Performing Arts Ministry
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Living Stations of the Cross
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After a 3-year hiatus due to COVID, the Performing Arts Ministry will present The Living Stations of the Cross again on Good Friday, April 7, 2023, at 8 PM.We are seeking performers, stage crew members, and costume assistants. Parishioners and friends 12 years old and older are welcome to be part of this special presentation.
If you and/or your family are interested in being part of this wonderful ministry and/or you need additional information, please contact Agnes Loughlin at agnesloughlin25@gmail.com.
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A bit of history on The Living Sations...In 1988 (approximately), several members of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel in Cedar Knolls decided to mount a production of The Living Stations of the Cross as a meaningful way for parishioners to come to know the events of the Passion of Jesus and to feel as if they were there, while He was crucified, died, was buried and rose again.
For many years they continued the tradition. In 2008, there was an effort to add detail and create better production quality with more realistic costumes, props, and new music. We now have the musical ensemble, consisting of piano, guitar, and voices, and an ensemble of actors who do not speak.
In 2020, the COVID pandemic put us on hold for three consecutive years! However, we live-streamed the 2018 video-recorded version so that our parishioners could still experience this prayerful presentation.
We are thrilled that this year, 2023, we will be journeying again in preparation and presentation of Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel's Living Stations of the Cross!
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Presently...
The Stations (including the 15th) are presented in spotlight as tableaux scenes. Our backstage crew works in total darkness to reset the stage for each Station. Additionally, our lighting crew is integral to the production. All of our costumes have been designed and built by members of our parish who make up our wardrobe department for the production. In total, we have about 50 people involved. Most continue from year to year.
All of our sets, crosses, lights, and costumes are portable and can be trucked to other locations. Presentations at other venues have included performances at The Villa (previously St. Ann's Villa), Our Lady of Mercy, St. Virgil's, and the Church of the Little Flower. This year, we will limit the presentation to the Notre Dame parish community.
We have chosen to cast our production multi-generationally, as we feel the opportunity for whole families to participate is very meaningful. We range in age from 12 to 95. We have found that using children under 12 is very difficult as they cannot hold still for the scenes.
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