Nearly 150 years after the early pioneers left this peaceful bend in the Mississippi River, a spirit of dedication, faith and service still lingers for cast members of the historical musical "City of Joseph."

Celebrating its 17th season, "City of Joseph" reached a milestone in attendance, passing the half million mark since the show began in 1976, then celebrating the nation's bicentennial. The production depicts life for the saints in early Nauvoo during the 1840s, sharing the message of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ."The faith and sacrifice of the cast members binds them together, actually allowing them to participate in a modern-day miracle in bringing to life historic Nauvoo," said R. Don Oscarson, author and producer of the musical and president of the Milwaukee Wisconsin Stake.

While living in Nauvoo for nearly two weeks of rehearsals and performances, about 150 of the 350 cast and crew members stayed at the local campground of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To show their appreciation for being able to stay there, cast members painted buildings, repaired plumbing and simply did what they could to help keep up the facility.

"It's this spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that helps bridge the gap of misunderstanding among all denominations in this historic city - people helping people," said Maughan W. McMurdie, the show's composer and musical director. That same message is what keeps people coming back year after year, in the cast and audience alike.

One young man participated in the cast last year as a non-member. After watching the comradery and fellowship between those involved, it sparked his interest in the Church and the restored gospel. Just last week, David Wilson, now a member of the Nauvoo Ward, Nauvoo Illinois Stake, was baptized in Nauvoo. He is participating in the show again this year.

While many cast members return year after year just to feel the spirit of Joseph Smith and the early saints, not many people can claim a record quite like Tuesday McLeod, also of the Nauvoo Ward. Now 15 years old, Tuesday is participating in "City of Joseph" for the 16th year. When she was just an infant of six months, Tuesday was in the cast with her family. She has returned every year since then.

Many people who have come to be in the show have found that they share common ancestors, a link that binds them together even more in sharing the message of Nauvoo. A spirit of missionary work also spreads from the "City of Joseph," said F. Gerald Bench, show director.

"In the past 17 years, more than 100 young men and women who have been a part of `City of Joseph' as children or youth have gone on to complete successful full-time missions," Brother Bench added.

"And it's exciting to note that most of the audience are non-members who have come for the first time," Brother McMurdie noted.

On July 29, the cast enjoyed a brief concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as part of the choir's tour, which commemorated the 500th anniversary of the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the Americas. Several thousand people attended the concert, which set the tone for the upcoming performances of the production.

Between 50,000 and 60,000 people - a record crowd - were expected to attend "City of Joseph," which was presented July 31, Aug. 1, 4-8.