By Heather Cameron
One woman?s inspiration from a statue has turned into an inspiration for countless others at the Pioneer Legacy Pageant.
The six-year-old production recounts the life and struggles of a pioneer named Elizabeth Fox.
?I truly believe that this pageant represents the essence of the pioneer experience,? said pageant director Lynne Thompson.
Lynne, a ballet teacher at BYU, saw a statue 30 years ago of a pioneer woman and her children in Spokane, Wash. That touching moment combined with the knowledge of Fox?s life led Lynne to create a ballet. Over the past few years, the ballet progressed to include narration and song to make it easier for the audience to understand.
Lynne?s husband, David Thompson, wrote the music for the production. He says when he listens to the music of pageant he realizes he can?t take full credit for how beautifully it came together.
?Writing the music was quite an experience,? David said. ?There were several songs that I actually dreamed. One of the songs, ?Children of Light,? I woke up in the middle of the night, and I could hear the music.?
In describing the process of composing the music David seemed to be in awe.
?It?s hard to explain the actually feeling because it?s kind of like pure energy,? he said. ?It just flows in and flows out.?
All the music, dance and acting combine to leave the audience with a deeper understanding of the sacrifice of the pioneers through taking a closer look at Fox?s life.
The pageant details Fox?s sacrifice of leaving England to join other members of the church in Salt Lake City, including the loss of her child and the separation from her family.
?The events of Elizabeth Fox?s life make for a very moving, uplifting pageant,? Lynne said.
Families are encouraged to participate together in the production.
Meryll Prawitt of Springville plays a part in the pageant with her husband and three kids.
?We especially enjoy being able to perform together and to, in this way, honor our pioneer ancestors,? Prawitt said.
PAGEANT INFORMATION
Here''s a few tidbits about this year''s Pioneer Legacy Pageant:
* When: July 22 and July 23 at 9 p.m.
* Where: Spring Acres Arts Park Amphitheater
* Admission: Free
* Description: Life and times of Mormon pioneer Elizabeth Fox