Mormons the world over know about the important role that Kirtland played in the early years of their church. It was where church founder Joseph Smith arrived in 1834 and established the Kirtland stake -- the church's first diocese.

The Mormon colony remained here for several years, building a thriving village that is interpreted in today's Historic Kirtland.

The one-hour drama, "This is Kirtland," which celebrates that early church history, began its sixth season on Thursday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kirtland. The cast of 58, mostly church members, has been rehearsing since April with a new director in place this year.

Director Nate Johnson has tweaked this year's play, expanding it to add the conversion story of Lorenzo Snow.

Johnson who lives in Euclid and works for Case Western Reserve University Medical School, thinks this edition of "This is Kirtland" will bring new elements of interest to those who might have seen it before. He's been involved in all six years of the play -- as an actor.

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