Presents the 29th Annual
A Kurt Bestor Christmas
With Special Guests
Dallyn Vail Bayles
Genevieve Christianson
Peter Lyddall
December 15, 16, 17, 2016
George S. and Delores Doré Eccles Theatre
xDRIVE, BMW’S INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE SYSTEM IS NOW ON MORE MODELS THAN EVER.
Sure, BMW xDrive gives you pulse-racing performance on every road, in every condition. But most importantly, it gives you peace of mind when driving on slick or uneven roads without sacrificing performance. And now that xDrive is available on more models than ever before, it’s the perfect time to experience it for yourself.
nance
of Murray 4735 South State Murray, UT 84107 801-262-2479 bmwofmurray.com BMW of Pleasant Grove 2111 W. Grove Parkway
801-443-2000 bmwofpleasantgrove.com
Kurt’s Christmas Message
Welcome
As you sit here in this incredible new theater, you’re probably having a hard time reading this program as your eyes keep being drawn above you to the beautiful star field ceiling and then up and around as you take in the desert-inspired colors and designs, and finally to the sumptuous stage which holds the secrets to tonight’s show. Welcome to the Eccles Theater - my new home.
As I was fortunate to have been involved in the selection of the architect and construction company of the theatre and having followed the process from architectural draft to opening curtain - I feel like a proud parent bragging about my over-achieving child. But rather than tell you about all the wonderful features found in this hall, perhaps it’s best to just let you feel and hear the “vibe” of Utah’s newest artistic “jewel.” I have always said that I want people who come to my shows to feel as if they’re in my home. I hope you like what’s been done to my “front room.” Welcome and come back often.
About Kurt
Kurt Bestor is an Emmy-award-winning and Grammy-nominated composer who, for almost 40 years, has composed and arranged music in a myriad of styles and genres. His accomplishments include over 30 feature-length films, 18 popular albums, numerous national television themes, and a mix of live shows and commissioned works for choirs and orchestras. As a gifted performer, Bestor has performed his popular Christmas shows for 29 years to sold-out audiences throughout the western United States. People from Seattle to Dallas have enjoyed his easy-going manner and rapport with the audience, as well as his distinctive arrangements of Yuletide favorites. When not performing his own music, Kurt spends much of his time arranging music for a
About Kurt
myriad of singers and instrumentalists including Kelly O’Hara, Nathan Gunn, Jenny Oaks Baker, Megan Hilty, and Brian Stokes Mitchell.
Bestor has also performed internationally, conducting and performing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir and the Estonian National Orchestra, among others. He recently completed a commissioned composition (by AFCO’s Craig Jessop), which is a 5-movement work for choir, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and 2 piano, titled “John F. Kennedy: Rise, Fall, and Immortality.” It was premiered at the ACDA Convention in Dallas to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination.
His latest album is a classical/jazz-flavored collection titled Kurt Bestor and the Collective “Outside the Lines” which has been released to rave reviews, and he’s set to release an EP of some of his original Christmas carols in time for his annual holiday show.
Bestor makes his home in Salt Lake City with his wife Petrina and daughter Ella, where they spend much time hiking, skiing, and camping in the picturesque mountains surrounding his home.
Welcome to the start of a lifetime.
Come see for yourself how a singular focus on the K-8 years can define a lifetime of success –academically, ethically, and socially.
PROSPECTIVE PARENT VISITS
January 10th 9:00 A.M.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TOURS
January 18th 9:00 A.M.
For more details visit www.mcgillisschool.org or call (801) 583-0094.
Kurt Bestor – 10 Little known Facts
1. Kurt’s first professional music gig was as a 17-year-old trumpet player recording music for the Donny and Marie Show. (He had to be excused from Orem High School for the recording sessions.)
2. Kurt’s first written-down composition was a song called “Reflections” for a girl in junior high school.
3. Something Bestor does almost as well as performing music? Skiing, which is something he tries to do weekly, most often at his favorite resort - Snowbird.
4. Three times a week, Kurt can be found with sweat band and sneakers aggressively playing his sport passion - squash.
5. Favorite guilt food - Buffalo wings from Wingers. (Should you ever find yourself sitting across from him as he devours a dozen or so wings, be forewarned that he’s know to devour the meat, skin, bone, and all!)
6. Kurt and his Kenyan-born wife Petrina climbed Kilimanjaro and plan to reprise it when their 7-year-old daughter turns 16.
7. A creative diversion from music is stone sculpture. Bestor likes to carve contemporized human figures.
8. Music is found in the Bestor genes. A distant relative named Don Bestor wrote “Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf and the J.E.L.L.O. jingle.
9. Kurt has always loved languages speaking Serbo-Croatian and German fluently, studied Russian for several years, and is currently studying Swahili.
10. Bestor, an active follower of all things political, he’s been known to stream the Utah State legislature while composing and has even entertained a run for political office more than once.
Start Early. Start Right.
Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students.
Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.
The results are unmatched at any price! Come see for yourself. Observe our classrooms any time—no appointment needed.
