Cast, crew of ‘The Promise’ prepare for 34th season with new director

The Promise in Glen Rose, known for its long-running and unique musical production detailing the life of Jesus Christ, is returning for its 34th season beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, at 5000 Texas Drive.

The Promise was first established in 1989 by 15 businessmen who wanted to become part of a ministry and produce an outdoor passion play in North Texas, showcasing their love of Jesus collectively. The Promise brings a modern touch to the story of Jesus Christ, complete with live animals, historically accurate costumes and a cast of more than 100 people, according to The Promise website.

NEW DIRECTOR

One major change accompanying the production this year is the arrival of new director John Wilkerson.

Wilkerson currently resides in Farmers Branch and has 30 years of experience in acting, singing and directing various musicals and plays around the U.S.

“It's humbling that these people — just from reading my resumes, my references and interviewing me twice — are putting faith in me to handle this mission because the people that started this and have continued with it all these years, it's a mission to them to deliver the story of Jesus Christ to lots of people,” he said.

CHANGES

Although the main storyline has not changed, previous directors have all put their personal spin on the production, choosing to change some of the songs, dialogue and even adding prayers in Hebrew.

“They actually had a gentleman who lived in Israel who directed it for a couple of years and he helped them make a change to a different narration of the story,” Wilkerson explained. “They changed it to a Jewish family, in the Holy Days, during that time period and actually they became part of the story, so it pulls in the fact that Jesus was a Jew, and it's all about the temples, the Jewish customs and the historical aspect of being under Roman rule at the time. I think it brings a more personal aspect of the story that brings it more to life, taking you to those times, so we are keeping that aspect."

VENUE

The Promise has held 34 years of performances at the $8.5 million Texas Amphitheatre — the largest permanent outdoor theater in the state. The Texas Amphitheatre is complete with 40-foot walls and arches that tower above a 4,000 square-foot tri-level stage, a 45,000-gallon walkway, 3,250 fixed seats and availability for up to 5,000 with bleachers and a lawn. The Promise is the only outdoor production with a moat and the Texas Amphitheatre is the only outdoor theatre in the nation with a rain curtain, according to The Promise website.

“Just the facility in itself is unbelievable and the magnitude of the production because everything is just so big and so lifelike,” Wilkerson said. “I mean, when you see the crucifixion scene in itself, it’s very heart-wrenching. It's so powerful. If you're a believer and you've never seen it, it's unbelievable. You'll walk away feeling renewed and feel the grandeur of the story like you've probably never seen before.”

CAST

The cast features actors from all over Texas — even some who are traveling from other states, like Oklahoma.

“We have a lot of people in the show who have been doing it for years and we have quite a few new people who have never really done this and decided to come and try to be a part of it, so I think that’ll bring a nice energy to the show as well,” Wilkerson said. “The gentleman who plays Jesus – Josh – he’s done it for a couple of years. I had the pleasure of seeing him at the springtime show and he’s just tremendous.”

Joshua Lee, who plays Jesus, is a resident of Waco and this is his third season to star in The Promise.

“It’s something I try to take very seriously because as a Christian, it’s something that I want to do well. It’s something I want to do that honors God in a way that I try to portray Jesus as authentically as I can,” Lee said. “I want to try and give people — as far as I can understand it — a really good portrayal. I try not to let it get stale because I want people to see something authentic in a performance every night.”

Lee said playing the character of Jesus is a “gut check” for him, as it essentially leads him to think and act like Jesus.

"You’re trying to think, ‘How would Jesus treat this person?’ I was like, ‘This is kind of how I should be acting every day,’” Lee said. “It’s just a good way to get some perspective on my life and try to live through Jesus’ perspective to love people the way that he would.”

Lee said his favorite scene is when Jesus sings, “Come Unto Me,” and addresses people in the crowd about how they can come to him and find rest.

"There’s something I found really poignant about Jesus finding individuals in a crowd and having something specific for each person that I just really enjoy,” he said. “I try to let that come through the scene.”

SCHEDULE

The Promise will premiere for seven weeks at 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday beginning from Sept. 23 to Nov. 5.

Special nights, which will involve discounts or free tickets for veterans, first responders, students, alumni and Hispanic Heritage week, will take place throughout the season.

Ticket prices for adults range from $27 (seniors and military) to $32 in general admission, and $12-$48 in reserved. Children’s tickets start at $13. Tickets can be purchased at pgrtickets.com/purchasing.

“It's one of the most unique performance experiences that I have been a part of,” Lee added. “You have a very meaningful message and something that I think even people who don’t have a religious background can find something to take out of what we’re trying to make in musical form — a relatively authentic look at the life of Christ.”

“It's special; it really is,” Wilkerson added. “My prayer every day has been that God guides me and helps me do the story justice — that's why every day now this is included in my prayers.”

For more information, visit thepromiseglenrose.com online.