SPRING VALLEY – About five years ago, Luke Hayes got a nudge. It was what felt like a calling. He ignored the nudge, put it off, and hoped it would go away. That strategy didn’t work; the calling didn’t go away, so Hayes began to search for a script. He found some, but nothing seemed just right, so he wrote, edited, and refined; saw the show come together in his mind; and determined it was time.

That’s the backstory for Director Hayes bringing the Passion of Christ musical to the Spring Valley Stagehands theatre in April 2025. The musical was so popular in 2025 that audiences (and those who couldn’t get tickets due to the sell-out) requested a repeat in 2026, and that’s what will happen over eight performances at the Spring Valley Stagehands Theatre beginning March 20.

“The Passion of Christ” tells the story, in words and music, of the last week in the life of Jesus Christ. Even if one isn’t a Christian, the story is compelling – it demonstrates how the interactions that occurred that fateful week changed a variety of individual characters’ lives. There’s power, politics, compassion, love, grief, and an abundance of meaning in Christ’s life and sacrifice to be experienced.

The music, directed by Ione Hayes, is just as compelling, with songs such as “Mary Did You Know,” which explores what Jesus’ mother might have imagined for her Son’s life; “Hosanna in the Streets,” which celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and his followers’ excitement about him and his work; “Wash Their Feet,” where Jesus reminds his disciples of what they are called to do; “Amazing Love,” which shares stories of those who were changed by experiencing Jesus and his healing power; “It Should Have Been Me,” Peter’s lament of his betrayal of his friend and master; and “Rise Again,” Jesus’ last words while on earth.

The 32-member cast includes many from the 2025 production and some who are new to the show and/or the Stagehands theatre, including Michael Hannegraf from Ellsworth, Jackson Roesler from Hudson, and Jon, Sarah, Allen and Lana Erickson, Dani Ramirez, Elizabeth Koskie, and Nolan Palmer from Spring Valley. Many cast members play multiple roles. There are a variety of ages of cast members, and they hail from Baldwin, Elmwood, Ellsworth, Glenwood City, Hudson, New Richmond, River Falls, Spring Valley, and Wilson. Some have been on stage in Spring Valley, and some are new to the Stagehands Theatre.

This is the first show of the Stagehands 41^st season, and you don’t want to miss it! Passion of Christ is scheduled to run at 7 p.m. March 20, 21, 27, and 28, and at 2 p.m. March 21, 22, 28 and 29 matinees. Tickets are available now at www.svstagehands.org

Submitted by Lori Peterson, Spring Valley Stagehands