For many years they continued the tradition. In 2008, there was an effort to add detail and create better production quality with more realistic costumes, props, and new music. We now have the musical ensemble, consisting of piano, guitar, and voices, and an ensemble of actors who do not speak.
In 2020, the COVID pandemic put us on hold for three consecutive years! However, we live-streamed the 2018 video-recorded version so that our parishioners could still experience this prayerful presentation. We were thrilled to resume the ministry in 2023!
The Stations (including the 15th) are presented in spotlight as tableaux scenes. Our backstage crew works in total darkness to reset the stage for each Station. Additionally, our lighting crew is integral to the production. All of our costumes have been designed and built by members of our parish who make up our wardrobe department for the production. In total, we have about 50 people involved. Most continue from year to year.
All of our sets, crosses, lights, and costumes are portable and can be trucked to other locations. Presentations at other venues have included performances at The Villa (previously St. Ann's Villa), Our Lady of Mercy, St. Virgil's, and the Church of the Little Flower. This year, 2024, we will present at St. Elizabeth University.
We have chosen to cast our production multi-generationally, as we feel the opportunity for whole families to participate is very meaningful. We have found that using children under 12 is very difficult as they cannot hold still for the scenes.