A record crowd of more than 8,500 people attended the opening night of the "City of Joseph" outdoor pageant July 28, which in its 25th year.

The pageant, with performances also scheduled Aug. 1-5, tells in music and drama the story of the restoration of the gospel, along with the saga of Nauvoo from 1839-1846.

Written by Don Oscarson, with music composed by Maughn McMurdie, and with a new soundtrack and state-of-the-art equipment, the show is ranked as one of the top outdoor pageants in America. Large audiences also attended subsequent performances.

Elder Hugh W. Pinnock of the Seventy, president of the North America Central Area, observed: "I was pleased with the increased record attendance, because everyone present had an opportunity to be touched by the Spirit." His wife, Anne, added: "It was simple and powerful."

The Spirit that built Nauvoo seems to be prevalent throughout the pageant as participants execute synchronized actions in brightly colored costumes over a five-level, four-acre stage.

This year's cast and technical crew numbered 543 people with the participants coming from 38 states. Many took part as families.

When a 5-year-old child was asked what she enjoyed during the pageant week, she responded: "I love being in the pageant, but I also love just being with my family."

Both the participants and audience have been enriched as they enjoyed an evening at the "City of Joseph" pageant.

"Our focus this year has been on giving our cast and those many thousands who attend the pageant an experience with the spirit of Nauvoo," said pageant president Joel Orgil. "Our hope is to increase understanding and develop faith and courage in the lives of members of the Church, and to share the message of the Restoration and the great part Nauvoo played in the history of the Church.

"The pageant reaches out to bond families together, even when other means have failed."

Playing the lead of "Joseph" was Hyrum Smith's 4th-great-grandson, Chris Frogley, a former mission president.

"I have been involved with the pageant for 18 years now and have taken the part of Joseph for 8 years," said Brother Frogley. "In all the years of coming to this pageant, I have felt more acceptance and a happier spirit in the cast and the community as a whole this year than any time previously. It is as though we are on the brink of something great in Nauvoo, and much has to do with the temple reconstruction."

A new temple scene was added with clusters of families dressed in white appearing above the stage.

"Their selection is a matter of prayer," said Lynn Bodily, the creative director for the pageant. "We want to choose those families who can benefit the most from this moving scene."

One such family was the Bohn family who had lost a 15-year-old son, Nathan, in an accident. While singing the words: "families forever, sealed all together," they did so with a sure knowledge that those words were indeed true. "It was thrilling and humbling to be able to testify through the pageant of the reality of life beyond the grave as families," testified Kay Bohn.

Don Oscarson added: "The effect of the new temple scene on the cast and audience has brought a special spirit to the pageant."

Each family that participates in the pageant must be prepared to provide all their own costumes, and expenses for the two weeks in Nauvoo, and for a family of five, the cost is around $2,000. The English family from Jonesboro, Alabama had been accepted into the pageant; however unexpected surgery for Sister Debbie English and her 11 year-old daughter, Erin, placed a financial strain on their resources. At the last minute, the family was able to sell an antique car to provide the necessary expenses. "It was a miracle," said Gil, the father. Great sacrifices are made in many of the family participants, but they bring forth the blessings of heaven.

Janine Mickelson related a miracle that occurred in their family when her son's long-awaited birth certificate for his missionary visa application arrived in the mail just as the family was backing out of the driveway for Nauvoo. She was able to complete the remaining paper work and testified, "It lets us know that Heavenly Father acknowledges our sacrifices and is very mindful of us!" One young 19 year old man received a confirmation that he should serve a mission half way through the pageant week.

Marilyn Ferrell from Hillsboro, Missouri referred to the trials that the early day saints of Nauvoo suffered and observed, "Modern conveniences can lighten the load immensely, perhaps, but they can't eliminate the trials." Recent surgery, car trouble en route, flat tires and other trials have given the Ferrells an opportunity to feel the Lord's help in bringing to pass many good things.

"It helps us learn about our ancestors", reminisced Bob Jones who played in the scene depicting the Prophet Joseph taking up a collection to assist a family whose house had burned down. He later learned that his ancestor, James Naylor, could have been the recipient of the Prophet's collection.

His wife, Sue, said: "This year, I am learning to relate to the pioneers in a different way. A week before we left Utah for Nauvoo, I fell and broke my ankle. As I limp slowly along, I realize that many of our ancestors came to Nauvoo with serious injuries or in poor health as a result of persecution and deprivation. Perhaps they, too, experienced regret that their infirmities limited their ability to contribute and that they were adding to the already heavy burden of others, and certainly for them, as us, the bonds of love and friendship were enriched as Saints ministered to one another with love. Jeremy English, 17, concluded with, "It would be wonderful if we could all be in one ward."

These experiences, along with countless others, have made my three years participating in the City of Joseph pageant, a blessing and a joy in my life. Each year I leave with greater awareness of and gratitude for the sacrifice, courage, and commitment of those who built this beautiful city. I am personally strengthened by their devotion to God. I leave with greater courage and determination to make a difference for good in the world in which I live."