Savior of the World

I hope all of the Emmett's enjoyed a wonderful Easter Sunday. Today in Young Women's Annie taught the entire ward Young Women's group and told the touching and heartbreaking story surrounding her dad's death on Easter Sunday when she was just 10 years old. It was a difficult way to teach of the Atonement and Resurrection, but she did an awesome job as both Kristin and I can attest.

The Irvine Stake is in the middle of a wonderful production of 'Savior of the World'. From the overview presented on the production web site; "The production Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection is a powerful testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. Through music and drama, the production recounts the historical events leading up to the birth of the Messiah and the events following His glorious Resurrection. During this Easter season, Savior of the World provides a meaningful opportunity for all to remember His birth and resurrection and renew their devotion to Him.The production is presented as a theatre in the round and features a beautiful soundtrack orchestra and seating for approximately 500 guests around the stage will bring the audience closer to the performers. A 125 voice Angel Choir will surround the audience on a colonnade 8-12’ high. The audience will be a part of the sets and be enveloped in the experience. Come and See". Orange Country Register review of the production is here.

Prior to the production, we were fortunate to have David Warner, husband of Emmett cousin Allison Hickman and Director of Music and Cultural Arts for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, join the Irvine Stake for a special fireside last Sunday. He didn't present the fireside in an official capacity, but rather as a friend and family member. Following the brief fireside, he spent an additional hour with the cast and crew answering questions and sharing insight regarding the development of SOTW.

On Friday, David flew back to southern California along with Jared Haddock and Ross Boothe to watch the Friday evening show. Both work with David and are involved in directing the SLC production of SOTW. They all enjoyed the production and afterward, David twisted some arms until Jared agreed to sit at the piano in our living room and sing a song they are working on for a new production. With Jared still at the piano, Ross then sang another song from the production. The music was incredible and from the few details they shared about the new production, it will be a must see. Annie was more than a little disappointed that we didn't get this midnight concert recorded and that we didn't twist David's arm and get him to sing. Maybe next time.

Melissa heard about the production from mom and dad so she and Adam took advantage of two extra tickets I had to the sold out Friday night performance. We all met at Jalepenos for some fine Mexican food prior to the show. Kristin, Adam and Melissa David, Jared, Ross and Bob (you'll have to take my word for it, but Annie was also with us)