PROVO — For its annual Spectacular, BYU invited a Broadway leading man to help celebrate “a true Renaissance man” of the university — and the homecoming event became truly spectacular.
Inviting the nationally known Brian Stokes Mitchell to headline the two-evening revue of BYU’s performing groups was not only an inspired decision, it was fortuitous that he accepted. While area guests have previously served as Spectacular narrators, this year marked the first time a performer of his high caliber was the show’s emcee and thrilling entertainer.
And it was befitting as Spectacular acknowledged the contributions by Gerrit de Jong Jr., appointed BYU’s first College of Fine Arts dean in 1925 but also an accomplished musician, linguist and scholar. A brief video tribute to de Jong was projected on the football field-sized screen at the rear of the Marriott Center performing space midway through the show.
Mitchell explained that de Jong “was consumed by a passion for art and he knew that there is beauty within us.”
To began the show, Mitchell soloed with “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” accompanied by the full BYU Philharmonic, that introduced his charismatic stage demeanor along with his grateful, beaming smile. The Men’s Chorus, lankishly choreographed, was invigorated during the ensemble’s “Paint Your Wagon” medley when the Tony-winner joined the massive group to sing “They Call the Wind Maria.”
While acknowledging that he has become “a BFF with the entire Mormon Tabernacle Choir,” after an unprecedented three engagements, Mitchell said that singing with the Men’s Chorus, “that band of brothers, was an experience I will not soon forget.”
In the effusive “Family” segment by the Young Ambassadors, Conlon Bonner and Delaney Westfall were the lead singers on “We Are a Family” and “Love You, I Do,” and Mitchell joined the group to perform “Stand by Me” with the group’s soloist Tim Cooper.
To end the evening, Mitchell showed his affinity for jazz with an expressively phrased Gershwin medley, followed by the little-known Cy Coleman-Carolyn Leigh gem, “It Amazes Me,” that was infused with his trademark joie de vivre. In his rendition of “Make Them Hear You,” the full strength of his powerful baritone was showcased and his “Ragtime” showstopper became a ferocious declaration. For each of these solos, Mitchell was paired with his pianist, the gifted Tedd Firth.
Continuing the theme of an unwavering commitment to a dream, Mitchell encouraged the audience to strive for high ideals as he began “Impossible Dream” from his Tony-nominated Don Quixote role in “Man of La Mancha,” accompanied by the Philharmonic. With his virile, long-sustained high notes that soared heavenward, Mitchell made us believe that the impossible might just be within our grasp.
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