From left are Dan Tusing as Peter, Teri Herman as Mother Mary, Jean Myers as Martha, (behind Jean) Steve Stauffer as John, Ken Strong as Jesus, Rick Neff as Levi, and Victor Buhlmann as Caiaphas. The characters portray a scene from Christ’s Passion where Jesus has been given a coin and asked if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not. (Photo provided)

Rehearsals are well underway for the Easter musical drama, Christ’s Passion.

Men, women, teens and children from around Elkhart, Kosciusko and Marshall counties are meeting weekly on Monday evenings to learn their parts to portray the characters that represent the citizens of Jerusalem and Israel from 2,000 years ago.

Christ’s Passion is a musical drama portraying the events that unfolded during the time of Passover in Jerusalem. It follows the footsteps of Jesus from his Triumphal Entry into the city; his teachings and healings near the Temple; sharing the Passover supper with the Disciples; his arrest and trial; the crucifixion; and resurrection on what we now call Easter Sunday.

The story line follows Simon of Cyrene and his children as they enter the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. They encounter the busy streets filled with other travelers, merchants and the Roman soldiers. They come with their lamb to the temple for their worship and sacrifice. Excitement builds as the young prophet, Jesus, and his disciples enter the city carrying palm branches and singing songs about the “young teacher and healer from Galilee”.

But the Passover festivities turn to darkness as this young prophet is brought to trial and then is crucified just right before the Sabbath begins.

In 2012, nearly 70 actors from over 21 area churches portrayed the many characters in this drama. Come and witness the events of Easter and the passion of Jesus as presented based on the Holy Bible.

“Christ’s Passion” will be performed in the Activities Center at Quaker Haven Camp in Syracuse, Ind. Performances are slated to occur at 7 p.m. on March 22, 23 and 29 with matinees at 2 p.m. March 23, 24 and 30.

Ticket prices are $7 for advance sales and $10 for general admission at the door. Golden Circle seating and a VIP packages are also available. A buffet will be offered at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 between performances and at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24,  before the matinee.

For more information or to acquire your reservations, call Quaker Haven Camp at 574-834-4193 prompt No. 1 or visit the website www.lakesareaplayers.com. You may also obtain tickets by visiting iTickets.com.