Inspiring Children to Achieve Since 1963
A WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE A WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE
TRAVEL WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Take your education a little further with University of Utah’s Go Learn, the state’s premier program that combines education with a vacation. Our unique edu-vacations allow you to explore the world with hand-selected U of U faculty, who are experts at bringing local and
international destinations to life. The Go Learn experience is so rewarding, you’ll never again want to travel in any other way.
*Trips scheduled to Cuba, So.Utah, Guatemala, Scotland, London, and Greece.
For more information and to see upcoming destinations, visit arts.ucangolearn.com
Fall Stage Arts - Preprint
nature.org/utah
Voices of Christmas
Dallyn Vail Bayles is a professional actor, singer and recording artist. Bayles performed with the Broadway touring company of The Phantom of the Opera, understudying and performing the roles of The Phantom and Raoul. He played Enjolras on the Broadway tour of Les Misérables, and was also part of the show’s China premiere engagement that starred Colm Wilkinson. In New York City, Bayles performed with Stephen Schwartz and Norm Lewis in the industry reading of Children of Eden, playing the lead role of Adam. He has also performed leading roles in several regional theaters across the country in Boston, Seattle,
Los Angeles, and here in Utah. Bayles is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. As a concert soloist, Bayles recently made his Carnegie Hall debut in Tim Janis’s “The American Christmas Carol” along with Matthew Morrison and Hayley Westenra. He performed with Rebecca Luker in Golden Days: A Celebration of Life, the 85th birthday celebration of LDS Church President, Thomas S. Monson. Bayles was the featured soloist with the Utah Symphony and Mormon Tabernacle Choir in their Deer Valley Music Festival concert, “Music from Stage and Screen.” He has also performed several times as a guest soloist with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on their national broadcast, “Music and the Spoken Word.” Bayles portrays Hyrum Smith in the LDS Church’s feature film, Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration. Bayles has also starred in several LDS Church stage productions, including the Nauvoo Pageant, Savior of the World, and Light of the World. Bayles has recorded three solo albums, with recordings featured in the films 17 Miracles and Ephraim’s Rescue.
A native of Green River, Utah, Bayles received his MFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory, and his BFA in Music Dance Theatre from Brigham Young University. In addition to his performing career, Bayles works as adjunct faculty at BYU, as a director, and master class instructor. He and his wife, Rachel, are the proud parents of five children, and now live in Utah.
Voices of Christmas
Soprano Genevieve Christianson’s crystalline voice and nymph-like presence have won her early and deserved success. At the tender age of 23, Genevieve soared onto the operatic scene making her professional debut to rave reviews as Amy in Marc Adamos Little Women with the Minnesota Opera. Following, Genevieve ravished the stage performing Verdi’s venerated heroine, Gilda in Rigoletto with the Minnesota
Opera and La Compañia Lírica Nacional de Costa Rica.
Genevieve is a gifted performer of both Opera and Musical Theater having enchanted audiences and performed to wide acclaim in prestigious opera houses and concert halls across North America, Costa Rica, Africa, and Europe.
Recent roles include: Gilda in Rigoletto, Norina in Don Pasquale, Papagena in The Magic Flute, Amy in Little Women, Cunegonde in Candide, Soprano in Carmina Burana, Maria in Westside Story, Christine in Phantom of the Opera, and Amalia Balash in She Loves Me, to name a few.
Her concert work has taken her from Portland, Oregon to Cape Town, South Africa stopping frequently in between to sing the National Anthem for her hometown football team The Minnesota Vikings.
Genevieve enjoys collaborating with the musical talent of Utah such as Kurt Bestor, Craig Jessop, Jerry Steichen, George Dyer, Keith Lockhart, Brady Allred, Terrence Kern, and Joe McQueen.
Locally she has performed major roles with the Utah Opera, the Utah Symphony, Ballet West, the Deer Valley Music Festival, German Chorus Harmonie, SB Dance and NOW-ID.
Publisher: Mills Publishing, Inc.; President: Dan Miller; Office Administrator: Cynthia Bell Snow; Art Director/Production Manager: Jackie Medina; Graphic Designers: Leslie Hanna, Ken Magleby, Patrick Witmer; Advertising Representatives: Paula Bell, Karen Malen, Dan Miller, Paul Nicholas; Office Assistant: Jessica Snow; Administrative Assistant: Ruth Gainey; Printing: Hudson Printing
A Kurt Bestor Christmas is published by Mills Publishing, Inc., 772 East 3300 South, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, 801.467.9419. www.millspub.com Inquiries concerning advertising should be directed to Mills Publishing, Inc. Copyright 2016.
Introducing The All-New S90
Voices of Christmas
Peter Lyddall is a 7th grader at the American International School of Utah. He is a good student, an avid reader and loves making new friends. In addition to singing with the Salt Lake Children’s Choir, Peter takes piano lessons, draws and builds forts with his younger brother.
Much like a famous fictional Peter, he wishes fervently not to grow up. He would also love to have a cell phone.
- Peter Lyddall appears courtesy of the Salt Lake Children’s Choir.
