Pageant promises inspiring celebration of faith, courage and religious liberty
MANTI—What began as one man’s bold dream has grown into a community-wide production bringing to life a story of sacrifice and conscience.
Adapted from the award-winning book Exiled by Helene Holt, the Spirit of Freedom Pageant tells the story of the Rev. John Lothropp. In 17th-century England, when the Church of England was the country’s established faith, Lothropp chose imprisonment and exile rather than abandon his religious beliefs. He eventually carried his commitment to religious liberty to the American colonies, leaving a legacy organizers say includes more than 80,000 descendants. Readers can scan the accompanying QR code to see whether they are among them.
The story will be presented July 22-25 in a new outdoor musical production at the Sanpete County Fairgrounds in Manti. Organizers said what began as a vision has become a reality through the efforts of volunteers from across Utah and beyond.
Volunteers have traveled from across Utah and beyond to support the production. Director Hamish Reeves, an Australian native, also composed much of the pageant’s original score. Last week, about 35 youths and adult leaders from Apple Valley traveled to help paint sets and assist with costumes. Actors come from Sanpete and Sevier counties, while costume director Kate Lee is from Bountiful and assistant Julie Clark is from Indianola. Many of the production’s seamstresses are from Manti, and organizers said additional volunteers are welcome.
One participant said, “I am so grateful to have learned from John Lothropp and his faith in God.” Another added, “This story motivates me to stand up for what I believe in. Like Lothropp, I would do the same even if my life were at stake.”
Even the props have their own stories. For years, producer Ned Armstrong said he struggled to create the production’s 30-foot ship sail. It needed to be large yet lightweight, concealed until the final reveal, portable and easy to store. Plans involving heavy poles or expensive materials repeatedly fell short.
Armstrong then turned to his father, Dr. Robert Armstrong, an avid ham radio enthusiast with an interest in lightweight antennas. Within minutes, his father proposed a solution using a tall flagpole, specialized connectors and sketches he had made while serving a mission in Cambodia. Armstrong later discovered his father had spent decades collecting the lightweight aluminum poles and connectors needed for the project.
“I never imagined my collection would be used for this,” Dr. Armstrong said.
The sail is now coming together as envisioned.
As with any first-year production, the board of Freedom Through Christ, the nonprofit behind the pageant, said it has watched volunteers step forward as new needs have arisen. Organizers are seeking additional volunteers to serve as extras, seamstresses, ushers, ticket takers and parking attendants. Unlike the former Manti Mormon Miracle Pageant, which relied on local church congregations, this non-denominational production depends on volunteers from throughout the community.
Those interested can visit the pageant’s website and click on the Music section to hear original songs, including “The Price,” “From This Table” and “The Spirit of Freedom.”
Performances at the Sanpete County Fairgrounds will feature original music, live drama and a message centered on courage and religious liberty. The family-friendly production is intended for audiences of all ages.
Organizers are offering an early-bird discount for local residents who use the code “Sanpete” when purchasing tickets online. Tickets are $15 for general admission or $45 for a family pack of four. Children 11 and younger are admitted free. Seating is limited.