'A Century Of Honor' - Boy Scouts of America

What to say about this amazing production I had the privilege of being involved with? There is a lot. But, I will keep it short and sweet.

The LDS church was producing a dramatic show to celebrate their 100-year partnership with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City and had asked me if I would play the part of the Unknown Scout in England who had an impact on WD Boyce when he visited London in the 1910s.  The English scout had such a positive influence and impact on Boyce that he enquired about scouting, found our more about it and then took it back to the USA and started scouting there. 

It was such a pleasure working with Paul Walstad Jr. who played WD Boyce.  I learned so much about performing and the Gospel from him as he has had much experience in this field of work.  Him and I had great fun together, sharing opinions, thoughts and experiences and we were pleased with our scenes in the show and with how they went.  The First Presidency of the LDS church were also in attendance and there was a sublime feeling being so close to the prophet and his counselors. In total, there were 1,000 cast members in this production including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the 'Orchestra At Temple Square'.  It was broadcast live via satellite to stake centers across North America and Canada and was later shown on BYU Television channel.  Being involved in a live broadcast was very nerve racking but there was so much inspired direction, assistance and preparation that the nerves turned into love for the work we were doing.

I have personally never been affiliated in any way with scouts - it isn't that big a deal in the UK anymore - yet, I felt such a sense of belonging up on stage with all those scouts.  It think it's because I created such a bond and relationship with the cast members that I met and especially with the ensemble scouts that I worked with.  They were such fun and humble young men and they were an amazing example to me.  They honored their scout law:

To do [their] duty to God and [their] country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep [themselves] physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

I admired each of the scouts I was on stage with and although I have never done scouts, I live by very similar standards anyway.  I certainly made life-long friends on this production and people certainly had a life-long impact on me in more ways than you'd think.

The broadcast went so well and the happiness that was in the air during the performance was surprising but totally fitting.  There was no stress or tension.  Even the stage managers were relaxed and having a great time!!  The spirits were high and you could hear many young men backstage saying things like, 'can I help you... let me carry that for you... I've got your back'.  These little acts of service during what would usually be an intense environment really touched me and reminded me of how important it is to respect others and uplift them.

This is why I love this work.  I learn so much about myself.  I learn so much about others.  And most of all, I learn how to love.

You can view the full show by visiting this link: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/on-my-honor/2013/10?lang=eng

This Is The Place

I am here people!

Ahhh it feel so great to actually be here in Utah after being awake for 28 hours consecutively! I arrived on Friday night, with my friend Robin Dick who I met at London Heathrow as we both made our way to Utah for Savior Of The World (SOTW), and we were picked up at Salt Lake City airport by the producer of Savior Of The World, Kirsta Davies.

First stop: Wendy's.  I got the #5 on the menu: a baconator burger with fries, and a chocolate frosty. I knew then, that we were most definitely in the USA - it had been too long and it was the best Wendy's I have ever tasted!

Bountiful Regional Center

We were then taken straight to the Bountiful Regional Center (a large conference theatre the LDS church owns) where I had a music rehearsal with the amazing Music Director of SOTW, Gayle Lockwood.  I had been awake for 27 hours by then after a long flight however, it was a wonderful rehearsal and it hit me then that I was actually here in Utah working on this beautiful production.

As I flew from Minneapolis into the Salt Lake valley - I've got to say - I was overcome and quite emotional. Why, you ask? Well it was a clear evening and there was nothing obstructing my view of the wonderful cities. As soon as I saw this breath taking grid system of houses, skyscrapers, roads mixed with, mountains, forests and ravines, I found myself suddenly thinking deeply about the LDS pioneers who worked endlessly in a desolate valley to build a city where they could worship God and have everyone take refuge in a place where they can be sealed in a temple to their family for eternity.  I thought about how exhausted they would have been after hundreds of miles of trekking across America to the west; I thought of the mothers, fathers, and children who sadly died on the way; I thought of the unflinching faith and zealous courage of a group of humble saints who fought against every law of nature and of the natural man to have the true Gospel of Christ live on for future generations like you and I.  I truly believe that the LDS pioneers genuinely cared about our happiness and our well being.

And thus, we have this now INCREDIBLE, HUMUNGOUS, BEAUTIFUL valley developed into a wonder grid of cities full of saints living the Gospel and also wonderful people who aren't a member of the church.  It think it's fitting that non-members enjoy the city as well as members as their is a sacred spirit to be felt here and a responsibility for members to invite others to Christ.

There is truly is something special about Salt Lake City - you just feel something very special when you're here and you can see so vividly why Brigham Young, as he looked across the wilderness from the top of the valley, said: “It is enough. This is the right place. Drive on."

I love this city and I feel a sense of belonging.  It is wonderful.

General Conference in the Conference Center

I was able to attend three sessions of General Conference this weekend, with Jessica and Corinne Wadley (my American sisters who's family I am staying with) at the conference center downtown Salt Lake City (Priesthood Session, Sunday a.m. session & Sunday p.m. session).  Being in the presence of members of the city, all members of the twelve, and the noble three men of the first presidency was so, so special.  Words can't describe.  My highlight so far was hearing our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson, declare the truthfulness of Christ's gospel in person.  It was very powerful and very spiritual.

Today is now Monday and it's 0720am here.  I am going downtown Salt Lake today to the Church Office Building (COB) to do some work with the Director of the Priesthood Department and his colleagues.  

I love it here so much!