Playing it with Passion!

Bill Thompson remembers when he first stepped onto the stage to play the part of Jesus Christ in the The Story of the Crucifixion.

"It was supposed to be a three-year run," recalled Thompson with a smile. "Well, that was 50 years ago!"

April 15-16, 1957, to be exact, and the Passion Play remains an Easter season tradition at the C o u d e r s p o r t Consistory.

Thompson is nearly as passionate about the show today as he was for the 32 years(!) he played the lead role. He's still helping out as a stagehand.

"This play has made each of us a better person," Thompson said. "I think anyone who has been involved will agree that it can only help make your faith stronger."

Heart surgery persuaded Thompson that he should take a smaller role. He felt it may have weakened his voice somewhat and affected his memory. And Thompson was not about to step onstage unless he knew he was at his best.

In his prime, he was a perfectionist who would cringe at the thought of a poorly delivered or forgotten line. An element of sacrifice for a greater good motivates many of the performers and supporting crew.

"There were some years when I stood for so long that my feet would be black and blue where the sandals were strapped on," Thompson said.

He is still moved by the Passion Play's garden scene, where Jesus is praying by the rock and the disciples are sleeping. "It made me realize how much Christ was alone," he said.

It hasn't always been serious business, however. Thompson still chuckles about a dress rehearsal many years ago when he filled his mouth with white buttons in preparation for the trial scene. As the priest slapped his face, he released the spray of buttons as if his teeth had been dislodged, throwing the cast into gales of laughter.

Thompson recalled the stage fright of opening night in 1957. The auditorium was full, with spectators stretching out through doorways and down the hall.

"We had held off performing it in 1956 because we wanted everything to be just right," he said. "Once we saw that huge crowd, some of us gasped, but things went well. By waiting a year to go public, people were comfortable with their parts."

Attendance drops in more recent years are disappointing, but they don't weaken Thompson's resolve to play a part, albeit behind the scenes. "If we reach out and touch just one person, it's worth the effort."