BYU Young Ambassadors to Present New Album During ‘Welcome Home’ Performances

With dancing baseball players, timeless tappers from the movies and hip hoppers on Broadway, “Welcome Home” is a fun kaleidoscope of family entertainment. The BYU Young Ambassadors will take audiences with them as they road trip across the United States in their production of “Welcome Home.” In addition to the performances, the company will be presenting a brand-new album with the same title.   Randy Boothe, artistic director of the Young Ambassadors, promises if you saw “Welcome Home” last year, not to worry because this year’s production features a new cast with new musical numbers. “We tweak it each year with several new kinds of songs and dances that make it exciting for those devoted Young Ambassadors fans who come every year,” said Boothe. “Or if you have never seen the Young Ambassadors or haven’t seen us in a couple of years, you’re definitely in for a very fun experience.” The concept for “Welcome Home” originated in a meeting when Boothe was the associate dean for the College of Fine Arts and Communications. President Dallin Oaks, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, asked faculty to turn their research, scholarship or publications to highlight the importance of the family. So I made a mental note to see what we could do. And we came up with the concept of ‘Welcome Home,’” said Boothe. In efforts to highlight the theme of family, the show follows a mother, father, son and daughter as they travel across the country making stops in various places like Hollywood, Seattle, Chicago and Texas, finally arriving in New York City as their final destination. Cole Davis, a member of the company, said audiences will see the young family draw closer along the way. He said, “This theme of family bonding and unity carrying on after this life is incredibly close to my heart because I grew up internationally in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany and Canada with my family. These travels were filled with inside jokes and memories that I will hold on to forever. The audience can reminisce on past road trips of their own and remember the wonderful memories associated with them.” Featuring music by a variety of artists, including Justin Timberlake, Judy Garland, the Beach Boys, Nat King Cole, Rascal Flatts and Frank Sinatra as well as popular Broadway show tunes from “Aladdin,” “Footloose,” “In the Heights,” “Singin’ In the Rain” and “The Wizard of Oz,” the evening will resonate with music lovers of all genres. “My two solos include ‘Life is a Highway’ with fellow member Scott Hendrickson then I sing ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ by Justin Timberlake.” said Davis. “One of my favorite numbers, ‘Shoeless Joe,’ a number sung with Hanna Cutler, was incredibly challenging to me. The choreography stretched me to try new things; things I didn’t think I could physically execute. I was scared to do a backflip and perform a difficult lift with Hannah, but somehow I learned quickly. I remember feeling accomplished after that rehearsal.” “I think audiences have been amazed at the variety of musical styles are represented in one performance,” said Boothe. “Our band this year is one of the best that we’ve ever had. They are excellent musicians.” Eric Hansen, music director of the BYU Young Ambassadors Show Band, has worked on the previous Young Ambassador productions “Harmony” and “Heartsongs.” “This year we took away four songs and we have inserted three new songs,” said Hansen. “Because this is the second year, we have been focusing more on preparing the show. Although it is hard work, it is deeply rewarding. A lot of prayer goes into the selection process of who is in the cast, who is in the band and who is in the tech crew, and without exception those selected are always there for a reason.” Jayne Edwards is in her second year as a Young Ambassador and is excited tos hare the show because it resonates with her. “The show is all about family,” said Edwards, “having each other’s backs, growing together, getting over hardships, coming together and supporting each other on the journey of life. Last year, my family faced many curveballs, and we had to come together. Sharing this message of family on stage has become personal and very real for me, and I have loved my experience. I’m truly lucky to be part of such a great show.” Edwards invites all to come and see a show that will be 90 minutes of fun filled with musical theatre, jazz, pop and old classics. Her favorite rehearsal experience was when the company and the band came together before Christmas break to rehearse the show. She calls the experience electrifying and wants all to feel the exciting energy presented in “Welcome Home.” Hansen said the performers’ goals are for audience members to leave the theatre with bigger smiles and a little more joy in their lives. “We hope it gives our audiences a real love for their family. All families have challenges, issues and things they face and deal with and hopefully the show communicates that no matter what happens, family is where it’s at. Family is worth the effort. As much work, commitment, dedication and patience as it takes, the returns of investing that in family are the biggest. We get to hopefully portray this through great music that invites people to say ‘I’m going to love and smile more.’ Audience members will come away happy and joyful — maybe even shed a tear or two. We’ve got some touching songs in there.” The “Welcome Home” album, which is also available on iTunes, will be available for purchase at the merchandise table before and after the performance.   Tickets and Show Details Performance Dates and Times: March 1-3 | 7:30 pm and March 3 | 2:00 pm Location: de Jong Concert Hall, Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $9-13 Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com