Pageants inspire thousands in celebration of faith and history

Every summer in locations across the United States, thousands of volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perform in pageants open to the public. These large outdoor productions highlight stories from the history of the church and from the scriptures through music, theatrical dance and dramatic spoken word. All actors are volunteers, and the admission is always free.

\"It's a delightful experience because of the commitment and sacrifice of the pageant leaders, the work crew and the cast. I'm impressed with the dedication and the commitment of hundreds of people,\" said A. Bryan Weston, director of the historical sites at Palmyra, N.Y., where the first Mormon pageant was performed in 1937.

This summer there are four pageants that span from Utah to the east coast, attracting people and families who want both an uplifting and affordable evening.

The Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti, Utah, finished performances in late June, drawing thousands to the production that takes place on the hillside of the majestic Manti temple. This year's production had the largest cast yet, with 930 volunteers performing. The cast includes people of all ages and has spanned generations throughout the 43 years of production. The 14,000 chairs that are set up along the hillside for the audience are an impressive sight. The storyline intertwines the beginnings of the church with the history of the pioneers who settled in the Sanpete Valley in Utah.

\"I think the most rewarding part is when it's over and you stand at the gates and watch people leave and they have a smile on their face and maybe a tear in their eye and you can see that it's had an impact — that they've felt something. That's why we do it. We see the same thing in our cast members. It's life-changing,\" said Douglas L. Barton, Manti temple pageant president.

The second Utah pageant is held in Clarkston, Utah, and highlights the life of Martin Harris, a man who was important in the early days of the LDS Church. The pageant, now in its 26th year, honors Harris for his financial contributions toward the publication of the Book of Mormon and the inspiration he was to the early Saints.

Telling a similar historical story, the pageants in Palmyra, N.Y., and Nauvoo, Ill., take place at some of the church's most significant historical sites. These sites are located in smaller cities, so the pageant season is a boost to their local economies.