Great Passion Play Unveils Changes

More than 50 persons, in addition to staff and cast members, attended a press conference which addressed changes and additions to The New Great Passion Play on Tuesday, April 1. Entering its 40th season, the production will have changes in 90 percent of the scenes, incorporating more of Christ's miracles from the different New Testament gospels. There will also be new, original music, a renovated set, and the introduction of Satan as a character, which has never been seen before in The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs.

The previous script primarily utilized information contained in John's gospel, and while some of that will be removed, considerable information from Matthew and Luke will be added, with the story line more closely following that of Luke.

Artistic Director Rick Mann said new scenes will include emphasis on the altercations within the priesthood, with much of the story being told from the viewpoint of priests. The character of Satan will be particularly evident as a force in the crucifixion process, and Jesus will perform more miracles, tell more parables, and be seen in a more light-hearted mood. New scenes will also incorporate the role of Joseph of Arimathea, and prayer scenes will have less dialogue and more music.

The 30-minute press conference moved quickly with introduction of several local and state dignitaries, including Joe David Wright of Arkansas Department of Tourism, Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy, Jeff Feldmann of the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Jim Williams of the City Advertizing and Promotion Commission. Speakers largely spoke of the importance of the Passion Play to the economy, both locally and statewide, describing it as “vital to Arkansas tourism.”

Wright encouraged inter-reliance of the state's tourist industry, saying that visitors to Eureka Springs should encourage visitors to go to Fort Smith, where in turn they might be encouraged to go to Hot Springs or Little Rock.

Wright noted that the changes to the Passion Play should encourage more visitors.

Marvin Peterson, of the Elna M. Smith Foundation board of directors, stated that the play is the top outdoor production in the nation, and includes “historically accurate” stage settings.

In the costume of Jesus, who he portrays, artistic director Rick Mann said that the new script develops new elements in the character of Jesus, showing his impact on the lives of Pontius Pilates' wife, the high priests' servant Malchus, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. “We strongly believe it will impact audiences in a way like never before,” he said. “It will bring them back to The New Great Passion Play and create new fans that will travel to Arkansas to experience all we have to offer and return home to tell their friends and families about it.”

The production will celebrate its 5,000th performance during the 2008 season, and will have brought in 7.5 million visitors to the county by the end of the 40th year. Those returning to see the play can still find more than 150 actors and live animals on the 550-foot stage.

The play will be performed nightly at 8:30 p.m. May 2 through Oct. 25, excluding Wednesdays and Sundays. After Labor Day, the show will start at 7:30 p.m. There will be special performances on Sundays, May 25 and Aug. 31, Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.