Many get passionate about 'The Promise'

The 130-member cast makes a time commitment to the Easter project.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
AUSTINTOWN -- An audience of about 5,000 people will attend the five presentations of "The Promise," the 2006 passion play at Highway Tabernacle, 3000 S. Raccoon Road.
"We get about 1,000 people at each show," said the Rev. Douglas Gilliland, worship arts pastor, who is serving as director and producer of the story of Jesus.
The Rev. Mr. Gilliland said he's been at Highway Tabernacle only two and a half months. "I started when I walked in," he said of his involvement in the show. But he has some 30 years of experience on which to draw.
"The cast involves 130 people, all from the church. They're not professionals," he said of the volunteers. "It is a big challenge because of the time commitment needed from people. But they're very committed and a fine group of people," he said.
There's also a 10-member choral ensemble that provides the singing backbone and there are soloists in the group. "The songs help to move the dialogue and action along and express various feelings," he said.
Having a backup plan
"We do some double casting. It's a safeguard," Mr. Gilliland said of the major roles such as Jesus, Mary and Joseph. If something does come up and a cast member can't make a performance, there is a plan in place.
Since this show is the sixth annual one, Mr. Gilliland said the sets and costumes are already there. "We just tweak them," he said. As for the cast and rehearsal, Mr. Gilliland said "the process is yearlong."
The script is a modified version of the musical, "The Promise." "We use a family scene at the beginning ... a mother and two children ... who set the stage for what is going to happen or narrate what happened in the scene," Mr. Gilliland said. The play does not end at the resurrection but goes in to the Book of Revelations when the Apostle John is in exile and sees Christ.
One of the audience's favorite scenes is the Last Supper. "People comment on it. It reminds them of DaVinci's 'Last Supper,'" Mr. Gilliland said. "The show is very relevant at this time."
The cast involves some repeat performers, which lends stability. "Some turnover helps keep it fresh," he said. The show also includes some live animals, including a camel.
"The Promise," the 2006 passion play, will be presented at Highway Tabernacle, 3000 S. Raccoon Road, at 7 p.m. today and Easter Sunday. The show also was presented April 9 and had matinee and evenings shows on Good Friday. The play, which is free, also has free nursery services. A free-will offering will be accepted. Doors open 45 minutes before show time.