Searching for a live passion play? Other churches will stage the drama
By JAY CRIDLIN
Published March 26, 2004
Bell Shoals Baptist Church may not have a passion play this year, but that hasn't stopped other congregations from taking the stage.
A selection of regional passion plays:
- Tampa's Idlewild Baptist Church hopes to capitalize on the popularity of The Passion of the Christ by titling its series of services leading up to Easter "Experience the Passion." An ad on the church's Web site says, "See the movie, then explore the message."
"We're building off Mel Gibson's movie," said Ron Upton, the church's minister of family worship. "We've taken the opportunity to hit people's awareness."
At Saturday night and Sunday morning services through Easter, the church will feature characterized monologues and choral and video presentations related to the end of Jesus' life.
Idlewild Baptist church usually stages a single large passion play, but opted to divide its message over several weekends. This weekend's theme is the Last Supper, to be followed by the Crucifixion next weekend and the Resurrection on Easter.
Church services at Idlewild, located at 1515 W Bearss Ave. in Tampa, take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Sundays. Easter weekend services will be held at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. April 10 and at 8 a.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11 a.m. April 11. For more information, call 264-1515.
- The Word of Life Fellowship in Hudson will stage The Passion Play at various times from Saturday through April 10 at the Harry Bollback Performing Arts Center, 13247 Word of Life Drive in Hudson. Tickets range from $5 for children to $20 for reserved adult seats. For more information, call (727) 856-7575.
- Power & Light Productions' special effects-rich The Story of Jesus opens at 8 p.m. tonight and continues on Friday and Saturday nights through April 24 at the Cattleman's Arena in Wauchula. Tickets are $10 and $14. For directions or more information, call (863) 773-4465.
- While not strictly a passion play, Crystal River United Methodist Church stages an Easter cantata at 6:30 p.m. April 4. The church is at 4801 N. Citrus Ave. in Crystal River. Admission is free. For more information, call (352) 795-3148.
