MESA, Arizona — This Easter season, Mesa is dwelling once more to the annual outside theatrical manufacturing of “Jesus the Christ,” a musical dramatization of “the best story ever instructed.”
Via music, dance, drama and a forged of greater than 470 acting on an enormous stage with reside animals and particular results, “Mesa Easter Pageant: Jesus the Christ” depicts the highly effective and poignant moments of the lifetime of Jesus Christ, together with the miraculous occasions surrounding Jesus’ life as recorded within the New Testomony. The spirit-filled story highlights His humble start, His therapeutic miracles, His stroll on the raging Sea of Galilee, His elevating the useless, His Crucifixion on the cross and His superb Resurrection.
This 70-minute program opens Wednesday, March 20, and runs via Saturday, March 23, and resumes Tuesday, March 26, via Saturday, March 30. Every night’s efficiency begins at 8 p.m. on the north garden of the Mesa Arizona Temple, 101 S. LeSueur in downtown Mesa.
“It’s our present to the neighborhood,” mentioned Jenee Wright Prince, who has served as pageant director since 2012. Almost 100,000 viewers members are anticipated to attend from all through Arizona and the USA.
Pageant chair Matt Riggs affirmed the concept of the manufacturing as a “present.”
“Once I was given the project to chair the Mesa Easter Pageant, I used to be instructed the aim of the pageant is to be a present to the neighborhood,” he mentioned. “It dawned on me that we’re becoming a member of God in giving the present of His Son by sharing the story of His Son with all who will come.”
He mentioned that in rehearsals over the previous few weeks, he has wandered the grassy space in entrance of the stage talking with individuals — some who deliberate on visiting and others who’re drawn to the stage because of the great thing about the music and pageantry.
“As I communicate with those that have been unexpectedly drawn, the expressions are these of surprise, love for the Savior and amazement at what they’re witnessing for the primary time,” he mentioned. “That’s the impression the pageant has on individuals. The story is superb itself, however when offered with stunning lyrics, music and pageantry, it involves life and brings those that witness it nearer to the Savior, Jesus Christ.”
The Easter celebration has been a beloved neighborhood custom in downtown Mesa since 1938, when it started as a easy dawn service, and is now offered with the assistance of greater than 1,000 volunteers from all through the metro Phoenix space.
Tim Jackson is a type of volunteers, having been part of the forged for greater than 11 years. He auditioned along with his spouse and three kids, and whereas these kids have grown up and moved on, Tim and his spouse, Beth Jackson, proceed to audition and have been invited to be part of the manufacturing 12 months after 12 months.
Early on, he was requested to painting one of many wisemen within the nativity scene and later as an apostle.
The Jacksons drive 25 minutes one solution to get to the temple grounds, however say they don’t see that point and dedication of weeks of rehearsals and performances a sacrifice.
“We get pleasure from it,” Tim Jackson mentioned. “It helps to construct our testimonies. The general expertise for us has been that it brings the scriptures to life by placing ourselves within the footwear of these whom we painting. It permits me deeper worship of the Savior as I contemplate His miracles and blessings. My most tender moments are in the course of the Final Supper scene every night once I consider Him, understanding what’s going to occur, and He continues to show and serve us. That is Christ instructing me, as He does every single day.”
Ballet dancer Ellie Shapiro of Phoenix drives even farther to take part within the forged.
The highschool senior spends 40 minutes on the drive, and heavy visitors can lengthen that to effectively over an hour.
“It’s a protracted drive, however I don’t thoughts it,” she mentioned. “I’m excited to do it; it’s uncommon expertise and a possibility to bounce another way.”
Shapiro portrays one of many angels who dances on the very best spot of the four-story stage.
“I get pleasure from getting to look at the opposite scenes, and I really like that we are able to all share our testimonies of Jesus Christ on this manner,” mentioned the 17-year-old.
She loved the chance it’s given her to ask family and friends to “come and see” the manufacturing. Some are fellow dancers in her Christian dance membership in school.
“It’s good alternative to ask others,” she mentioned. “I fasted this month and prayed for it to be a particular expertise not just for me, however for everybody who comes — I would like them to have a particular expertise, too.”
The pageant went on hiatus after Easter in 2018 due to a serious renovation undertaking of the Mesa Arizona Temple, and it returned within the spring of 2022 after the temple was devoted in December 2021. Throughout that hiatus, a brand new script and rating was written by composer Rob Gardner. Music for the soundtrack is carried out by the London Symphony Orchestra and Spire Refrain. It’s now accessible at no cost listening on most music streaming providers.
Go to MesaTemple.org for extra data.
