Corpus Christi's Easter Sunrise Passion Play returns for 81st performance

John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times
·1 min read
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Corpus Christi's traditional Easter Sunrise Passion Play is returning to the city's bay Sunday, April 9.

The tradition began in 1942 when people met at Cole Park and sang the hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” followed by Scripture readings and prayers, after the United States entered World War II.

It wasn't until 1958 that the gathering developed into a full-blown production depicting the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ with scripts, costumes and props near the Corpus Christi Marina.

The 81st play will be held at 7:11 a.m. — sunrise — at Cole Park Amphitheater this year.

Jesus Christ, played by Rich Lockhart, is crucified at Cole Park during the Easter Sunday Sunrise Passion Play, April 17, 2022.
Jesus Christ, played by Rich Lockhart, is crucified at Cole Park during the Easter Sunday Sunrise Passion Play, April 17, 2022.

Unable to make it on Easter Sunday?

Three rehearsals will be held each Sunday until the holy day starting this weekend.

Rehearsals are set for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 26, and Sunday, April 2.

A full-day rehearsal will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 8. The play will be run in its entirety with full props, narration, costumes and music.

Jesus Christ, played by Rich Lockhart, carries the cross during the 77th Easter Sunrise Passion Play at Cole Park on Sunday, April 21, 2019.
Jesus Christ, played by Rich Lockhart, carries the cross during the 77th Easter Sunrise Passion Play at Cole Park on Sunday, April 21, 2019.

Before the start of the play, Rich Lockhart, the actor portraying Jesus Christ, will carry a heavy cross from Swantner Park on Ocean Drive to Cole Park on Good Friday, April 7.

Viewers are advised to bring sunscreen, a hat and a blanket or chair to sit on.

For more information, visit facebook.com/HeIsRisenCC.

If you go

  • WHAT: 81st annual Easter Sunrise Passion Play

  • WHERE: Cole Park Amphitheater, 1526 Ocean Drive

  • WHEN: Sunrise (7:11 a.m.), Sunday, April 9

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here's when Corpus Christi's Easter Sunrise Passion Play returns