MESA, ARIZ.

Cast members of the Mesa Easter Pageant say that being able to share their testimonies through the presentation is considered a blessing, and for those who portray Jesus Christ in different scenes from His life, it is a humbling and life-changing experience.

"It's really a touching thing to be able to stand in His place and act this out for people," said Trenton Ethington of Gilbert, Ariz., who portrays the baptized Christ on the nights the pageant is presented in Spanish.

"I try and keep my thoughts clear and focused on Him throughout the day," he said. "I find myself turning off the radio in my car because I don't want anything to ruin it."

In the baptism scene, Brother Ethington exits the water with the help of John the Baptist, played by Bryan Crosland, so the actor portraying Jesus isn't wet for the next scene.

Photo by Scott Adair

Since 1938, members of the Church in the Mesa, Ariz., area have portrayed scenes from the life of the Savior, such as this experience as a 12-year-old with the priests, as an Easter gift to the community. Many leave with new feelings.

Since 1938, local members of the Church have gathered on the Mesa Arizona Temple grounds to celebrate Easter and to present their "gift" to the community. This year, the pageant opened April 1, with English performances scheduled April 1-2 and 7-11 and Spanish performances April 3-4.

Evolving from a simple sunrise choral service, the 65-minute "Jesus the Christ" pageant is considered the largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world. It is performed on a 9,600-square-foot stage that towers four-stories high with more than 450 volunteers in the cast and another 300 in behind-the-scenes production with state-of-the-art computers, lighting and sound equipment.

Regardless of the technical aspects, the motivation of those involved remains the same today as it did in its humble beginnings: To share the message of Christ.

"Many have said they have felt the spirit of the pageant and that they have come away with a better understanding of the Savior Jesus Christ," said Wayne Leavitt, pageant president. "They say, from watching the pageant, they feel they know Him better and feel His love."

Nanci Wudel, who has served as pageant director for the past seven years, said the presentation is "beautiful and majestic as it focuses on the mission and miracles of Jesus Christ."

She credits the cast and crew for their individual preparation in helping to invite the Spirit.

"They truly try to live as if they were walking in the footsteps of Christ during those weeks of preparation and performance," she said.

"It's changed how I look at the Atonement and how I think about that sacrifice," said Tyler Maxson of Mesa, who for the first time portrays Jesus in the Spanish version of the pageant and the Apostle Peter on the other nights. "I have a renewed faith in my Savior and a new testimony of the love Heavenly Father has for me."

Photo by Scott Adair

The impassioned testimony of Peter is portrayed in this scene, which stirs the hearts of many spectators.

Robert Allen of Queen Creek, who has portrayed Jesus in the English productions for five years, said he prays he won't get in the way of the pageant's message, which is: "that the Savior lived, He suffered and died for us, and that He lives again," he said.

"I hope the audience feels His love for them instead of wondering who the guy in the robe is," he said. "I'm not here because of who I am, but because of Who I know and what I know – that He lives!"

Michael Fleming of Gilbert, who portrays the baptized Christ in the English version, said his preparation includes scripture study, prayer and seeking an increased understanding of the events.

"Although the baptism scene is short, it is one of the most important scenes in this show," he said, "Because this is why we do it: To see people come unto Christ and be baptized like He was."

Photo by Scott Adair

Recounting miracles from the ministry of Christ, such as the raising of a boy from the dead, has a profound, life-changing effect on actors and viewers.

McKay Tucker, 13, of Mesa portrays Jesus as a boy in a scene where He teaches in the temple.

"It is such a great opportunity and blessing to portray Christ like this," he said. "I pray to feel what He might have felt and I try to be in touch with the Spirit so I can express my testimony."

"I have definitely felt the Spirit and am honored and humbled," he added.

Jerry Newitt of Gilbert, who portrays Christ on the cross in the Spanish production, said it is a very emotional scene but often he focuses on the hope and joy that come after the crucifixion by the way of the resurrection.

"It's brought me closer to the Savior."

Aaron Pratt of Mesa, who has portrayed Christ on the cross in the English performances for four years, said he returns to audition for the pageant because of personal, spiritual experiences.

"I don't know if I'm going to be cast as Jesus again," he said. "I just want to be a part of it."