By Frank Roberts

Special to the News-Herald

On Easter Sunday, Metropolitan Baptist Church will cover every aspect of the sacred holiday in an inspiring production called “The Story Of A Man Called Jesus.”

This is neither a recitation of the facts nor a summation of events, but a full-blown presentation featuring a cast of 150 dedicated churchgoers.

The play is a “Broadway caliber” production that will be a “thoroughly professional” interpretation in honor of the 20th anniversary of the classic production.

There is nothing slapdash about the play. The costumes are authentic, there is choreography and there are even special effects. The play is set for 4:30 p.m. April 20 at the Suffolk church, which boasts a membership of more than 500.

The audience will learn about Jesus’ last three days, His miracles, the Last Supper, His death, His burial, and then, His resurrection and His promised second coming.

The cast is coming and going. The production has been taken to several locales, and choir president Arvis Hall noted that the audience at Metropolitan will “come from as far as Buffalo, and all over Maryland, Richmond, and North Carolina. There is standing room only.”

It began simply enough, as an 11 a.m. cantata suggested by then organist, Kenny Shields, 20 years ago. From there, it grew — Thomas Hall growing with it. The suggestion was made that he portray Christ, “due to the resemblance,” said Arvis Hall, who is also his wife.

“I was asked to do his make-up and have him dress like Jesus,” she said. “We could feel the presence of the Lord, who laid upon my heart to continue. I decided to expand the scenes in the ministry, and in doing this I became the writer as well as the director. Cast members create their own costumes.”

“I have been blessed with the vision to write as I read, study and visualize each scene from the Bible scriptures and stories,” she said. “The resemblance and mannerisms of Brother Hall (are) so perfect of what we imagine of Jesus.”

“It is truly an honor to play the role of One who sacrificed His life for the remission of our sins by dying on that cross on Calvary,” Thomas Hall said. “Playing the role of Christ has changed my life to the point where I find myself witnessing to others daily. Once I’m in character, the Holy Spirit takes over.”

Yearly, the production grows larger, with added scenes, songs, people and props. But the play remains Bible-based and the enacted emotions strong, said Arvis Hall, an accounting technician for Suffolk’s Police Department.

Her husband runs a combination beauty shop and barbershop in Franklin. With the play, he also works as a carpenter, prop technician and assistant director.

The church’s goal, Arvis Hall said, “is to win souls for Christ through a drama presentation.”

There is no admission charge for the presentation. For more information, visit www.metropolitanbaptist.org or call 539-2696.