For the Washington Daily News

 

For more than three decades, families have been coming to the Martin County community of Farm Life as a part of their Easter celebration. Piney Grove Baptist Church’s production, The Message of Easter, is an original 90-minute outdoor drama depicting the last days of Christ as told in the Bible. The 35th season begins on Friday, April 11, with the annual Spanish performance. English performances will run April 12-13 and April 18-20. An interpreter for the hearing impaired will be available on Sunday, April 13.

 

“This production was the vision of our friend and fellow church member, the late E.T. Taylor,” explained Sarah Hodges, a member of the production team for the performance. “E.T. was an extremely creative man with a strong faith. That combination was the catalyst behind The Message of Easter.”

The script comes directly from the scriptures and the cast – all members of the Piney Grove Baptist Church family. The faces seen during the performance are only a portion of those who are involved.

“There are countless people behind the scenes,” explained Hodges. “That is one of the most amazing parts of being a part of this production, there is a role for everyone and they are all incredibly important.”

After all these years, members of the church family still get excited to see cars and buses turn into the parking lot.

“It’s a privilege for our family to make this production come to life for your family,” she said.

Performances begin each night at 8 p.m. and, as always, there is no admission charge. There are picnic tables and room for a game of catch or Frisbee before the performance begins.

For more information, visit www.messageofeaster.org.