Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs Closed
By:
Updated: December 4, 2012
A theatrical production of Christ's crucifixion that played out for decades in Eureka Springs has come to an end.
At least for now.
The Great Passion Play, which featured more than 100 actors and live animals, has run out of money and is in debt, said John Cross, a long time advocate of the performance.
Cross, who serves on the board of directors for Cornerstone bank, said the bank may foreclose on the production in a matter of days.
He declined to say just how far the organization is in debt.
It was established in 1968 by the Elna Smith Foundation.
Cross attendance of the show peaked at 289,212 in 1992 but dropped after 1995 when the show's organizers fired its advertising agency.
"Basically, we shot ourselves in the foot," he said, adding the Passion Play became the "best kept secret in Eureka Springs" as a result.
The facilities are closed up and there is not enough money to illuminate the Christ of the Ozarks statue on the Smith Foundation property he said.
"They're down to the last gasp," Cross said, adding he is working with big name ministries in other states with the hope of getting money to keep the Great Passion Play going.
At least for now.
The Great Passion Play, which featured more than 100 actors and live animals, has run out of money and is in debt, said John Cross, a long time advocate of the performance.
Cross, who serves on the board of directors for Cornerstone bank, said the bank may foreclose on the production in a matter of days.
He declined to say just how far the organization is in debt.
It was established in 1968 by the Elna Smith Foundation.
Cross attendance of the show peaked at 289,212 in 1992 but dropped after 1995 when the show's organizers fired its advertising agency.
"Basically, we shot ourselves in the foot," he said, adding the Passion Play became the "best kept secret in Eureka Springs" as a result.
The facilities are closed up and there is not enough money to illuminate the Christ of the Ozarks statue on the Smith Foundation property he said.
"They're down to the last gasp," Cross said, adding he is working with big name ministries in other states with the hope of getting money to keep the Great Passion Play going.
