Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jesus the Christ |
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|---|---|
| Written by | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
| Date of premiere | 1928 |
| Subject | Creation of the world, Fall of Adam and Eve, and life of Jesus Christ |
| Genre | Religion |
| Setting | Evenings on the North lawn of the LDS Temple visitor's center in Mesa, Arizona, United States |
| Official site: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/events/pageants?lang=eng | |
The Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant is a huge outdoor show. It happens every year in Mesa, Arizona. This special event is put on by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its official name is Jesus the Christ.
The pageant takes place on the grounds of the Mesa Arizona Temple. It's known as the biggest outdoor Easter show in the world! A large cast of about 450 people performs. The show lasts about 65 minutes. It tells the story of Jesus Christ. This includes his birth, life, death, and resurrection. The story is shared through songs and dances.
Contents
History of the Mesa Pageant
How the Pageant Started
The Jesus the Christ show began in 1928. It started as a small Easter morning presentation. The first shows were held in the same spot. This was just one year after the Mesa Arizona Temple was finished. The temple was the seventh built by the worldwide church.
Important Dates and Changes
The pageant was not held during World War II. In 2018, the Mesa Pageant turned 90 years old. About 90,000 people came to watch that year! The show was canceled in 2019 and 2020. This was because the Mesa Arizona Temple was being renovated. The Mesa Pageant is expected to return in 2021. Local church leaders will oversee it.
Putting on the Show
When and Where to See It
The Mesa Pageant runs for two weeks. It performs Tuesday through Saturday evenings. These dates are just before Easter. On the first Saturday, the show is performed entirely in Spanish. You don't need tickets to attend. There is no cost to watch. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Stage and Setup
The stage for the pageant is very big. It has four levels and is temporary. It takes three weeks to build it. After the Easter season, it is taken apart. This large stage is set up on the temple grounds.
Who Participates
People who want to be in the show must audition. All cast and crew members are volunteers. This means they don't get paid. In 2013, almost 1,000 people tried out. Only 475 were chosen that year. This was the biggest cast ever. Most participants are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, people from other religions also join in.
The Experience for Performers
Being part of the Mesa Pageant is special. It helps both the audience and the participants. Before each show, the cast and crew meet. They have a devotional in a chapel nearby. Some cast and crew members also talk with the crowd. They do this before and after each performance. As of November 2013, Jenee Prince was the director.
