In 1985, TMCJ Founder/President Marie Umidi invited the late Barbara Barclift (then Worship Director at Kempsville Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, VA) to engage the church’s choir, orchestra, and company of volunteer actors to premiere a passion play she had written, featuring music and dancing wrapped around the final week in the life of Christ. Barbara responded, “This is an answer to my prayers.” Costumes and props were borrowed, makeup was ordered, music was selected, a “Jesus” was discovered, and over the next two years “The Passion Play” was born.
In 1987, “The Passion Play” received a new name -“The Man Called Jesus”-and moved outside to the city park at Mount Trashmore. Early spring storms (including snow, rain, and record breaking winds) made outdoor set building and technical move-ins challenging. On one particularly memorable night, Jesus rose high above the crowd in a metal lift for the ascension scene, and a breathtaking backdrop of lightning pierced the sky—God’s special lighting effects! To this day the park administrators at Mount Trashmore receive letters from people asking when we will return to the park! Over the years The Man Called Jesus has been held at Kempsville Presbyterian Church (for 10 years!) and Planet Rock Auditorium for 2 years. We were even at CBN’s Gospel Tent in 1996!
In 2000, “The Man Called Jesus” got a new location (the GTE amphitheater) and a new name, THE PLAY. A record breaking audience of over 20,000 people filled the GTE Amphitheatre in Virginia Beach to see the life of Jesus reenacted over a four day run! Hundreds of people received bible tracts and literature, and life-changing decisions were made every night. From 2005 through 2008, THE PLAY made its home at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, VA.
In 2009 THE PLAY made its debut at The Life Center @Atlantic Shores Baptist Churchin Virginia Beach. Hundreds received salvation, with many more rededicating their lives to the Lord! There were testimonies of God's anointing and presence at every performance! Testimonies from The Play “The Play continues to minister the even after the curtain falls and the final applause fades. I believe The Play was brought to a new level that I didn’t think possible on stage. Bravo! Praise him who made it all possible.”
One couple brought two Chinese women to The Play. The women could not understand much English and were asking their hosts questions throughout the production. Then, when the altar call was given, one of them raised her hand and prayed to receive Christ!
We know that there are many other testimonies like this, and we give God the glory for the great things He has done!
