Nestled in the picturesque backdrop of the Pembina Valley, Manitoba performers and musicians take to the stage once again this weekend for the second, and final production for the summer, of this year’s Passion Play, presented in the outdoor theatre located near La Riviere, Manitoba.

This year marks the 17th year Oak Valley Productions presents Manitoba’s Passion Play, presenting the dramatic story of the life of Christ.

Killarney residents, Larry and Linda Cox, have been performing with the production from the beginning and for most of the 17 years. Larry says the Passion Play is a beautiful rendition of the life of Christ.



Having played numerous roles throughout the years, Larry says being involved in each of those years has certainly been a highlight. However, playing the part of the priest, Nicodemus, has been a more favoured character to portray.



Larry’s wife, Linda, is a member of the orchestra now in her third year, as a musician playing keyboard. Linda has also been a part of the acting team off and on throughout the past 17 years. She reflects on the first year and how the open theatre site was developed so smoothly.

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Larry says they have many people come back each year, both as performers, and support crew, as well as audience members. He notes that everyone involved in putting this incredible story together to perform to a live audience is by volunteer. “Everybody is so dedicated to this story, from many different communities and a wide range of ages are involved.”

Larry notes that director, Belita Sanders from Manitou, has shown this kind of dedication in leading cast and crew since the beginning in the year 2000. “She knows the play inside-out and she knows how it should go,” he says. “And to get a new person coming in to a new role, she knows exactly how to set them up and train them for the part.”

Director, Belita Sanders, agrees with Larry crediting the success of the Passion Play to its incredible support team and their dedication. She says that from the ground support to back stage support, to the ushers, to the performers and musicians, there are approximately 200 people who volunteer their time.



The entire performance is accompanied by a live orchestra led by Christian Kantz and Jason Dyck of Winkler. The accompaniment is composed by Micheal Janzen and has been commissioned by Oak Valley for Manitoba’s Passion Play, portraying Christ’s story beautifully through music, through its gentleness and through its tragedy. Linda Cox says the music truly captures the essence of the life of Christ.



Linda shares how it can be difficult to play the role of someone who was against Jesus. Being in that setting and playing the role of someone in the times of Jesus truly brings to life the reality of the stories from the Bible. Added to the awe of the story, Linda adds how they have seen all kinds of weather, and wonder, during the evening performances.



Director, Belita Sanders, summarizes the heart of everyone involved saying this upcoming weekend of performances is bitter-sweet as it’s the last of the season. She adds for those who have never come to the Manitoba Passion Play it is worth the drive out to La Riviere.



The second and final performance of this year’s Passion Play will be held Friday to Sunday, July 8-10th at 7:30 pm. For ticket information, please visit their website at www.passionplay.ca

If you are interested in becoming a member of the production team in next year’s production, through ground or back stage support, or in an acting role, please contact Belita Sanders through their website contact information.

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