My Turn on Earth

My Turn on Earth is a Latter Day Saints musical written by Carol Lynn Pearson with music by Lex de Azevedo. The show premiered in 1977 and became widely popular, ranking with the other popular musical Saturday's Warrior, .^{[citation needed]} A VHS version of a recorded stage production was released in 1986. The first DVD version (Original Cast Edition) was distributed worldwide through the Deseret Book Company in June of 2008.

An indicator of the continued relevance of the musical is the number of smaller scale productions worldwide that approach Excel Entertainment Group, the performance rights holder, for permission to stage the musical each year.^{[citation needed]}

Plot

My Turn on Earth recounts the Latter-Day Saint Plan of Salvation. Barbara and her four friends are living in Heaven (the Pre-Earth). While there, they re-enact the War in Heaven and the shouts for joy of the spirits that are going to be born. They treat mortality as a treasure hunt with returning again to live with Heavenly Father and Mother as the greatest prize to be won. In the end, Barbara returns to Heaven, having learned the necessary lessons.

As a work of fiction, My Turn on Earth should not be considered or relied on as a literal reference point for points of doctrine in Mormon theology. There are several differences between the professed and standard beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and what is portrayed in My Turn on Earth. Most notably in reference to the Plan of Salvation and what took place in the Pre-Earth life. For instance, Mormons believe God in Heaven was always in control of what was to happen here on earth, and, as hinted at by Job and Isaiah, Christ and Lucifer rose to either support or oppose His plans ^[1]. My Turn on Earth presents a Pre-Mortality of chaos where Christ and Lucifer lead opposing plans as well as opposing forces. Other creative licenses of this type are taken throughout the play on various issues that are outside of LDS doctrine.

Songs

Once Upon A Time Heaven I Have A Plan Shout For Joy Everybody Ought to have a Body Choosing

My Story The Golden Rule Look for the Little Light Opposition Homesick Where on Earth Can I Find Heaven

It Isn't Good to Be Alone/Eternity Is You Angel Lullaby What Does it Take to Make a Family I'm Not Ready Forever My Turn on Earth Finale

References

1. ^ Pearl of Great Price, Book of Abraham, 3:27-28, [1]

• Pearl of Great Price, Book of Abraham, 3:27-28, [2]
• My Turn On Earth at LDS Audio.com [3]