Mesa's Beloved Easter Pageant Returns for Its 87th Year

For the 87th consecutive year, the Mesa Easter Pageant is set to captivate audiences in Mesa, Arizona.

From April 9 through April 19, excluding Sundays and Mondays, the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple will transform into a grand stage for "Jesus the Christ," a musical dramatization depicting the life and love of Jesus Christ.

Each evening at 8 p.m., nearly 10,000 attendees gather to witness this storied production, which has become a cherished community tradition since its inception in 1938.

The pageant, presented as a gift to the community by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, brings to life pivotal moments from the New Testament, including Christ's birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Director Jenee Prince, now in her 21st year with the pageant, emphasizes the show's focus on the Savior's acts of lifting, healing, serving, rescuing, and loving.

"We want everyone who comes to see the pageant to feel God's love, to feel His peace, to have more hope," Prince shared.

The production boasts a dedicated cast and crew of nearly 700 volunteers.

Featuring music, dance, drama, live animals, and special effects, the pageant offers a multi-sensory experience.

The soundtrack, composed and produced by Rob Gardner and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra and Spire Chorus, is available on major audio streaming services.

Prince highlights the communal spirit among the cast, noting their mutual care and the palpable light and love they bring to the stage.

She also points out the emotional depth of the performance, as it portrays Christ through the perspectives of those who knew and loved Him.

For those planning to attend, here are some key details:

Performance Schedule:

Shows run from April 9 to April 19, excluding Sundays and Mondays, starting at 8 p.m.

Admission:

The event is free, with no tickets or reservations required.

Seating:

Approximately 9,500 chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating.

Parking:

Parking is limited.

Attendees are encouraged to use the Valley Metro Light Rail, which has a stop at Mesa Drive/Main Street, within a short walking distance of the venue.

Language Services:

For Spanish-language interpretation, 400 headsets are available at each performance.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is offered during the first week of performances in the front north seating area.

Seat Saving Policy:

A person must be present to save seats and should not save more than four seats.

Seats may not be saved after 7:30 p.m.

Unattended items left for the purpose of saving seats will be removed and taken to the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center.

Prince reflects on the enduring impact of the pageant, stating, "The truth never gets old. At the Easter pageant, the teachings and life of Jesus Christ come alive, and we can come to know our Savior better because of what we see on stage and feel in our hearts."

For more information, visit the official pageant website.

Don't miss this extraordinary musical celebration of the greatest story ever told!