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Show Mormon Miracle Pageantopens One of the most popular outdoor theatrical presentations in America, "The Mormon Miracle Pageant," begins its 1977 run Thursday, July 14, in Manti. The colorful pageant, which draws more than 100,000 people annually to a grassy hillside "theater" at the foor of the majestic Manti Mormon Temple, will continue from the 14th through July 23, except Sunday and Monday. Curtain time is 9 p.m. nightly. Admission and parking are free. Now in its eleventh year, the pageant depicts scenes from the Book of Mormon, the life of Mormon prophet Joseph Smith, and the 19th Century Mormon pioneer trek from the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains. It also includes impressively staged scenes from postmortal post-mortal life. Sponsored by the Manti Region of The Church of Jueus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the pageant is an adaptation of a dramatic reading by Grace Johnson of Ephraim, Utah. The director is Macksene S. Rux,, Salt Lake City. The pageant cast includes more than 300 volunteer actors and actresses. The production is enhanced by elaborate lighting, sound and staging effects. Manti is situated 120 miles south of Salt Lake City on U.S. Highway 89. |