The heat generated by some of BYU's finest entertainers should be enough to ignite the Marriott Center stage Oct. 14 and 15 as the university celebrates Homecoming Spectacular 2004 and its theme, "Firm in the Fire."
Tickets for Spectacular are available through the Marriott Center ticket office, 422-BYU1, 1-800-322-BYU1 or online at byutickets.com.
"Being firm in the fire is a timely ideal," said Janielle Christensen, artistic director. "It reflects the environment in which students live today, both literally and figuratively. We have the tools, however, to remain firm in this fire, which is especially reflected in two large production numbers, 'Into the Fire,' with music, dance and theater students, and 'Firm in the Fire,' a finale with the Men's Chorus, Women's Chorus and Wind Symphony."
Christensen and Michael Handley, the show's producer, will also use the theme cinematically with excerpts from the recent movie, "Saints and Soldiers."
"Amazing things happen in a fire that cannot happen otherwise," Handley explained. "We need our trials to prove our strengths. This will be evident throughout the show, including the 'Saints and Soldiers' segment. You will see a young man who has gone into the fire and remained true to his beliefs. His personal commitment becomes a strength for those around him."
A video tribute to Edwin S. Hinckley, an early BYU educator and administrator, will show a man who stood firm in the early years of the university. Hinckley will be honored as the 2004 Homecoming Founder.
"Edwin S. Hinckley provided many opportunities for his students. Through a scholarship which bears his name, thousands have continued to feel his influence. Among those who have received the scholarship are Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney," Handley said.
Spectacular will open with a selection of music from the Women's Chorus, including "Fences," "The Spell of Creation" and "If You Could Hie to Kolob."
Christensen characterized them as upbeat, audience-friendly works.
Following "Into the Fire" and the Hinckley tribute, the International Folk Dance Ensemble will perform a spirited Canadian hard shoe. Also planned is a medley from "Fiddler on the Roof" presented by the Young Ambassadors, a dance presented by the Cougarettes, a selection of marches performed by the Wind Symphony, and two numbers by the Men's Chorus, "Awake My Sons" and "Birds of Fire."
"What has become meaningful for me is that each year we learn about an individual who has dramatically impacted the university," Christensen added. "From there we find a theme that applies to him or her and is a way of expressing our gratitude to this individual. It ties us to our past and forces us to look at the future. If we stay true to the theme and our founder, we emerge with a show that reflects inspiration, excitement and enlightenment. I feel good that this year's show combines all these values in an engaging presentation."
Writer: Charlene Winters
