Salem Oregon Stake

“Fantastic!” “Inspiring!” “Thought-provoking.” These words peppered the comments of the hundreds of members of three Salem-area stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who poured out of the Rose Auditorium on Saturday after the performances of The Man Who Saw Heaven. “Well-executed.” “A real joy.” “So grateful!” Attendees of all ages watched, engaged, applauded, and wept as the musical story of Joseph Smith and his mission unfolded before them.

It was a beautiful day; the warm sun and spring-like weather reminding some of us of the April day long ago when Joseph Smith first turned to the Lord in prayer. Friends, families, and youth, who had gathered early to be seated and prepared for the event, were treated to a nearly two-and-a half-hour long testimony in singing and acting that dramatized many episodes from the life of Joseph Smith and celebrated the events and people of the restoration.

The Man Who Saw Heaven, an original musical play with an all-original score, was brought to Salem and authorized by the stake presidencies of the Salem Stake, the Keizer Stake, and the Monmouth Stake. Admission was free and the auditorium was full for both performances. Dozens of Salem area church members worked tirelessly to bring the musical to our area and to make the performances a success—devoting many hours to advertising, ticketing, and ushering at the events.

Missionaries serving in the three Salem-area stakes also contributed with zeal and dedication; through their efforts, more than thirty non-member friends were able to be inspired and instructed by the production.The production itself created a natural opportunity for inviting friends; according to one missionary, “[Our friends] were filled with so much joy and excitement to know the history of where our church comes from and the importance of Joseph Smith in a way that can’t be stressed in our normal missionary lessons!”

The production originated in Vancouver, Washington, where it debuted in November of 2025. The all-volunteer cast and crew—including writers, directors, choreographers, and stage hands as well as singers and actors—travelled to Salem to share their vision and talents with members of the Church in this area. The strength of their testimonies was evident in the writing, the music, and particularly in the passion and intensity that came through their performances and filled the whole room.

The script and music were written by Blaine Garner, from Vancouver, along with his two nephews Scott Garner and Bryant Smith. Garner says he wrote the play to inspire and educate people about the work and world of Joseph Smith the prophet and his role in bringing forth God’s work on the earth. Garner says: “Despite the challenges in our lives, the tragedies, the sacrifices, the doubts, and the fears, God’s light will always dispel the darkness.”

Audience response to the play was enthusiastic and heart-felt. One person commented, “It reminded me of the sacrifices made by the early Saints and it strengthened my testimony of Joseph Smith.”Another said, “I left feeling more committed to live the Gospel and do my small part to help with the kingdom on the earth.”

The story brought families together and inspired communication. One parent commented, “I was there with my nine-year-old daughter, and it generated great conversation about church history, prophets, and living righteously even when the world doesn’t understand.” A nine-year-old said, “I loved how there were a bunch of people: little kids, teenagers, and adults. . .It was a really neat play!”

It is clear that The Man Who Saw Heaven with its inspired music, script, and production, brought some of God’s light and love to Salem on Saturday. Audience member Stephanie’s message to the cast and crew summed it up well: “Your testimony of Joseph Smith and the restored church of Jesus Christ shines through your performance. I was touched.”