Known for its awe-inspiring performance of the Star of Bethlehem Experience, Capernaum, located about 10 miles north of Weatherford on FM 920 near Peaster, is a first-century authentic village replica from 2,000 years ago.
On March 23-24 and March 29-30, it will come to life with its first performance in years of the Passover Experience.Visiting Capernaum is like taking a step back in time, walking through its many villages and stone buildings that come alive with authentic period props and costumes.More than 80 actors and numerous volunteers will be on hand for the performance,s which are expected to draw huge numbers all with a single purpose in mind - to inform people of the Judeo/Christian background. Creative Director Frankie Aglio said there’s a lot to Passover and his group wants to tell people what it’s all about.“Easter; everyone knows about it being the day of of resurrection, but there is so much more,” he said. “We want to open people’s eyes and what it was like and how God brought his people out of bondage and out of Egypt; it’s going to be really exciting.”He said he hopes to educate people but, more importantly, touch some and even bring some to the saving knowledge of Christ.“That’s the goal of this ministry as a whole,” he saidThe tour begins with visitors passing through a village where the Passover has begun.The “afikomen hunt” is a tradition where bread was broken into three pieces - one piece, the most important, was hidden and represented Jesus and how he was coming back. The child actors are witnessed looking for the missing piece and the child that finds it is given a treat.From there, travelers will visit a another building where a family will be enjoying Passover feast.“They will have all of the elements of the Passover with the lamb and bitter herbs and it will all be explained in great detail of what it was all about,” Aglio said.Visitors will be able to listen in on Judas’ conversation with the Chief Priest and the deal he made that betrayed Jesus.Later, Jesus will be be seen at the Last Supper with the disciples.A short film will follow in the theater explaining the crucifixion of Christ. The “unforgettable pilgrimage” includes the Exodus of the Old Testament. Journey down the Path of Plagues and experience some of the plagues God sent on the Egyptians when they were freed from Pharaoh.The production is designed to help guests feel a part of what happened on the day of resurrection.“We’re up and coming and quite a ways out here so, hopefully, we are beginning to make a name for ourselves and as we do we will expand even further,” Aglio said. “Hopefully, from here on out, we will be running this performance every year.”Even now, the grounds contain a house called Hilltop House which sleeps 36 in six bedrooms, each with an adjacent bathroom and ideal for church retreats. The Pak Pavilion, dedicated after the late Yom Sim Pak, a much-beloved sculptor of the more than two dozen statues that stand throughout the property, is ideal for weddings.Performances will begin at 10 a.m. and go throughout the day until 5 p.m. Tickets for the event are $16 for adults, $13 for seniors and children 12 and under – $11; group discounts can be seen on the company’s website: TammyLaneProductions.comLance Winter, 817-594-9902, Ext. 102 Twitter: @Lancewinter
