Walker boy. "When she replied yes, he told her to find him and prepare to be married immediately. She found Loren Walker working in the fields and together they rushed to Hyrum in their work clothes, and he married them. The next day, Hyrum joined his brother to leave for Carthage, never to return."

Sister Stever said she loves Nauvoo. "Being a part of its history through the `City of Joseph' production has connected me with my roots."

Klark A. Perkins, another three-year cast member, said being in the show is like coming home for him. "My relatives lived here," he added. "Sanford Porter and his two sons, Chancy and John, worked the land and associated with Brother Joseph. I would like to acquire the land they owned and live here some day. The feelings of coming home linger with me all year long, and I find myself longing to return each year."

Rachel Bradshaw, a cast member for five years, said her ancestor, Benjamin Franklin Johnson, was Joseph Smith's personal secretary and close friend.