The Witness Musical Passion Play is coming to Hope. The 7:00 p.m. performance is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at Hempstead Hall on the UACCH campus. Arkansas’ s only musical passion play was birthed in 1981 as a church musical. Enthusiastically received, it soon began ministering at other churches, schools and special events. Prisons began opening locked doors to the production and its twenty-five member cast. Currently the prison ministry of the troupe continues during off seasons with trips predominately taken to Arkansas prisons.
“The Witness” is the compelling musical-drama of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth as narrated and sung by the Apostle Peter (the witness) with an accompanying chorus of “Galilean” villagers. From the original cast of twenty-five, The Witness has grown to approximately 150 volunteer actors/ singers/ crew from over 50 Hot Springs area churches involved on a rotating basis. The Hope production will have over 50 in its cast and crew and will also incorporate students from Hope High School. Even though they represent a wide diversity of denominations, The Witness cast and crew unite in the truth of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the saving power of His blood.
Many have said the production is unmatched in its realism and Scriptural accuracy and are impressed with the professional performance of a volunteer cast. Now, even though The Witness has been in an amphitheater setting for nearly 30 years, an indoor production has been created, and the troupe has begun touring the state. Three new compositions written by director Judy McEarl have been added. Powerful new scenes and special effects and lighting have also been added along with a dynamic background video designed by technical director, Caleb Miller. Judy says, “Even if you’ve seen The Witness before, you’ve not seen THIS Witness!”
The troupe is now in its 34th season and going strong on its first tour…and they’re excited about coming to Hope.
Tickets for the September 27th performance are $14.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors ages 55 and above and $7.00 for children ages 12 and under. College students will receive a “buy one ticket, get one free” deal with valid college ID. Tickets can be purchased at Hope Haven or the main branch of First Bank, as well as The Witness website www.witnessproductions.com. Group discounts are available. For more information or to make reservations, call (501)623-9781. Come experience this astounding and miraculous story like never before.
