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GOOD FRIDAY–Larry Lycan portrays Jesus during the Good Friday service at Crestmont. Narrator Shirley Jones is at the right.
A record crowd of more than 1,250 enjoyed the Good Friday presentation, “On a Hill Far Away,” held on the lawn under a blue California sky at the Army’s Crestmont campus. The one-hour program–now in its fourth year–re-enacted the events of the Passion week through music and drama.
Academy-award winning actor Shirley Jones narrated the drama, performing as Mary Magdalene. She joined a cast of 52 cadets, officers, and employees; a chorus of nearly 50 brought special music, including a duet by Janette Bosanko and Gordon Bingham.
White doves, a donkey, and authentic costuming, angels and more all combined with insightful dialogue and meaningful musical selections, bringing to life the events of Passion week in a vivid manner.
“Many individuals put a great deal of effort into bringing this production together,” said Captain Donna Ames, program coordinator. “It was gratifying to see the large crowd and a real pleasure to work with a gracious star like Shirley Jones. The real reward, however, was in helping make the story of the cross come alive for those present. The message clearly witnessed to the Gospel that motivates all we do as The Salvation Army.”
Response from local residents was overwhelming. “It surpassed all expectations, I wept all through it,” said one. “This was my fourth year in attendance and I am grateful to The Salvation Army for giving this moving program,” said another.