The cast of “The Passion of Christ” rehearse a scene from the play, March 2 at St. Stephen Diocesan Center. (HCH photo | Darlene Dela Cruz)
The life and death of Jesus take center stage this month as the diocese’s new Faith in ACTion drama group presents its first major production, “The Passion of Christ.”
The play will be performed in Paliku Theater at Windward Community College. Showings are scheduled for March 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., and March 30 at 3:30 p.m.
Comprised of a cast of parishioners from all over Oahu, “The Passion of Christ” traces Jesus’ story from his youth to the crucifixion. It features music composed by Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner Glenn Medeiros and choreography by noted local dancer Celia Chun Wright.
“The Passion of Christ” is based on a dynamic, Gospel-inspired script by Deacon Modesto Cordero, head of the diocesan Office of Worship. Combining his own original writing with royalty-free works from the Christian website DramaShare, Deacon Cordero aimed to create a production that showed the many different sides of Jesus, including the joyful and the miraculous.
“The life of Christ was not all sadness and misery,” he said.
The play finally came to fruition after almost two years in the works. Deacon Cordero initially tried a smaller-scale version of it with the acting troupe at his home parish, St. John Apostle and Evangelist in Mililani. The show was a hit, and the deacon was eager to bring it to a larger stage.
A longtime theater aficionado, Deacon Cordero has been promoting what he calls “evangelization through dramatization.” His idea for “The Passion of Christ” quickly drew interest from actors, musicians and artists in other parishes.
Deacon Cordero approached Bishop Larry Silva about establishing a diocese-wide “drama ministry.” This spurred the start of the Faith in ACTion community. A grant from the With Grateful Hearts diocesan capital campaign helped its mission.
“The group has grown so fast and so big,” Deacon Cordero said.
With about 40 actors and 40 members in behind-the-scenes production, the team began rehearsals for “The Passion of Christ” in August. They did their first test-runs of the play on the Paliku Theater stage last week.
“The Passion of Christ” has been a labor of love for all those involved. Members of the cast and crew have spent long hours making props, configuring costumes, learning several group dances and songs, and memorizing lines from the 100-page script.
The time and effort is worth it, they said, to be able to share their faith in a unique and vibrant way.
Enthusiastic cast
Choreographer Celia Chun Wright, a parishioner of St. George Church in Waimanalo, said she appreciates being part of a project that brings local young adults together with other faithful. Wright, who has taught dance for more than 10 years and performed with local dance companies, decided to volunteer for “The Passion of Christ” at the recommendation of a friend.
“I felt this was a wonderful start to reach out, connect and encourage a different type of participation,” Wright said. “The cast is always very enthusiastic and ready to work.”
Patrick Alvior of St. John Apostle and Evangelist Church is among the young Catholics in the play. He previously worked on the parish’s version of “The Passion of Christ,” and will be playing the lead role of Jesus in this month’s shows. The opportunity to perform for a larger audience, Alvior said, is a fun challenge.
“It’ll be nice to do it at an actual theater,” he added.
Musical director Capino brought to the production her expertise in vocal performance. She has been teaching Alvior and the cast new songs and standard hymns integrated into the script. Capino’s friend, Josh Cullen, recorded the instrumental backing tracks for the show and introduced her to the Faith in ACTion team.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Capino said.
Musician Medeiros took time from his duties as vice principal of Maryknoll High School to co-write with Deacon Cordero original music for “The Passion of Christ.” Three songs will be debuted in the show: “Hosanna,” “We are Forgiven,” and “Alleluia.”
“Deacon Modesto would describe the scene, and I’d try to translate the emotions of the situation described into music,” Medeiros said. “I feel very strongly about what Deacon Modesto and Bishop Larry Silva are doing to celebrate God in the form of original plays.”
The cast and crew of “The Passion of Christ” will soon get to share with the diocese their hard work. Ticket sales for the four shows have been “steady,” said Deacon Cordero, and he hopes more people will show their support for the dedicated and talented drama community.
“We really look forward to having all four shows sold out,” he said.
For tickets and information, call 222-0644 or 585-3342, or email diocesehawaiidrama@rcchawaii.org.
