About The 2009 Play

The annual Easter Passion Play is an interactive indoor and outdoor walk-through experience for the entire family, depicting the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This year's Easter Passion Play includes a new Last Supper Scene as well as a new location for the Marketplace.

Our beginning scene will be held in the Howard Performing Arts Center.  This move has taken place to better accomodate parents with strollers and wheel chairs.

The following information describes what you will experience at this year's play:

• After you park your vehicle, walk to the Howard Performing Arts Center.  You will be asked to register.  This year's registration includes a wristband.  You must have your wristband on at all times during your rotation.  The Roman Guards will ask you for your "pass" during the event.
  
• Next you will enter the Howard Auditorium where you will view a short video presentation about the play.
  
• The play begins with an introduction to Jesus, showing compassion for Mary Magdalene, a blind man and children.
  
• The next scene takes place outside the Howard Performing Arts Center with Jesus' triumphal entry. Then the audience is invited to participate in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of a Middle Eastern marketplace and Bedouin Tent, complete with live animals. Merchants will try to have you sample their goods.
  
• On the way to the Last Supper participants will go through the "dangerous" Roman Encampment where they are introduced to Barabbas.
  
• At the Last Supper Jesus predicts His death.
  
• The Gethsemane scene presents Jesus passionate cry to His Father, "If it be Thy will, take this cup from me!" Then a mob led by Judas comes and takes Jesus captive.
  
• The next scene involves a rowdy crowd, Barabbas and Pilate condemning Jesus to death. Then you will experience the Via Dolorosa.
  
• The reality of Christ's sacrifice for humanity is presented in a moving crucifixion scene.
  
• Finally, the audience enters a darkened Johnson Gym to sit down for a moving sound-and-light show climaxing with the Savior emerging from the tomb.
  
• As participants exit the gym they will be greeted by hospitality staff where they can receive free refreshments, fill out an optional survey, reflect in the prayer room, and ride a free shuttle bus back to the event parking lot.