The Passion Play Celebrates its 99th Season

	Saturday	March 16	2 pm
	Saturday	March 23	2 pm
	Special Matinee
	Thursday	March 21	10 am

Ticket Prices:

$27 general admission
$15 students
$10 children under 12 years old

Group Rates:

10-19 $24 each
20-29 $23 each
30+ $22 each

Groups and Tour Operators call 201-865-6980 ext10

Individual tickets go on sale February 15, 2012

For reservations call 201 865-6980, ext. 10.

Theatergoers in the Northeast and beyond will make a pilgrimage to Union City for what has become an annual tradition for many to see the story of Jesus Christ’s last days on earth. Billed as “a musical for family entertainment,” Union City’s play is a modernized version of the Passion Play performed in Oberammergau, Germany since 1634. It’s the longest running Passion Play in the United States. Come share in the excitment! You may purchase tickets for a lunch cruise on the Hudson River followed by the attendance at The Passion Play. Call for more Cruise information.

Our Web site has all the information that you need to develop an enjoyable trip to our Passion Play at www.parkpac.org. Tour operators may call 201-865-6980 or e-mail claudia@parkpac.org

The Passion Play, the story of Christ's last days on earth, has been performed in Union City since 1915 and is now in its 99th season. This musical theater production has appealed to generations of viewers both from the immediate area, and to East Coast tourists who visit every year from as far away as Virginia and Canada.

The Passion Play originated in Union City when a group of German and Swiss immigrants in this area decided to present a Passion Play as an offering to world peace. Lead by their pastor, Reverend Joseph Grieff, they modeled their play on the Passion Play performed in Oberammergau, Germany since 1634. While the Passion Play in Oberammergau is performed every ten years and is a tremendous tourist attraction, the play in Union City is performed every year and has become well known for its innovative and sensitive approach to religious and social issues.

In the 1980s, the script was adapted, with the help of the Bishop's Conference for Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs, in response to criticism that passion plays carried a message of anti-Semitism. In the 1990s, the play featured an African American actor playing the role of Christ.

The Passion Play has always been staged by members of the local community and it is still produced as part of an important local tradition. Several members of the cast have been in this play for more than 30 years. Current productions include professional actors in some of the dramatic leading roles.

Quotes and Awards

"The Passion Play is a quick-moving, engaging play..." —The Amsterdam News, New York, New York

"...you find yourself hungering for an original cast album." —The Star-Ledger, Newark, New Jersey

"...a memorable experience." —The New York Times

The Passion Play was awarded the title of "One of the 100 best tourist attractions" by the American Tour Bus Association in 2000.