Florida's Leading Passion Play POWER & LIGHT PRODUCTIONS Wauchula, Florida JUST WHERE IS TICKETS & SHOW DATES WAUCHULA, FLORIDA? Tickets go on sale six weeks before the first performance. Although the cost varies from year to year, every effort is made to keep prices as low as possible for a production of this size. Tickets may be purchased by phone with a major credit card or in person at the ticket office in Wauchula, Florida. All performances take place on Friday and Saturday evenings during March and April at 8:00 p.m. For more information, call the Power and Light office at (863) 773-4032 or (863) 773-4465 or check our website at storyofjesus.com. CASTING Wauchula sets in the heart of Florida on Highway 17 and is centrally located in Hardee County between Orlando, ‘Tampa, and Fort Myers. Check the map below and you'll find we’re just not that far away! Practices begin each year in the month of January and continue through the week _ of opening night. Most practices are held on Sunday afternoons, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. People of all ages are needed to be part of the cast, from infants to senior citizens. Any person interested may call ‘Bema (863) 773-4032. © Copyright 2002 Power & Light Productions Stuart For information please write: Hallmark Publishing Company, Inc. Post Office Box 901 Gloucester Point, VA 23062 B. L. Walton, Jr., President, Publisher Lynn Walton, Vice President, Production Design and layout: Scott Rule Big-Dog Studio 519 Locust Chillicothe, MO 64601 Printed in the United States THE EXPERIENCE Peter exits the stage through the center gate. He cradles in his arms the broken body of the crucified Christ. Drizzling rain falls. A small group of disciples, weeping quietly, walks with sullen determination in the shadow of their fallen Lord. A shepherd boy holds a bleating lamb in his arms as he watches the procession. ‘Three crosses tower behind him. It’s the final moment of the crucifixion scene. ‘The audience is left with a mixture of deep gratitude and intense grief. ‘There’s hardly a dry eye in the house. Then, suddenly, from the hushed crowd of two thousand guests, near the center aisle, a little boy does what few would dare to do. He breaks the silence. “I love you Jesus,” he says. With the clarity of a bell and the skill of a great orator, he says it all. ‘The weary cast members embrace one another with heart and soul, knowing full well—“mission accomplished.” From the youngest to the oldest, the depths of the heart have been touched. They’re not merely watching a play, they’re seeing Jesus. They’re living His story. Eager eyes look on with anticipation as the tide is about to turn. Having felt His pain, they hunger for His glory. A demonstration of fruitless demonic power is quickly dismantled by hundreds of angels who usher in the miraculous resurrection of the King of all kings. As the cast of people, angels, and animals pay homage, an exalted Christ rises triumphantly amid exploding fireworks and joy...then silence. But there’s more. Suddenly, as the voice of the prophet heralds His coming, the victorious Son of God appears on His dazzling white stallion. The angels shout. ‘The audience is ecstatic. The exalted Jesus approaches the crowd. Emotions rise even higher. Without warning, the horse and rider race the length of the gigantic set, and exit like a mighty rushing wind. The music softens, lights dim. ‘Then suddenly, like a flash of lightning, the majestic white steed appears center stage once again bearing on its back the victorious and majestic King of all kings. It is the crowning moment. Nearly indescribable. Overwhelming. It is the STORY OF JESUS. THE HISTORY As is true of any great venture, the Story of Jesus has been many years in the making. What began as a simple crucifixion skit involving a few teenagers, a handful of props, and a cross has grown to one of the country’s greatest theatrical productions. With a cast of some three hundred people, and two hundred animals, the play unfolds on a gigantic set that spans nearly three hundred feet from tip to up. For fifteen years now, people have been traveling to the quiet town of Wauchula, Florida, to experience an event of truly epic proportions. They have witnessed its growth; they've watched it mature. They often ask how “something like oy we 4 7 had ¥ % iow er x are we & —— i Pp. a . arte amis Ym Suet, tee r - re this” could happen in the middle of cattle country and the orange groves of Hardee County. The answer has and always will be simple: Ordinary people with vision and commitment can do extraordinary things. Therein lies the history. Fifteen years of committed Christians from all over central Florida pour out their hearts and souls to make the Bible come to life on the stage. Mechanics, lawyers, nurses, students, teachers, miners, and housewives—all share a common desire to reach a lost world with the message of hope. This they do-not for self-glory or financial gain—but for the true love of the Lord. One portion of the elaborate 300 foot long set Angels appear to shepherds as they keep watch over their flock of 100 sheep. Wise men seek the Christ child. Herod, mad with jealousy, seeks to destroy the newborn king. | i | EC fa 4 ‘ \% \ An entourage of twelve kings arrives in the tiny village of Bethlehem. Twelve-year-old Jesus astounds the teachers of the land. there are no professional actors in the Story of Jesus. The entire cast consists of volunteers from dozens of churches throughout many Florida communities. The names of cast members are not printed in the program in order to enhance the realism and believability of