Passion Play Wrap-Up
Category: Kitchen Sink...
Posted Sunday, March 28, 2004 at 08:59 PM [GMT-6]

The last two performances of our church's Easter drama were today (the last one is actually taking place as I type this). I went to the matinee this afternoon, ready to finally see the whole thing from start-to-finish. I was only partially successful.

For a variety of reasons, the decision was made to video today's performance, and I was asked to operate a camera. Since MLB had to be there as switcher, and since I was planning to attend the performance anyway, I agreed. However, that also meant that I didn't get to fully experience the performance, as I was on headset and focused on the shots called by the director.

However, I did catch most of it and it turned out well. It was 2 1/2 hours long, which is really too long for optimal audience comfort (not to mention camera operators!), but it presented a Scripturally-accurate portrayal of the life and ministry of Jesus, interleaved with a contemporary sub-plot that provided some modern context for the relevance of the Gospel.

There were very few technical glitches, and none were signficant. OK...the mast on Peter's fishing boat starting to keel over toward the end of the scene and had to be propped up by Jesus, but Who better to provide healing, even for an inanimate object! (That scene may make the outtake section of the DVD.) None of the actors missed cues or lines, at least none that I caught, and the music was excellent (I'm never sure how - or if - the orchestra will gel). The resurrection scene elicited an ovation from the packed-in audience, and it was, indeed, powerfully done...this was the first time I'd seen it. (I'm of the opinion that the one thing that most "Passion" movie-goers wanted more of was Jesus' resurrection, and this presentation certainly met that desire.)

One thing I do know...none of the cast or crew will regret taking a year off before returning to production in 2006. That is, of course, if the Lord doesn't return before then!