This past Christmas was unique for me. My wife, Star, is LDS and I have been aware of the extraordinary musical life at the heart of her church for many years. I never thought, however, that I would be asked to participate in that life.
This Christmas I was given the chance to do so.
I have been involved in theatrical and film productions for many years, some of them enormous, involving the biggest stars and directors and budgets in the business. But I must say that what happened in Salt Lake City surpassed my most extravagant expectations. The show involved the Tabernacle Choir, the Tabernacle Orchestra and bell ringers, scores of high school ringers and dancers, as well as the wonderful Brian Stokes Mitchell as soloist, and me, bringing up the rear, as guest reader.
More than 700 people were dashing around backstage, making entrances and exits, hitting marks and performing right on cue. If there was a minor kerfuffle, and I stress the word "minor," it was solved with a minimum of fuss and never happened again. The level of professional expertise was extraordinary.
And what truly amazed me was that everyone, from the greeters at the stage door to our indispensable guide and aide, Ron Gunnell, from the kids who rang the bells to the first chair fiddle players and musicians ...all of them worked for nothing! And on top of that, everyone seemed delighted that I was there. "Thank you for coming to Salt Lake. We hope you like it here. We are so glad to have you." And, unless I have completely lost my sense of people, they meant it! I have never experienced anything quite like the welcome I received during my stay in Utah this past Christmas.
So, I would like to thank the people of Utah, the folks in the choir and orchestra, the bell ringers and dancers, the people who helped manage and work the show, the technicians and designers and stage hands, and, of course, the folks who wrote and assembled the whole show. I had the time of my life.
As a professional actor of more than 40 years, I would look forward happily to any project that comes my way out here in Utah. I have made several already. One in particular stands out in addition to this most recent one. Many years ago I met my wife on a film being shot in St. George, "Harry's War." It was there that I first experienced the beauty of the mountains and the natural extravagance of the landscape.
Later, I enjoyed the creative energy at the Sundance Festival. I've recently spoken to the Utah Film Commission encouraging production here and last week returned to the festival to help Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. continue that mission of encouraging filming in Utah.
While here, Star and I stayed at her condominium in Provo. We even go to the dentist, Dr. Roy Hammond, here in Utah! So, you see, Utah has been a place of great bounty for me. I rejoice in this and give my profound thanks to the people who have made my time here blessed.
Edward Herrmann, star of stage and screen, has won an Emmy and a Tony award for his efforts.