Mesa Easter Pageant highlights the life and mission of Jesus Christ
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MESA, ARIZ.
For the hundreds of cast members involved in the Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant, the opportunity to share their testimonies and the blessings that come far outweigh what some might consider a sacrifice of time and effort.
"The reason our cast members want to be in the cast and make such a sacrifice of time is that they want to share the gospel; it's really that simple," said the pageant's director, Nanci Wudel. "They are set apart as cast missionaries, and they believe it is an honor and a trust."
The 65-minute pageant, titled "Jesus the Christ," opened March 24 and will run through April 3. It highlights the life and mission of Jesus Christ through drama, dance and music. Cast members dress in authentic costumes and the production takes place on a massive stage that is assembled each year on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors Center.
Nearly 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the evening productions, with seven presented in English and two in Spanish.
For Ted and Lorraine Schmalbeck, of Chandler, Ariz., this would have been their fifth year of participating in the pageant together; however, health problems prompted 58-year-old Sister Schmalbeck to seek medical attention and on the day before rehearsals started she was told that she had terminal cancer. She was no longer able to serve on the costume staff but insisted that her husband continue in a role as a Jewish high priest.
"She wants me to be here, as do I," said Brother Schmalbeck. "We receive so much from being of service to Heavenly Father. We can share experiences with others not of our faith."
From a hospital bed, Sister Schmalbeck conveyed her thoughts. She said she wanted her husband "to be in the pageant because it helps to bring us peace and comfort during this holy season. It helps to put the everyday things of life into the background by bringing Christ closer."
Brother Schmalbeck is wearing a new costume this year — one that was made by his wife before she became ill. "I love wearing it, I love being in it," he said. "She sewed it by hand."
After each rehearsal and performance, Brother Schmalbeck is anxious to share his experiences with his wife and expected at least seven friends to attend at their invitation.
Sister Wudel, of Mesa, said this year's cast of 450 was chosen from nearly 900 who applied.
She explained that the general cast is expected to attend four weeks of rehearsals and performances every day except Sunday and Monday and to attend cast devotionals. They are also asked to read the pageant handbook and the Preach My Gospel book, and are reminded to read scriptures daily and be an example of Christlike actions in word and deed.
"We have a very high standard set for cast members," said Sister Wudel. "They thrive on it. They want to be a part of this great effort to bring the uplifting message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to their friends and neighbors, and they do it for one purpose — with an eye single to the glory of God."
"It is a tremendous and humbling honor for all of us who participate in the pageant, in even the smallest way, to present a portion of the life and mission of the Savior," she said. "The power of His life and the beauty of His teachings uplift and edify everyone — staff, cast and audience."
Pageant President Don Evans of Mesa said there is a "zeal" among those involved and he believes that cast members — and nearly 400 others who work behind the scenes — see it as being a part of something larger than themselves.
"It is an opportunity to reach out to the community, specifically to those not of our faith," he said. "Our hope is that everyone who attends will feel the spirit of it and will have a better understanding of Jesus Christ and His mission.
"The Pageant provides an opportunity for those who are not familiar with the Church to walk away with a favorable impression and an idea of what we believe. Most of all, this production enables people to have a witness of Christ."
The pageant continues 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 27 in Spanish and with an American Sign Language translation area, and nightly at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 30 through Saturday, April 3 in English.
