One by one, other actors join Karin onstage. Soon, both stage and time are transformed, and the new Andersson Family Ensemble is ready to tell its family history. We officially meet Karin Andersson, who will portray her mother. Karin's brother, Paul, will enact the role of Lars Andersson, the father of the family ("Band of Brothers").

We shift to Sweden in 1865. Lars and Kristina Andersson are considering a move to Minnesota to better their lives. It appears as though the crops are doing poorly in Sweden and the animals are starving. Lars comes across a pamphlet that shows America to be the land of prosperity and opportunity, but many people attempt to talk them out of leaving Sweden; Kristina is with child, which could make the voyage more difficult. Their pastor also tries to convince them to stay. He appeals to them on the basis of their talent, asking the Anderssons to sing a song that celebrates the passing of another winter of darkness ("Seasons of Change").

Despite all of this, Lars and Kristina set sail to America and are promised a luxurious voyage. Unfortunately, the ship is not as advertised, and many people have become sick due to poor food, deplorable accommodations and the storms that ravage the journey. Additionally, the ship goes off-course and becomes lost. To add to these calamities, Kristina gives birth aboard ship, one month early. They name the child Karin and call her the miracle child, because her birth brought the passing of the terrible storm ("The Perilous Crossing").

Upon arrival, the Anderssons head to Minnesota, first by train and then by rafting up the Mississippi River ("Ancient Waters"). Along the journey, both Lars and Kristina desperately try to learn English from their companions, but it proves to be difficult. Finally, the Andersson's journey by way of covered wagon ends, and they arrive at the promised land, where the soil appears fertile and hope lies ahead. They immediately build a house and celebrate their success ("Government Claim"). The first season boasts a plentiful harvest, with blizzards holding off until December. The Anderssons pray to the Lord and survive the winter ("Speak to the Earth"). They quickly make friends with their neighbors as the town begins to form; the community constructs streets, schools, stores and other public buildings ("Paradin' down the Main").

Some time has passed. Lars and Kristina are blessed with another child, but he falls ill. Members of the community recommend that Kristina administer American medicine – rather than the familiar Swedish sulfur and ginseng – and although the pastor wants to christen the baby, the Anderssons are not accustomed to the new diseases in America, and their boy dies tragically at only eight months old. Kristina and Lars are consumed with grief but, eventually, they grow hopeful for the future and assure each other that there will be more children ("Dancin' Sam").

On July 9, 1887, a cloud of locusts covers the sky, causing peril among the town members. Unfortunately, to get rid of the locusts, the Anderssons must torch their fields. After twelve years of work, they are forced to leave their home again with only their wagon, music and each other ("Speak to the Earth – Reprise").

Act Two

The Spring of 1878 brings the Andersson family newfound joy and a new baby boy, Karl. While the land heals its wounds, the pastor recommends that the Andersson family travel and perform their music for others. The family is reluctant at first, but they quickly realize that their options are limited. They pick up and set out on a brand new adventure ("Traveling On").