Mormon Studies Review
Keywords
Nauvoo Dramatic Association, Joseph Smith, Thomas A Lyne
Abstract
The Nauvoo Dramatic Association was founded in 1844 to respond to a growing demand for culture and entertainment in the booming young Illinois city. Organized by Joseph Smith, the company was directed by Thomas A. Lyne, a recent convert and professional actor from Philadelphia. The first offering of the society was advertised for performance in the newly dedicated Masonic Hall on April 24, 1844. All were invited to attend Pizarro, or The Death of Rolla, a “rational amusement with usefulness.”1 While the performance was postponed until April 26, 1844, due to heavy rains, the wait did not lessen the positive response from the audience, which newspapers reported showed “no small enthusiasm.”2 Joseph Smith himself seemed “highly gratified” by the evening’s entertainment. 3 The success of the evening for audiences in attendance arguably came from a number of sources, including the content, the casting, and the community spirit.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Jones, Megan Sanborn
(2021)
"Mormon Performance/Performing Mormonism: At the Intersection of Mormon, Theatre, and Performance Studies,"
Mormon Studies Review: Vol. 8:
No.
1, Article 8.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/msr2/vol8/iss1/8