The Great Passion Play: Signs of the Times?

Junior · October 17, 2012, 08:21:19 AM

Having SDC obtain the rights and perform this at Echo Hollow is a good idea. However, I would hate to see Eureka Springs loose this production, a part of the history, culture, and tourism of that town since the 1960s. I hope they are able to keep it there, and maybe just perform during peak season when it would be profitable so it can continue for years to come. Could you imagine if someone obtained the rights to Shepherd of the Hills and performed it somewhere else? What a big loss for Branson, even though it too is not the draw it used to be.

ttroyer210 · October 17, 2012, 02:58:06 PM

I know I understand but when I acted in it, it was July and only 50 people were in the audience would that be peak season or are you saying Easter and Christmas?

Junior · October 17, 2012, 04:16:26 PM

July?!? Only 50 people?!? "The future's uncertain, the end is always near..."

chittlins · October 19, 2012, 08:39:05 AM

Quote from: Junior on October 17, 2012, 04:16:26 PM
July?!? Only 50 people?!? "The future's uncertain, the end is always near..."

I could see an outfit like the one that runs Biblical themed shows in Branson possibly pulling something like that off. Just not in Eureka.

Junior · October 25, 2012, 09:20:18 AM

A buddy at work told me he saw something in the media that said unless the Passion Play gets some donations quickly, it will close in a matter of a few weeks. They need about a half million...donated so far $18,000. Send in your pennys, kids!

biscuitcreek · October 28, 2012, 12:27:09 PM

Quote from: Junior on October 25, 2012, 09:20:18 AM
A buddy at work told me he saw something in the media that said unless the Passion Play gets some donations quickly, it will close in a matter of a few weeks. They need about a half million...donated so far $18,000. Send in your pennys, kids!

The $500,000 figure is what was stated in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article earlier this month. I don't see that amount of money being raised before next spring.

Junior · October 28, 2012, 03:00:22 PM

GULP! Goodbye, Passion Play? Wonder what will become of the museums, other exhibits, Berlin Wall segment, old country church, statue, and so on?

Junior · November 17, 2012, 07:26:41 PM

So has anyone heard? How did the Passion Play end the 2012 season...how much in debt, and will they be back again next year?

chittlins · November 18, 2012, 07:58:06 AM

A;l I know is that they are still trying for donations to help it stay open as of yesterday.

ttroyer210 · November 25, 2012, 04:32:02 PM

My aunt acted in it the final day of the season and there was talk of selling the sets

chittlins · November 25, 2012, 04:57:36 PM

I've seen all kinds of proposals of a theme park based on the Bible. There's a part of me that hates to think of park themed this way cause it kinda marginalizes it all. That's just my opinion, I know they have the other parts of the complex there but I think something like the Passion Play needs to be something that's a part of something bigger much like the amplitheater show at SDC is. It's a fine line to come up with something that wouldn't be just plain tacky.

Junior · November 25, 2012, 05:17:14 PM

Chittins: So if the play does not happen next year, the other attractions like the dinner show, old church, statue, Berlin Wall, the Bible museum, Christian Art museum and other attractions will stay open? I haven't seen anything about it in the local media in weeks.

chittlins · November 25, 2012, 05:29:07 PM

Quote from: Junior on November 25, 2012, 05:17:14 PM
Chittins: So if the play does not happen next year, the other attractions like the dinner show, old church, statue, Berlin Wall, the Bible museum, Christian Art museum and other attractions will stay open? I haven't seen anything about it in the local media in weeks.

I suppose they could. I think we all agree that Eureka isn't the place for this anymore due to it's evolution and the type of tourists that now visit the city. It's completely an out of the way destination now for those that would likely patronize the Passion Play.

biscuitcreek · December 03, 2012, 08:00:45 PM

It's official -- the Passion Play is no more. Cornerstone Bank in Eureka Springs has foreclosed and has already started liquidating assets. The power is off.

More from KY3 in Springfield MO:
http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-famous-passion-play-in-eureka-springs-is-out-of-business-20121203,0,3776673.story

Gilligan · December 03, 2012, 08:17:32 PM

Quote from: biscuitcreek on December 03, 2012, 08:00:45 PM
It's official -- the Passion Play is no more. Cornerstone Bank in Eureka Springs has foreclosed and has already started liquidating assets. The power is off.

More from KY3 in Springfield MO:
http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-famous-passion-play-in-eureka-springs-is-out-of-business-20121203,0,3776673.story

so sad...what a shame!