Date: March 19, 2012
Contact: passionplay@andrews.edu
Website: http://passionplay.andrews.edu
Phone: 269-471-8360, ext. 1

A unique opportunity awaits you on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs. On Saturday, April 7, visitors to Andrews annual Easter Passion Play can step back in time and follow the steps of Jesus Christ during his life, death and resurrection. This is a free offering to the community, but reservations are required.

The Easter Passion Play offers a chance to witness first-hand the greatest story ever told. This indoor-outdoor walking experience begins in the Howard Performing Arts Center with well-known scenes from Jesus’ life revealing his love and mercy. Led by a guide in Biblical-era costume, the audience will follow Jesus as he rides a donkey through the Jerusalem marketplace—after they’ve paid Herod’s tax collector, of course! In the marketplace, merchants sell their wares and offer food samples for visitors to taste. Live animals in the stable area and a live traditional Hebrew dance add to the ambiance of the marketplace. After passing through the Roman encampment outside of the market, the audience travels in the footsteps of the Savior during the dramatic scenes of the Last Supper and the Garden of Gethsemane, to the poignant moment of the Trial in Pilates Court and ultimately, the crucifixion. The Easter Passion Play concludes in the Johnson Gym with an unforgettable portrayal of Christ’s resurrection and emerging victorious from the tomb.
Following the performance, guests can visit the hospitality tent for refreshments and the opportunity to reflect on their experience in the prayer room. Free shuttle service is provided back to the main parking area. 
 
Andrews University’s Easter Passion Play is the result of the vision and determination of Pastor Ron Whitehead, assistant to the president for spiritual life at Andrews University. He attended Passion Plays throughout this childhood and was concerned to find there were none within a two-hour radius of the Andrews campus. Under his direction, the first Easter Passion Play took place at Andrews in 2003. Since then, the event has grown exponentially and now draws thousands each year. 
 
Hundreds of volunteers from the campus and community lend their time and talent to making the Easter Passion Play. For many of them, it is an enriching experience. 

“Experiencing our Savior's fulfillment of the salvation plan with all of my brothers and sisters in Christ is both an honor and a privilege,” says April Grube, the assistant event director for the 2012 production. A senior history and political science major with an emphasis in secondary education, April has been actively involved in the play since her freshman year as a member of the cast, event staff, and a scene director. 
 
The play occurs in 90-minute rotations. Rotations begin every 30 minutes, with the first starting at 10 a.m. and the last at 6 p.m. Spanish rotations are scheduled for 3 and 5:30 p.m. The event is free, but guests are encouraged to make reservations early. Reservations can be made at passionplay.andrews.edu or by calling 269-471-8360, option 1.
 
Volunteers are still needed. If you would like to donate your time, indicated your areas of interest at passionplay.andrews.edu/volunteers.