For 30 consecutive Julys, the Mormon Miracle Pageant has been a major event on the central Utah scene. Over those years, it has brought an estimated 3 million viewers to Temple Hill.
But next year the pageant will have a new place on the calendar - June. The exact June dates will be announced later.The reasons for the change? The Hill Cumorah Pageant in New York and the Mormon Miracle Pageant both utilize the same high-tech sound and lighting equipment, and more time is needed for transportation and installation between the two productions.
"The change will require holding tryouts and having the first rehearsals before school is out," said general manager Douglas Dyreng.
Meanwhile, preparation for this year's performances is proceeding smoothly, director Ron Hall said.
The pageant will play July 11-13 and again July 16-20, with curtain time about 9:15 p.m.
Although around 10,000 chairs will be available at the site, attendance on weekends sometimes exceeds 30,000, Dyreng said, so people should come prepared for a cool evening and a seat on the lawn.
Refreshments are not allowed on the temple grounds, he added, but there will be pop and hamburgers sold in the area as well as home-cooked dinners at the Manti Stake Center and the Manti Tabernacle on Main Street.