BELTON, Texas—On Wednesday, April 16, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will host its 86th annual Easter Pageant. There will be performances at 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. in front of Luther Memorial on the UMHB campus. All three performances will be free and open to the public.
The pageant will be available live online on the UMHB Facebook page and at www.umhb.edu/live.
The Easter Pageant chronicles moments from the Gospel story, including Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and Christ’s trial by Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. This event has become a tradition for many Central Texas families and is expected to attract thousands of visitors.
Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pageant organizers said the 5:30 p.m. show is usually the most popular, so visitors are encouraged to attend earlier performances if possible. Audiences are also encouraged to bring sunscreen, as umbrellas are prohibited.
The production is student-led and features a cast of hundreds of students and children and grandchildren of university students, faculty, and staff. Each year, UMHB President Dr. Randy O’Rear selects a student to direct the pageant and two students to play the key roles of Jesus and Mary. The selection of the two roles is based on their strong Christian faith and character.
Victoria Kuntz, a senior public relations major from Los Fresnos, has served as this year’s pageant director. Erin Doyle and Brock Pfrommer have served as Kuntz’s assistant directors. Doyle is a senior nursing major from Kingwood, and Pfrommer is a senior mass communication major from Katy. Banner Scarborough is portraying Jesus this year. He is a senior entrepreneurship and small business major from Lubbock. Emily Huynh, a senior marketing and management major from Richardson, is taking on the role of Mary.
Olyvia Owen, a sophomore church music major from Austin, will sing “In the Name of the Lord.” The song “Arise My Love” will be performed by Avalyn James, senior vocal performance major from Killeen, and Abby Russell, a freshman music education major from Round Rock. Alumni Angel Tolbert, will sing “Joy and Sorrow.”
The tradition of the annual Easter Pageant at UMHB began in 1940 when it was held during the afternoon on Easter Sunday. At that time, Mary Hardin-Baylor was an all-female campus, so all of the roles were played entirely by women. Over time, the production expanded to include male students and additional performances.
