3. The 10 Virgin dance. I know this one's a shocker for you all, but I love this scene. I was in it for 5 years. I was foolish twice & wise 3 times. I've been through multpile choreographers, 2 different dances & 3 sets of costumes. Still to this day - I love this scene & it will forever hold a special place in my heart. I watch it everynight while waiting for my cue with Kylie & feel sad that I'm not still up there. Oh the glory days!
2. The Jesus & the Children Scene. I remember the first year this was introduced into the Pageant. It was the first year my dad played Jesus. Also, the first year for Chip Boynton to be the Director. What a truly inspired scene this was for Chip to add. (Not to mention that he has the coolest daughter - my good friend to this day Melanie. Yes, one of my best friend's is named Melanie.) I loved it back when I was in it as a kid & I love it even more now. During our first rehearsal last year for this scene I remember just crying when I first heard the music. I hadn't heard it in 8 years because we were out of state & being able to hear it again just moved me. It reminded me instantly of how wonderful Pageant is & how powerful this scene is. Being in this scene with Erik & Kylie is beyond words. When we were cast in this scene last year with Chandler Wolfe as our daughter for the scene (she was the Dead Girl last year) it was fun. But, it so much more meaningful to have Kylie be with us & she does such a wonderful job on her part. I'm so proud of her!
1. Mary Magdalene Scene: I know the previous should be my favorite, but I cannot tell a lie. This scene is the best to me! The last year I was in the Pageant before moving out of state I was lucky enought to be in this scene. I say this because I showed up to auditions sick. I could barely even stand - let alone dance & couldn't complete the audition process. I was devastated! The next day I went to the doctor & found out I had strep throat pretty bad. Before rehearsals started - I was cast as an accuser of Peter & a mourner in the Crucifixion scene - I received a call from the choreographer Melanie Reynolds saying that someone had to back out due to scheduling conflicts & would I be able to take her part? Well, YEAH! She was also cast to be one of the friends of Mary Magdalene to dance with here upon seeing the resurrected Savior. JACKPOT FOR MEL!! This was the best year for me - I loved being so involved! (I know that's a shocker for you all.) But, in all seriousness, there is no way to describe what it was like for me to be in this scene. Portraying my love of the Savior through dance. Towards the end of the scene the 3 friends of Mary Magdalene & Mary would go to the front of the stage & reach up toward Heaven on the words "He Lives"! Still to this day it sends joy to my heart hearing that phrase in the song & remembering what it was like to be in that part expressing to the audience the truthfulness of that statement. I know I keep saying this, but there's just not words to describe how wonderful that experience was for me.
As Pageant comes to and end - I am sad. Yet happy as well. We are tired this year. But, it is always worth the late nights & long days. It's an experience I am so grateful to have. I am forever thankful to my parents for starting the tradition & to my Dad for continuing it even through the tough times. I truly don't think I would be who I am without it. That may sound silly, but it's such a big part of my life. Easter was never about the Easter Bunny & easter baskets for us. It was always about portraying the life of the Savior & walking in his shoes. That's why it's been so important to me to have my own girls have this experience. I want them to live the true meaning of Easter as I did. Hopefully it will be as meaningful to them as it has been to me. Happy Easter to all & always remember:
"HE LIVES"
"HE LIVES"
3 comments:
"Little Wart"
Thank you for recording your thoughts and experiences. For helping us to reflect back on memorable events. "Life is best measured, not in days, but in defining moments" (Neal Maxwell). He does live, and the goodness and service that we pass on to others honors Him. Love, DAD
You all did a great job! It strengthens my testimony every time I go to the pageant.
I loved the pagent this year as always. You guys did a great job! What a great family tradition. I remember your dad when you first moved into the ward. I thought, "That guys hair is kind of long!" Low and behold, he was the Savior in the Easter Pagent. Never judge another! It's neat that you have had such a great experience with your family and that you are carrying it on.
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