In April of 1846, the families of James Reed and George Donner left Illinois with aspirations to start a new life in California.

After splitting from their main group, 87 of the pioneers became the Donner Party. In what was known as of the great tragedies and triumphs of American history, the winter of 1887 led to grisly decisions being made to survive.

Alexander DeNuzzo, Vivienne Cleary, and Michael RJ Campbell from "The Donner Party Musical." Photo courtesy of Charr Crail

Vivienne Cleary, Maggie Hollinbeck and Noa Solorio from "The Donner Party Musical." Photo courtesy of Charr Crail. 

This story is now being retold through a theater production known as "The Donner Party, a new American Musical." Erick Rockwell and Margaret Rose of the Sacramento Theatre Company join Insight to talk about the production.