There is a feeling of awe and excitement at the Portland Playhouse these days as the theater is being transformed into a city street in the heart of old Jerusalem. Derek Rainey has sketched a picturesque landscape, Nancyanne Robbe has designed a beautiful set and crew Roger Miller, Rick Bengel, Jeff Dole, Steve Fowler, and Dennis Schneider are hard at work putting together the design. Kathy Dole and Molly Seekamp are sprucing up the Biblical costumes and the cast is busy learning new music and dialogue. Many are helping with painting, building, sewing, crafting, props, lighting, sound, publicity, box office, and much more. All of this is to portray on stage the events that took place during the last few days of Jesus' life on earth.

Anthony, a Roman Centurion played by Jack Schrauben, is torn between following the laws of Caeser, enforced by soldiers Richard Hans, Dennis Green and Steve Fowler or turning his heart to follow Jesus of Nazareth, portrayed by Rob Urie. Anthony's servants Eli, Joe Smith, and Benjamin, John Jandernoa, have become followers of Christ and encourage Anthony to seek the truth.

The Disciples, who share the events of the Last Supper, arrest and trial, crucifixion and ressurection of their Lord, are being played by Rick Bengel, Jeff Dole, Ed Filter, Louis Gonzales, Joe Jandernoa, John Longstreth, Steve May, Roger Miller, Brendan Morris and Louis Nephew. Pilate, the High Priest and Pharisee are played by Bob Stevens, Greg Wolfe and Dennis Schneider.

Wanda Urie plays Mary, mother of Jesus and Sarah Robbe plays the woman caught in adultery. Others filling in the cast are Emily Bengel, Marilyn Danielson, Kathy Dole, Joni Epps, Nancy Filter, Amber Gensterblum, Micha Girard, Christine Heindel, Kenny Heindel, Jessica Hoffman, Barbara Jandernoa, Taylor Pline, Sara Tanner and Mattie Timmer.

We are encouraging families to attend the production together but we do want to advise parents of young children that Jesus' crucifixion will take place on stage. Although it will be 'family friendly' it may be upsetting to some. You may want to talk with your children about the crucifixion before attending. If you have questions please feel free to call me with your concerns at 647-7030.

It is so wonderful to be part of a community where a religious production such as this is welcomed and supported. I'm grateful to the Civic Players for the opportunity to direct this Passion musical and to the Portland Area Ministerial Association for requesting and supporting the production. The cast and crew are comprised of members and pastors of several different denominations in our community that have come together with a common purpose; to share the Easter story of salvation in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We hope that you will make time during Lent to see this portrayal of the events of Holy Week. Performances are Friday and Saturday, March 7 & 8 and 14 & 15 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, March 9 and Palm Sunday, March 16 at 3:00 pm. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $6 for students. The box office will open Monday, February 18. You may call the box office at 647-4041 Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:00 and 9:00 pm to make your reservations. The Civic Players will be donating 10 percent of the proceeds from this production to the PAMA Compassion Fund that gives financial support to those in our community that struggle with meeting payments to care for their families.

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