BYU NewsNet - Mormon Miracle Pageant to open 43rd year in Manti

Each year, thousands of people travel to Manti during the summer to have a unique theatrical experience, all in the shadow of the Manti Temple.

The Mormon Miracle Pageant, more commonly known as the Manti Pageant will start its 43rd year on Thursday, June 18 to 20 and June 23 to 27.

The performance will begin at 9:30 p.m. each night on the south hill of the Manti Temple and runs approximately 90 minutes long.

Seating opens at 6 p.m. and chairs are on a first come, first served basis — reserved seating will not be available.

“We’re expecting larger groups this year because gas prices have gone down,” said Doug Barton, president of the pageant. “We have 14,000 chairs set up, so all people need to do is come in and sit down. Every seat is a good seat.”

The pageant will feature scenes from early LDS church history, including the first vision, as well as selected scenes from the Book of Mormon.

“It’s kind of a renewal of faith and testimony to see the story again and have it acted out on temple grounds,” Barton said. “For someone who is not a member of the [LDS] church it’s a wonderful way … [to] get a good overview of [LDS] church history and basic doctrine … that’s really easy to understand.”

The production comprisesmore than 300 technical crewmembers, 900 cast members, and another 900 volunteers to assist with things like traffic control and meals.

“It’s overwhelming sometimes to think that you have 900 cast members, but they’re all willing to take directions,” said Laren Swensen, director of the pageant. “Our biggest scene is Christ coming to America. There are about 600-700 people in that scene alone.”

Barbecue turkey dinners will be available each night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the two LDS church buildings on Main Street.

The meals include dessert and are $7 for adults and $4 for children 11 years old and younger. Checks can be made out to “Manti City,” and credit cards are not accepted. A Food Court will also be available on 100 East.

The Manti Stake young men and women will also be serving breakfast on Friday and Saturday mornings at the Manti City Park for $4.

“People should come for the pure pageantry, the theatrical aspect and the great message,” Swensen said. “It’s called the Mormon Miracle Pageant, and it truly is.”