the presentation. Following His baptism, Jesus is tempted in the wilderness by Satan. Wedding guests are astounded as Jesus changes the water into wine. Jesus says, “let the one without sin cast the first stone” as He forgives the adultress. that it takes approximately 30 days for a crew of 25-30 people to construct the set, lighting, and sound for each year’s performances. Work is in progress from 16-24 hours a day during that busy month. Following the last performance, nearly 100 people work over a 36-hour period to dismantle and pack away every prop. lepers are healed. al cho 5,000 are fed with 5 loaves and 3 fish. Some of the nearly 200 wonderful animals who travel the streets of Jerusalem. more than 200 props and 1500 costumes are used in every production. Each one has been specifically chosen or created for the Story of Jesus. All costumes are handmade by local volunteers. t. ASF Sane the giant 300 foot set is built on eight semi trailers. These create the three center stages. The outer buildings and gates are free-standing structures. Once every piece is in place the set is backfilled with dirt and landscaped with all live plants and trees, some Jesus walks on water and calms a raging towering 25 feet in height. storm during the amazing water scene featuring our huge Galilean fishing boat. Jnl im aie antey 100) Jerusalem. ’ The high priests watch the cheering crowd as their anger toward Jesus grows to hatred. “One of you will betray me,” Jesus says quietly at His last supper with the apostles. il An angel ministers to Jesus as He prepares to do His father’s will. Caiaphas and Annas, accompanied by Sanhedrin and Roman guards arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. that each performance is interpreted for the hearing impaired. Witnesses falsely testify against Christ as He convicts them of their lies by his silence. ~A. Pilate condemns Jesus to death. The angry mob screams, “Crucify him!” Jesus carries His cross through the angry crowd. Disciples attempt to comfort their fallen Lord. tly f unjus ified. crucl One of the many Roman soldiers who tend to the crucifixion. that the cast of animals appearing regularly throughout the performance has included horses, camels, sheep, goats, cattle, dogs, llamas, donkeys, turkeys, chickens, ducks, pigeons, and doves. Many animals are locally owned. Others are borrowed or rented from various owners throughout the state. Pilate passes by to observe the activity of the cross. Jesus hangs between two thieves. that special effects include smoke, fire, explosions, fog, rain, flying angels, racing chariots, the ascension of Christ, Jesus walking on the water, and calming the storm on the sea of Galilee. Our desire is to present the traditional, Biblical story using all available, contemporary techniques. Peter carries his beloved friend from the hill of death. Jesus breaks forth from the tomb conquering sin and death. Scores of angels appear in a glorious finale. Christ returns on a white horse in power and majesty. that the part of Jesus is played by seven different individuals each night. One infant, one two-year-old, one twelve-year-old and four adults. The four adults are needed because of so many elaborate costume and scene changes. Nearly 300 people including adults, teenagers, and children fill the other roles. Each person plays two, three, or four parts during every performance. BEHIND THE SCENES Nearly 50 behind the scenes “stars” work to facilitate our cast of people and animals in the production of the Story of Jesus. Included are light, sound, and pyro technicians, backstage crew, gate operators, make up artists, special effects crew, ticket sales personnel, parking attendants, security, costume designers, casting director, construction crew, prop designers, child caregivers, animal caregivers, custodians, ushers, greeters, prompters, stage managers, emergency medical staff, concession crew, and signers for the deaf. Special thanks are extended to the Hardee County commissioners, the Cattleman’s Association, the Cattlewomen’s Association, the Sheriff’s Posse, Hardee County Emergency Personnel, and many others who assist in the production in a special way providing equipment, supplies, animals, time, and money. PRODUCTION The Story of Jesus is produced and managed by Power and Light Productions of Wauchula, Florida. Power and Light Productions is a nonprofit production company with a vision to utilize fine arts to spread the gospel. Other ministries of Power and Light include a local Christian club called Club Forty 31 offering activities and programs for teenagers and adults including an after-school recreation program, Bible studies, and a Christian coffee house. OUR VISION The vision of Power and Light Productions is to acquire land and build a state-of-the-art facility for the purpose of producing the best Christian drama possible. Our prayer is that this booklet will help raise awareness and interest among those who feel led to become involved in making our vision a reality. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER We would like to pay tribute to former cast members, crewmembers, and special assistants who have gone to be with the Lord: Jennifer Allen, Vivian Bailey, Marsha Sager, Bob Maxwell, Dr. Harold Henderson, Glenn Ulrich, Rosa Lee Leggett, Pat Johnson, Faye ‘Trueblood, Denise Baum, Kelly Helms, Jeff Kulig, Amy Birch, Warren Wright, Gwenna Revell, and Don Benton. You will always have a place in our hearts and always be a part of our production. Eee Jesus ascends majestically to Heaven. : Wauchula, Florida 33873 863-773-4032 © 863-773-4465 www.storyofjesus.com _