John Wolfe Joins The Young Ambassadors

It's always fun to get updates about local performers, and today we have news about John Wolfe, who appeared in dozens of shows locally before running off to college last year. He recently earned a special honor:

Brigham Young University recently announced its 2008 cast list for its international touring company, The Young Ambassadors, and Tri-State theatre-goers will recognize one name well: John Taylor Wolfe, son of Kim and Deborah Wolfe of Huntington.

Area theatre fans literally watched John grow up on area stages in productions with First Stage Children’s Theatre, Huntington Outdoor Theatre, Arts Resources Tri-State, and later, professionally with Theatre West Virginia in Beckley and West Virginia Public Theatre in Morgantown. Recent West Virginia roles included Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Marius in Les Miserables, Munkustrap in Cats, and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. John was one of approximately 16 young performers accepted into the prestigious and demanding triple Music-Dance-Theatre major program at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. John studied dance with Ella Hay and Gene Anthony at The Art Center in Huntington, and also won gold medal ratings in violin and piano under the tutelage of Patricia Green, violin, and Alice Casto and Harriett Tucker, piano.

Since entering the world stage at Japan's Expo '70, The Young Ambassadors have literally circled the globe with live and televised appearances in 59 countries. Recent tours in Africa, South America and China were hailed enormously successful by arts critics and presenters. The Young Ambassadors have performed their vibrant blend of song and dance for the prime minister of India, the queen of Thailand, and the king and queen of Jordan, as well as in Olympic ceremonies.

Live and televised performances in major concert halls and impromptu appearances in hospitals, orphanages, town squares, and government palaces reach millions of people each year.

Gregory J. Newell, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State said of the group, "As unofficial ambassadors for the United States, The Young Ambassadors are without peer."

The Young Ambassadors combine contemporary music and dance for a fast-paced showcase of American musical theatre.

Chosen through an extensive selection process, these talented performers offer a fresh view of America's culture and ways of life.

Congratulations, John!