Thank you so very much for such a wonderful experience. The Music Man was a wonderful experience for everyone. YOU ARE ALL AMAZING!
I believe, very powerfully, this musical was something Heavenly Father wanted us to do in the Hyde Park Stake. This musical was such a powerful experience for our Stake. It was never, to me, about a musical. It was about building Zion, to become more of one heart and one mind. It was about building relationships with each other that will have eternal blessings for all of us. It was about feeling the Spirit and coming closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. You accomplished all of these and much, much more. My life will be eternally blessed for the blessing of experiencing this wonderful musical with you.
I grew up in a very musical family. I don't have a lot of talent myself, but my mother taught me a great appreciation and love for good music and performance. I have attended a lot of musicals in my life, including the musical Annie on Broadway in New York. I know I have said this before, but I believe your performance of the Music Man was Broadway quality, and as good as I have ever seen. I know it has blessed each of you in such powerful ways.
I am so grateful for every part of those who participated in this musical. The scenery, dancing, orchestra, costumes, makeup, lights, sound, stage, and all who helped back stage making things happen were so amazing. Everyone who participated in any way made this such a wonderful experience. I am so grateful you let me come and ditch out on my Thursday meetings and Saturdays to watch you practice. I loved every minute of it.
My daughter, Jenny, came down from Idaho Falls for Mother's Day and attended the Saturday evening performance. She is very talented musically. At the intermission, she actually stepped out and called my wife who was tending the grandchildren and said, "Mom, are these people really all from the Hyde Park Stake?" She was amazed at the talent and blessing you all were to those who attend the musical.
Almost daily, since the conclusion of your performances, I have people who tell me they have missed the Music Man or how much they enjoyed coming to the musical. I have heard it all over the valley. I have met with many of you in my office and listened to the expressions of gratitude and blessing it has been in your lives. I express my gratitude to Heavenly Father for sending the inspiration for this musical to happen.
I truly believe this musical was instrumental in uniting our Stake and creating eternal relationships that we all will never forget. I have had so many express to me how their lives have been changed because of this experience, both those in the cast, and those who attended. I work on my computer and put in my music many CD and find myself laughing out loud when I think of each of you performing. You were all so gifted, talented, and funny. And most of all, you could feel the Light of Christ shine through you as you shared your talents and Spirit with others.
Thank you for the sacrifice of time and your willingness to give of yourselves to serve the Lord and to build His kingdom in Hyde Park. I love you all so very much and consider myself very blessed to live among you and to know of your goodness. God bless you all. May He bless you and your wonderful families as you continue to build His kingdom and to draw closer to Him. I know with all my heart that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ. I know you to, too. May we continue to serve Him faithfully with all our hearts.
I love you all! And Thank You!!!
President Chris T. Randall
