Eureka Springs, AR – On Friday, July 18, The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas will celebrate its 35th Season and its 7 millionth visitor. The Institute of Outdoor Drama has named The Great Passion Play “America’s #1 Attended Outdoor Drama” and the American Bus Association calls it “One of the Top 100 Events in North America”. Joe Gies, CEO of the Great Passion Play said, “Here in the heart of America The Great Passion Play has been providing powerful family entertainment for over 35 years. It’s a satisfying experience for us and for our visitors to be able to present the passion of Christ in a magnificent multi-level outdoor theater under the beautiful Ozark skies.”
On Friday, July 18, 2003, there will be a special ceremony at 8:00 PM celebrating the 35th season and honoring the entire audience in recognition of having performed to 7 million visitors at the Great Passion Play. Participating in the recognition of the contributions of The Great Passion Play to the entire Arkansas economy will be Governor Mike Huckabee, Eureka Springs Mayor Kathy Harrison, the Board of Directors of the Great Passion< Play, and other dignitaries. Lauren Davidson, Miss Arkansas 2002, will sing the National Anthem and the entire cast and audience will be feted after the performance with cake, punch, and special commemorative gifts. Everyone attending the Play is invited to join the reception on the set immediately after the performance.
With a cast of over 250 people and a variety of live animals, including horses, sheep, and camels, The Great Passion Play paints a vivid picture of Christ’s life, betrayal, death, and resurrection. The Great Passion Play also offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and experience the history and culture of the Middle East at the NEW HOLY LAND TOUR. Other unique on-site attractions at The Great Passion Play include the CHRIST OF THE OZARKS memorial sculpture, the SACRED ARTS CENTER, the BIBLE MUSEUM, the artwork of Ron DiCianni, the PARABLES OF THE POTTER, a piece of the Berlin Wall, the Smith Memorial Chapel, the Church In The Grove and more.
Along with the unique attractions and experiences there are amenities such as a restaurant, concession stands, playground, gift shops, ample restrooms, free parking, and trolley services to downtown Eureka Springs. The charming town of Eureka Springs is a nostalgic community, founded in 1879, with 230 winding streets, 63 springs, 100’s of picturesque shops featuring art, crafts, souvenirs, and memorabilia, a variety of restaurants, musical venues, attractions and The Great Passion Play.
The Great Passion Play complex is open from the last Friday in April through the last Saturday in October, and will open for the Christmas season in 2003 with a new attraction.