SYRACUSE – The 10th season of “Christ’s Passion” performances at Quaker Haven Camp will be bittersweet for the Lakes Area Players cast: Actor Ken Strong, who portrayed Jesus for the past six years, is planning to end his seven-year run in the role following the seven shows slated from March 27 to April 4. “I have loved being a part of this production,” Strong is quoted as saying in a provided press release. “It’s the greatest story ever told, a story that comes to life from the pages of the Holy Bible every Easter season.” Performances are set for March 27, 28 and April 4 at 7 p.m. with matinees on March 28, 29 and April 4 at 2 p.m. in Quaker Haven's Activities Center, 111 EMS D16 Lane, Syracuse. Tickets are $7 presale for general admission and $10 at the door. Gold Circle Seating is $10 up to the day of performances and a special VIP package (Gold Circle seating, buffet meal, backstage tour) for $25. The VIP package is only available on March 28. Quaker Haven Camp is on Dewart Lake. For reservations, call Quaker Haven at 574-834-4193 or visit the LAP website at www.lakesareaplayers.com Call early as seats fill up rapidly, the press release states. Over 1,000 people attend this production each year. “All in all, I have been part of the ‘Passion Play’/’Christ's Passion’ production over a 19 year span,” Strong said. “Essentially, the demands of my full-time job as a flight paramedic, an ever-increasing production schedule with my video production company, KSP Cinematic, has made it more difficult to commit to the ‘Christ's Passion’ rehearsal and performance schedule. Especially after releasing our first full-length independent film, ‘My Elusive Mychele,’ my free time is very limited. and newly married, with three stepchildren, I also now strive to balance family time with the demands of my careers.” Director Elaine Pearson discussed Strong’s contribution and upcoming departure. “I have never directed anyone who has put so much heart and soul in his depiction of Christ’s teachings, his trial, his crucifixion and resurrection,” Pearson said. “For those who haven’t seen Ken as Christ Jesus, this season is a last-chance opportunity. And next year, whoever we find as Ken’s replacement will have some big shoes to fill.” The show, which recreates Jerusalem in Biblical times, is performed by a cast and crew of more than 70 volunteers of all Christian denominations. “People of all ages and walks of life come together to portray the many faces of Jerusalem from over 2,000 years ago,” Pearson explained. “These are folks who do not have special training in the art of theater, but enjoy coming together to share the story of Jesus during the Passover week and the events that unfold. “The play opens in the streets of Jerusalem with Jesus and the Disciples entering the city for Passover,” Pearson continued. “A crowd has gathered to welcome this new prophet ... but during the week that unfolds, some plot to have Jesus arrested. Witness his Last Supper, his arrest, his trial before Pontius Pilate, his crucifixion and his resurrection.”
