Uncle John talks to nurse, Connie Lou in The Forgotten Carols.
LOGAN — A holiday tradition for more than three decades, The Forgotten Carols will return to Cache Valley. The beloved production will be performed Saturday, during two shows at the Logan High School auditorium.
This year, due to ongoing health concerns, Michael McLean, the show’s creator, is limiting his participation in the tour performances. After starring as the character Uncle John for 29 years, he has passed the leading role to Michael Young, an acclaimed TV, stage and movie actor.
In an interview with KVNU, Young said he is honored to step into the iconic role. He and McLean have been friends and colleagues for more than 50 years.
“When [McLean] got a little sick last year,” stated Young, “he said he was not up to performing and asked if I would come play it. I said absolutely. So, I came out of retirement and filled in last year. [McClean] is still not ready to go back on stage, so I’m filling in again this year so that we can do it and people can enjoy it.”
It was in 1990 that McLean, a well-known performer, composer, songwriter, storyteller, author and director, first wrote the story and songs about a nurse named Connie Lou, who cares for John, an elderly patient who shares musical messages about people he claim to have encountered over the past 2,000 years. The book and album were released in the fall of 1991 and became an instant hit. In early performances, McLean played all the parts and sang all of the songs himself.
Young considers it a great honor to try and fill McLean’s shoes. He said the part of Uncle John is both fun to play with lots of comedy, mixed with some very tender moments full of heartfelt insights. The stories of the Innkeeper, the Shepherd and others helps the nurse discover what the world has forgotten about Christmas.
“From an actor’s point of view, this is just a wonderful role,” stated Young. “I like coming out here because [McClean] and his crew have been performing together for so long, it is just like joining a family. Probably, I would say after all of my 40 years in show business, this is one of the most delightful opportunities to work and have a good time.”
The 31st Anniversary Tour performs two shows Saturday in the Logan High auditorium, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee and 7:30 p.m. performance. Tickets are still available at: forgottencarols.com/shows/.
Young said the tour began last month with shows throughout Idaho. Following performances in Logan, they will continue to tour Utah and Arizona.
“I am looking forward to being in Logan,” declared Young. “Also, let me let everyone know that Michael McClean is still integrated in this show, so it’s not like he has left us. Come see what he does.”
McClean’s modest one-man show has evolved into a state-of-the-art theatrical tour that logs thousands of miles and dozens of cities each year. In addition, in 2022, The Forgotten Carols was produced as a major motion picture and played in movie theatres in the US.
will@cvradio.com