Lakes Area Players Performing 'Christ's Passion' In March
Posted
Staff Report-
SYRACUSE – A “behind-the-scenes” theater experience is one of the many new enhancements offered by Lakes Area Players during their annual performances of “Christ’s Passion.” “Christ’s Passion” will offer six shows March 22-30 in the Activities Center at Quaker Haven Camp, 111 EMS D16C Lane, Syracuse. Show attendees will have several options when purchasing their tickets this year, which is a change from years past. For those reserving seats ahead of time, ticket prices are $7 for general admission and $10 for “gold circle” seating. Tickets are $10 at the door. A new option this year is “the VIP experience,” offered only March 23 and 24. VIP attendees will enjoy a Quaker Haven buffet meal as well as a backstage tour by the “Christ’s Passion” cast and crew, plus get a ticket for gold circle seating, all for $25. “‘Christ’s Passion’ portrays the events that unfolded during the time of Passover in Jerusalem,” LAP Director Elaine Pearson explained. “The experience feels real to our audience, as they follow Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city; learn his teachings and healings near the temple; witness the Passover supper with the disciples; then follow his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection on what we now call Easter Sunday. “Our new ‘VIP experience’ will allow the audience to see how our cast and crew make Jerusalem and Christ’s story come to life,” Pearson added. “In 2012, nearly 70 actors from over 21 area churches portrayed the many characters in this drama. Come and witness the events of Easter and the passion of Jesus as presented based on the Holy Bible.” Performances are slated for March 22, 23 and 29 at 7 p.m. with matinees on March 23, 24 and 30 at 2 p.m. The buffet, which costs $13 if purchased separately, will be offered March 23 at 4:30 p.m. between performances and March 24 at 12:30 p.m. before the matinee. Rehearsals have been underway since January for the Easter musical drama. Meeting weekly on Tuesday evenings are men, women, teens and children from around the Elkhart, Kosciusko and Marshall County areas learning their parts to portray the characters that represent the citizens of Jerusalem and Israel from 2,000 years ago. The story line follows Simon of Cyrene and his children as they enter the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. They encounter the busy streets filled with other travelers, many merchants, and the Roman soldiers. They come with their lamb to the temple for their worship and sacrifice. Excitement builds as the young prophet, Jesus, and his disciples enter the city carrying palm branches and singing songs about the "young teacher and healer from Galilee". But the Passover festivities turn to darkness as Jesus is brought to trial and crucified. “There are somber parts of this story, but our show is a family-friendly version for all to enjoy,” Pearson noted. “The story ends in a joyous celebration of Christ’s triumph over the grave.” For more information or to acquire reservations, call Quaker Haven Camp at 574-834-4193 prompt #1 or visit www.lakesareaplayers.com You may also obtain tickets by visiting iTickets.com
