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For the 87th consecutive year, the Mesa Easter Pageant is taking place on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From April 9 to April 19, nearly 10,000 attendees gather nightly to witness a musical retelling of the life of Jesus Christ.
The event, known as "Jesus the Christ: The Mesa Easter Pageant," showcases key moments from Jesus's birth, life, death, and resurrection as described in the New Testament. Director Jenee Prince, in her 21st year with the pageant, emphasized the focus on Jesus's actions of love and service, saying, “Nearly every scene in the pageant shows the Savior lifting, healing, serving, rescuing, and loving.”
The production involves close to 700 cast and crew members and features music, dance, drama, live animals, and special effects. The soundtrack was composed by Rob Gardner and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra and Spire Chorus. It is accessible on streaming platforms.
Prince described the experience as enriching both on and off the stage, noting, "They take such good care of each other backstage and on stage." She highlighted the depth of character portrayed in the scenes, adding, “There are just so many elements in this where you just really feel for these characters, and you feel for these people.”
For those planning to attend, the show starts at 8 p.m. and entry is free. Although seating does not require tickets or reservations, attendees are advised to arrive early due to limited parking options. Spanish-language headsets and ASL interpretation are available.
Prince shared a personal sentiment of the event's impact, stating, “The truth never gets old. At the Easter pageant, the teachings and life of Jesus Christ come alive.”
More information can be found at MesaEasterPageant.org.
