Power & Light Productions

by Chris Price
(Wauchula, Fl USA)

"The Story of Jesus" produced by Power & Light Productions has been a long running passion play for the State of Florida in Hardee County, located in the city Wauchula.

The play is the official Passion Play since the one in Lake Wales closed several years back. It is an awesome drama. It is performed at the Cattleman's arena due to the use of horses, camels, sheep, etc. There are usually around 150 to 200 animals as well as a cast of 200-300 people. This is done primarily by volunteers from Hardee, Sarasota, Highlands, and other areas such as Ft. Myers and some come to help from as far away as Georgia.

The costumes are elaborate and the sets are tremendous. There have been many who compared it to the real areas in the Holy lands. It has been in existence for the past 24 years. There was only one year that it was not done, due to Hurricane Charley.

It is usually presented the last weekend in March through the first four weekends in April. This next year Power & Light Productions will be presenting "The Story of Noah" with a new set in the works.

I am anxiously awaiting the production. I have actually worked in the program for many years and watched it for the first time last year--I retired from my duties, except helping some of the time with costumes. It was better than I could imagine. I was amazed at the little children who did their lines so well, it did not sound rehearsed. The animals got a little out of hand at times--one chicken decided to walk on the banister in front of me during the crucifixion--how much fun is that? I loved every moment of it.