Apostle Paul joins Passion Play season with new performance

By Melanie Tucker
of The Daily Times Staff

Last year when the Passion Play in the Smokies enjoyed an attendance surge, it was bittersweet for those who put their blood, sweat and tears into the rebirth of the drama.

Interest in the play increased after the media reported on an act of vandalism at the outdoor theater, said Mark Pedro, director and producer of the production. Graffiti had been painted on the property.

"We had more people show up, better attendance," the director said. He doesn't, however, want to go that route in 2008.

Local campgrounds and churches within a 100-mile radius are being contacted in coming weeks to announce the outdoor drama's fourth season in Townsend. There are families and groups every year who drive from as far away as Birmingham, Asheville and Lexington.

But high gas prices may cut into some vacationers' travel budgets this year.

That is something Pedro and Crown of Thorn Ministries can't do anything about. What they can do is start rehearsing and present the life of Christ against one of the most beautiful backdrops anywhere, the Great Smoky Mountains.

Story of Apostle Paul

The offering of a completely new drama in addition to the Passion Play in the Smokies should also pique high interest. Beginning the weekend of June 27-28 and continuing on July 4-5 and July 11-12, visitors will be able to see The Story of the Apostle Paul. This drama will include music based on letters of Paul and will depict different scenes from Paul's life up to his beheading.

"You will see the typical characters from the book of Acts: Peter and Paul, Stephen and John," Pedro said.

Years ago there was a similar drama presented, called The Road to Damascus, but this one goes much further in the time line. The cast numbers 30.

Solo and choral music are incorporated, with Pedro serving as music director. He hopes to cast some new talent for this first-ever presentation.

The production will then shut down for a few weeks before reopening the weekend of Aug. 22-23 with the Passion Play in the Smokies. It will run for 10 straight weekends, each evening at 7:30 p.m. The final shows will be Oct. 24-25.

Each year, Pedro finds things to tweak in the production, and this season won't be any different. Sound and lighting present challenges on a regular basis. What he won't change are the things the audience connects with.

"It is the same story so there are a lot of things I can't change," Pedro said. "But I'm also not going to change things for the sake of change."

He said in the dramatic scene where Jesus is being lowered from the cross, a female cast member sings a cappella, "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" There are no dry eyes in the audience, he said. Therefore, that scene will remain the same.

Sets may have to be revamped because of wear and tear. They are mostly made of wood, Pedro explained, so some of them will be rebuilt.

Many who have lived in or visited this area for decades remember the other passion play that was also performed at the amphitheater in Townsend, called the Smoky Mountain Passion Play. Pedro was the last one to portray Christ in that production and takes the same role for this version.

The two plays aren't the same. In the Passion Play in the Smokies, traditional Hebrew dance makes a presence, performed by a Knoxville-based group. This production also begins with the baptism of Jesus and continues through to his crucifixion and resurrection. Scenes of Jesus' miracles and parables are part of the drama.

The music is both traditional hymns and easily recognizable contemporary songs performed as solos and choral arrangements.

Last year, in October, the production company presented the Jerusalem Experience at the amphitheater. It was a free event that featured mini dramas, the opportunity for guests to make their own costumes, make bread, observe pottery makers and learn about herbs prevalent in biblical times. A rabbi was also present. Pedro said it will be offered again this year and the cast will build on that first production.

Pedro gets lots of support from staff members like Teresa Cooper, his general manager, and also the Chilhowee Baptist Association, which holds the lease on the amphitheater. The CBA helps with advertising the outdoor dramas and in turn, Pedro and his team hold canned food drives for the association's food pantry.

Opening night is still several weeks away, but Pedro is already mapping out details in his head. He said this kind of production is what many people come to Townsend to experience.

"I think a lot of people come to Townsend because they want to have something more inspirational and tranquil," Pedro said. "We tell an exciting story, but it is a little more low key than a lot of the things they would see elsewhere."

It comes down to this, Pedro explained. "What better thing to see on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies than the story of the Prince of Peace?"