The Salt Lake Children’s Choir was founded in 1979 and has long been admired for its artistry and its pure angelic sound. It has performed and recorded with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Utah Symphony. has been featured at numerous conventions of the American Choral Directors’ Association and can be heard on local and national radio broadcasts. Its singers have performed on multiple soundtracks for film and television—as well as promotions for CBS, CNN and Walt Disney Productions. The choir will hold new-member auditions in early January.
Audience Information
ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES
FM Assistive Listening Devices are available free of charge at each performance on a first-come, first-served basis. Hearing aid compatible T-Loops are also available. Ask at Coat Check for details.
WHEELCHAIR SEATING
Ample wheelchair seating is available. Please inform Ticket Office representative when making your reservation that you require a wheelchair space or to request curbside assistance.
LATECOMERS
In consideration of patrons already seated, reserved seating will be accessible until curtain, after which alternate seating might be used. During some productions, late seating may not occur until an intermission. When traveling to performances, please allow ample time for traffic delays, road construction and parking.
YOUNG POLICY
As a courtesy to other audience members, please ensure that children at performances are not disruptive during the show. Babes-inarms are not permitted in the theatre during performances unless specifically indicated.
QUIET PLEASE
As a courtesy to performers on stage and to other audience members, please turn off cell
phones, pagers, or any other noisemaking device. Also, please refrain from permitting concession items such as candy wrappers and water bottles to become noisy during the performance.
CLEANLINESS
Thank you for placing all refuse in waste receptacles as you exit the theater.
COPYRIGHT ADHERENCE
Unless otherwise stated and in compliance with copyright laws, it is strictly prohibited to take any photographs or any audio or video recordings of the performance.
NEED EXTRA LEG ROOM?
Let us know when making reservations, we can help.
NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
In the event of an emergency, please remain seated and wait for instructions. Emergency exits are located on both sides of the house. Please identify the exit closest to your location. (Eccles-only) Patrons in wheelchairs should wheel to the closest elevator to the north or south where red signs read ‘Area of Rescue Assistance.’ Firstresponders will help you exit the building.
Fall Stage Arts - Preprint
HOTEL • CAMPING • RV PARK • SWIMMING POOLS • RESTAURANTS
GENERAL STORE • ATV RENTALS • HORSEBACK RIDING
The wonder of the west
is the presenting sponsor
A very special thank you to the Eccles Theater Legacy donors:
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
Delta Air Lines
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation and City Creek Reserve, Inc.
Ken Gar Automotive Group
Robert H. and Katharine B. Gar
Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation
O.C. Tanner
Dell Loy and Lynnette Hansen
Call-Maggelet Foundation
Wells Fargo
McCarthey Family Foundation
Layton Construction
CHRISTMAS
WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR
Featuring Laura Osnes and Martin Jarvis
Ring in the season with Broadway star Laura Osnes, acclaimed British screen and voice actor Martin Jarvis, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square, who are joined by four Metropolitican Opera soloists.
Mon. Dec. 19, 8PM Sun. Dec. 25, 4PM
FUNDED BY: Ronald C. and Kaye Gunnell, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund, the Charles and Janet Stoddard Foundation, and the Alan and Jeanne Hall Foundation.
Production Credits
Special Thanks To: SPONSORS
Mountain America Credit Union
Fox13
FM 100
Utah Media Group
Hotel Monaco
MagicSpace Entertainment
ArtTix
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Kevin Raleigh for Black Diamond Performance
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Eric Frankhouser
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Matt Endicott – Cornerstone Technologies
SOUND DESIGN / HOUSE ENGINEER
Bob Abeyta (w/ Eric Stoddard – Monitor mixer)
MERCHANDISING and PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Sara Monroe
KURT’S HAIR STYLIST
David Anthony Sargeant
FAZIOLI PIANO PROVIDED BY
Baldassin Performance Pianos
COVER PHOTO
Michael Mangum
COVER BACKGROUND PHOTO AND HEADERS
Image Licensed by Ingram Image
THE NEW YORKER 60 West Market Street. SLC’s premier dining establishment. Modern American cuisine is featured in refined dishes and approachable comfort food. From classic to innovative, from contemporary seafood to Angus Beef steaks – the menu provides options for every taste. Served in a casually elegant setting with impeccable service. Private dining rooms for corporate and social events. Lunch & Dinner. No membership required. L, D, LL, AT, RR, CC, VS. 801.363.0166
MARKET STREET GRILL DOWNTOWN 48 West Market Street. Unanimous favorites for seafood dining, providing exceptional service and award winning. The contemporary menu features the highest quality available. Select from an abundant offering of fresh seafood flown in daily, Angus Beef steaks, and a variety of non-seafood dishes. Open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch. B, L, D, C, AT, S, LL, CC, VS. 801.322.4668
MARTINE 22 East 100 South. Award winning ambience, located in a historic brownstone. Martine offers Salt Lake City a sophisticated dining experience kept simple. Locally sourced ingredients, pre-event $25 three course prix fixe. Extensive bar and wine service. martinecafe.com L, D, T, LL, RA, CC, VS. 801-363-9328
