An estimated 25,000 people attended eight performances of the Castle Valley Pageant July 27-29 and Aug. 1-5 at an open-air mountain amphitheater overlooking scenic Emery County in east-central Utah.
The annual pageant has evolved from a ward cultural arts festival started in 1978 to a Church-sponsored missionary event. This year's production included 225 participants who portrayed the trials, triumphs and tragedies of some of the first settlers of Castle Valley as they were directed by President Brigham Young to homestead the area. The script for the Castle Valley Pageant was written by Montell Seely of Castle Dale. This year's production was directed by Bart Cox of Orangeville, Utah, and assisted by Bradley Giles of Castle Dale.The pageant tells of the homesteaders' faith and courage, their encounters with Indians and their struggles to tame the rugged frontier. Included are scenes where Indians are given the Book of Mormon and taught of its origin and significance, along with excerpts from the Book of Mormon portrayed by actors that teach of the foretelling of the birth of Jesus Christ, His actual birth and ministry, His crucifixion and resurrection, and His ministry among the people on the American continent.
"I tried to write the script in the plain, everyday language of our pioneer forefathers," explained Brother Seely. The incidents portrayed are all based on actual people and events. Music for the production was arranged by Brother Seely and Marilee Cox.
Each evening preceding the presentation of the pageant, Delia Cox of Castle Dale arranged for a flag ceremony. Horseback riders galloped into the amphitheater carrying the U.S. flag and flags from each branch of the military services, as recognition was given to those who served in the military.
The use of live animals also was unique to the pageant. A milk cow, donkey and saddle horse were incorporated into the drama, along with traditional teams of horses pulling wagons and buggies.
The pageant script and music are recorded on a sound track so the production is professional and easily heard. Lighting and sound systems are operated by technicians from the Church Exhibits Department.
