In its 67th year, the Mesa Easter Pageant, presented on the grounds of the Mesa Arizona Temple March 16-26, underwent script changes in an effort to tell the story of Jesus Christ in a way that was more understandable to a wider audience.

Photo by Scott P. Adair

In a scene from the Mesa Easter Pageant, an actor portrays Christ spending time with children. The script for the pageant was revised to appeal to a multi-cultural audience and includes an ending that focuses on the Restoration of the gospel.

The goal was to "simplify some of the language to make it more understandable for anyone coming to see the pageant, regardless of their gospel background or age," Mark J. Lusvardi, director of public programs of the Church's Missionary Department, who oversaw the script revision.

He also pointed out that the updated ending of the pageant was modeled after the new missionary Preach My Gospel presentation. "The pageant not only teaches the life of the Savior, but also declares that His gospel has been restored in the latter days," he said.

Also, he said, the changes were intended to personalize the pageant. "The way it has been adjusted shows how the Savior can bless the lives of each of us," he said.

Nanci Wudel, pageant director, said the 75-minute production's focus is always on Christ. She called the original script a masterpiece, and said the revisions were made to bring the production to a level of making it reach a greater number of people of other faiths.

The final narration of the pageant declares that today, as in ancient days, Jesus Christ has again called prophets and apostles and that He has restored the fulness of His gospel to the earth.

"Our primary goal is that this pageant will motivate people to want to learn more about the restoration of the gospel," she said. "We know that will happen."

Don Hobbs, pageant president and producer, said that the pageant has become an Easter tradition for many people and, barring inclement weather, 150,000 people were expected to attend the 10 shows.

"It's not just an Easter tradition for members of the Church," he said. "A significant number of people outside of the Church come back each year because of the Spirit they feel here."

Photo by Scott P. Adair

C.J. Brown and other actors portray angels heralding the birth of Christ.

Elder Bruce R. Christensen, an emeritus General Authority and visitors center director, anticipated that thousands of those viewing the outdoor pageant would also come inside to take advantage of what's offered there. Brief tours were given regularly and all the resources of the center were available.

The new pageant soundtrack included not only the revised script, but also featured original music and orchestrations by LDS composer Merrill Jensen, who wrote new music that underscored several scenes and new arrangements of songs previously included.

This year the cast included 460 men, women and children and hundreds of other volunteers who worked behind the scenes. Brother Hobbs said that the nearly 1,000 people involved give freely of their time because "they're doing what they want to do — and that's to share their personal testimony and witness of the Savior. It is a personal demonstration of their love for Him."

Jaynie Payne, administrative director of the pageant, has been involved in the production for 34 years and said that she believes that all those involved do so because of their conviction that "if it touches just one person or helps them be closer to Heavenly Father, then it's all worth it. That is our aim."

Photo by Scott P. Adair

Actors representing people from Biblical times listen as a narrator tells the story of Christ during Mesa Easter Pageant.