The musical tells the story of a group of children that are born into a Latter-day Saint family after making various promises in the premortal life[broken anchor].

Although no explicit time frame is given in the dialogue, certain contextual clues (in particular, a song that references the Zero population growth movement) suggest that the story takes place in the then-current and then-recent period of the late 1960s or early '70s, similar to other religious musicals such as Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar.

The musical explores the Latter-day Saint doctrines and views on the plan of salvation, premortal life, foreordination, and eternal marriage.

Bob Williams made a video version of the musical in 1989, setting it on a stage as opposed to giving the movie a more naturalistic look.

But when Jimmy has a chance encounter and conversation with a non-Mormon named Tod Richards ("Voices") and then gets a phone call from his family telling him Pam has died, he begins some serious personal reflection ("Brace Me Up").

Though the two companions have not had much success proselyting, they find Tod, who has been searching for answers ("Paper Dream") and teach him by the Spirit.

They joyously reunite, then say goodbye as Pam must ascend into the afterlife at the same time as Emily must descend from the pre-life into her new mortal body as she is born.

The Los Angeles Times reviewer described the production as "pleasant lively and well-sung,... with an emphasis on close family ties.

"[6] After resisting the idea for many years, de Azevedo and Stewart decided to make a film version of the musical, which opened in 2016.