"Golden Days: A Celebration of Life" is the theme of the upcoming 85th birthday celebration for President Thomas S. Monson to be held in the Conference Center Friday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m. President Monson's birthday is Aug. 21.
Beloved Broadway selections and other favorites will be performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square and notable guest artists.
"We are very pleased that talented solo artists will be joining the choir to honor this great man," said Mac Christensen, president of the choir. "I happen to know the songs being performed will delight President Monson."
Guest artists will be announced at a later date.
To top it off, former San Francisco 49ers star quarterback and pro football Hall-of-Famer Steve Young will share master of ceremony duties with national network news anchor and author Jane Clayson Johnson.
"President Monson has served other people all of his life. I know that he's more comfortable in that role than having any accolades focused on him," said Brother Young. "This celebration is a great way to let him know how much he is loved and appreciated. It's a privilege to play a small part in that recognition."
The evening will also take a nostalgic look back at President Monson's illustrious life from his childhood, marriage and stint in the Navy during World War II to his decades of service. President Monson was called as a bishop of a congregation at age 22 and has served for nearly a half century as a General Authority and now as president of the Church.
"So many around the world have been influenced by President Monson's warmth, compassion and genuine love of people," said Sister Johnson. "We celebrate and honor his extraordinary life of service and leadership."
Free tickets for the celebration are required. Because of high demand for tickets, they will be distributed through a random selection process. Those interested may register on the Internet at www.lds.org/events beginning Saturday, June 16, at 12:01 a.m. MDT.
The registration period will remain open through Monday, June 25, at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Those selected will be notified by e-mail Thursday, July 5. Registation for tickets may also be done by phone at 801-570-0080 (local) or at 1-866-537-8457 (toll free).
Not all registrations will be selected to receive tickets, and only one registration per household can be accepted. The maximum number of tickets that a household may request is four. Tickets will be mailed to those selected shortly after the registration process closes. Persons not selected to receive tickets will be notified by e-mail.
Standby tickets for those without tickets will not be issued. However, patrons are invited to stand by for last-minute seating. The standby line will form at the north gate on Temple Square prior to the event.
The program will also be shown at various LDS stake centers over the Church satellite system on Saturday, Aug. 18, with subsequent rebroadcasts to many areas of the world.
In addition, the performance will be rebroadcast in its entirety on BYUtv Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m. and Monday, Aug. 20, at 3 a.m. MDT.
BYUtv International will broadcast the performance in Spanish and Portuguese Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 19, at 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. MDT.
KBYU Eleven will air the program on Sunday morning, Aug. 19, at 7 a.m. MDT.