74th Annual Easter Pageant
Belton, Texas – On Wednesday, March 27, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will host its 74th Annual Easter Pageant. There will be three performances in front of the Luther Memorial arches on Vann Circle Drive at 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Each of these performances is free and open to the public.
“Student excitement for the pageant this year is as high as I’ve ever seen it,” Director of Campus Activities Mike McCarthy said. “We have a record turnout of freshmen and sophomore students, which is a direct result of how great a job our director has done of getting everyone involved.”
UMHB’s Easter Pageant has become a tradition for many Central Texas families, drawing nearly 5,000 spectators each year. Hundreds of university students participate in the pageant as actors, director and even costumers. A number of children from the community also take part in the performance.
The production features many moments from the life and ministry of Christ, including His triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and His trial by Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. The production also includes a number of moving musical numbers performed by characters within the story, Dean of Students Ray Martin, and the university’s elite choral ensemble, One Voice.
Each year Dr. Randy O’Rear, president of UMHB, chooses an outstanding student for the honor of portraying Jesus. This casting is based less on acting ability than on a strong Christian faith and attitude. This year Chase Riggs of Katy, TX, will play Christ.
O’Rear also decides which female student will play the role of Mary, mother of Christ. This year, the role went to Madaline Garcia of Colorado Springs, Colorado
The rest of the cast has been selected by Anna Payne of Midlothian, TX, who O’Rear chose as this year’s director for the pageant. This year’s assistant director is Lauren McKee of Belton.
McCarthy recommends that visitors try to attend the day’s earlier performances.
“The 5:30 p.m. show is always popular, so people who attend the 12:30 or 3 o’clock show will have a better opportunity to get good seats,” McCarthy says.
Audience members are also encouraged to bring sunscreen, but umbrellas are prohibited.
The tradition of the annual Easter Pageant began in 1940 when it was held during the afternoon on Easter Day. At that time, the school was not co-ed, so all of the roles were played by women. Over time, the production expanded to include male students and extra performances.
The rest of the pageant’s cast members include:
NAMED ROLES
Joseph .............................................................. Cameron Roucleaux
Simon the Leper ............................................ Ryan Murphy
Martha ............................................................ Kat Pasichnyk
Mary, Martha’s sister ................................... Lauren Rodriguez
Lazarus ........................................................... Michael Kattan
Upper Room Man ......................................... Bryan Myers
Upper Room Servant Boy ........................... Liam McCarthy
Trial Testimony #1 ........................................ Matt Wines
Trial Testimony #2 ........................................ Zach Todd
Peter’s Accuser #1 (woman) ........................ Maddie Davis
Peter’s Accuser #2 (woman) ........................ Chelsea Owens
Peter’s Accuser #3 ......................................... Cally Baucom
Pontius Pilate .................................................. Clint Brown
Pilate’s Servant .............................................. Payton Pierce
Barabbus ........................................................ Jake Hans
Simon of Cyrene ........................................... Alex Kown
Repentant thief .............................................. Brandon Edwards
Jeering Thief ................................................... Dawson Harmon
Johanna .......................................................... Kailyn Campbell
Salome ............................................................ Jamie Lorenz
Joseph of Arimathea .................................... Ryan Sewell
The Angel ........................................................ Terry Livingston
Nicodemous ................................................... William Strebeck
Mary Magdalene ........................................... Amy Kester
Mary, mother of James ................................ Esther Gibbs
Jarius ................................................................ Tanner Clarke
Jarius’ Wife ..................................................... Kendra Horton
John the Baptist ............................................. Nathan Gillmore
High priest – Caiaphas ................................. Alec Lloyd
High priest – Annas ....................................... Ryan Frusha
MARKET SCENE
Groom ............................................................. Tommy Pierce
Bride ................................................................ Meredith Davis
Adulterous Woman ....................................... Margo Portales
Leper ................................................................ Jonathan Kendall
The Blind Man ............................................... Jacob Brenton
Resurrected Girl ............................................. Avery Cabbanis
TEMPLE COURT
Sadducee #1 ................................................... James Ewing
Sadducee #2 ................................................... Ross Jones
Sadducee #3 ................................................... Zach Zernial
Pharisee #1 ..................................................... Justin Heath
Pharisee #2 ..................................................... William (Trey) Johnson
Herodian #1 ................................................... Mitch Goodman
Herodian #2 ................................................... Devin Dutton
Herodian #3 ................................................... Mike Perry
TEMPLE GUARDS
Guard #1 ......................................................... Karl Baker
Guard #2 ......................................................... Stephen Webster
Guard #3 ......................................................... Caleb Johnson
Guard #4 ......................................................... Dustin Watts
ROMAN GUARDS
Guard #1 (Centurion) ................................... Collin Cavendish
Guard #2 (Centurion) ................................... Tim Hite
Guard #3 (Captain) ....................................... Jacob Bowen
Guard #4 (Captain) ....................................... Kyle Morgan
Guard #5 (Soldier) ......................................... Seth Strickland
Guard #6 (Soldier) ......................................... Cody Lee
MONEY CHANGERS
Changer #1 ..................................................... Greggory Miller
Changer #2 ..................................................... Josh Wesselius
Changer #3 ..................................................... Dakota Jones
Changer #4 ..................................................... Drew Darnell
Changer #5 ..................................................... Jake Raabe