Celebrating 50 seasons: The spirit of the Living Word Outdoor Drama continues to shine

CAMBRIDGE − Since 1975, the Living Word Outdoor Drama has been a steadfast attestation to the power of the New Testament teachings it portrays.

Founded under the direction of the Rev. Frank Roughton Harvey, the production faced early difficulties. According to Director Heath Dawson, the original plans meant for the show to be part of Bibleland, a proposed religious theme park set to be built in Guernsey County. When the plans for Bibleland fell through, a door was opened for Harvey to bring his dream to life just off Skyline Drive at his wife Hazel's family farm.

A true grassroots endeavor, the amphitheater slowly began to take shape. It wasn't long before the crowds started to arrive. In the early days of the show, the rickety old benches would be filled with those wanting to hear and see the word of God come to life. Though crowd attendance has waned over the years, a recent uptick has been seen. Both the 2022 and 2023 seasons have averaged more than 200 audience members per performance. Dawson hopes to see those numbers continue to grow.

The tourism benefits of the Living Word have been felt for decades.

"Living Word Outdoor Drama is one of the gems that we have in Guernsey County and they have drawn in over half a million people over those 50 years. People travel from all over the country; motor coach groups come. It has a direct impact on our tourism industry," said Debbie Robinson, director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors and Convention Bureau. Robinson is no stranger to Living Word, as she has been an extra in the play numerous times and plans to return for the 50th season.

Community members bring the show to life

It's a dedicated group of individuals that brings the production to life. The cast and crew are made up entirely of volunteers, except for one role, Jesus Christ. The role of the Savior is the only paid position in the production, based on the endless preparations and weight that playing Jesus carries.

The first person ever cast in the show was Annette Ellwood, and she hasn't missed a season since. The Fanti family, Dr. Joe and Maudi, were the second and third people cast. They had become acquainted with Harvey during the Bibleland talks. Maudi, along with Ellwood has also been a part of the show since the beginning.

"If there was a Mount Rushmore here, Frank obviously would be on there, and Annette and Maudi would be right next to him. Then Cal Rice, who played Jesus for over 30 years," Dawson said.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a longtime resident of Guernsey County who hasn't at least heard of Cal Rice. He was recruited from another passion play in Ohio by Harvey and played Jesus for decades. Over the years, roughly 10 people have played the role of Christ. Rice, Harvey and Pete Hanson tackled the role for a majority of seasons. Currently, the role is divided up between various actors. "We're all so busy in life, we decided let's have multiple guys so it's not so taxing," Dawson said.

The number of volunteers on any given night varies. Including the cast, a busy night can see 70 to 75 people on set. "We still need people. There's no auditions. There's no tryouts. We don't believe in that here. We believe in rehearsals. Meaning, you come and rehearse with us," Dawson noted. The only requirement is that volunteers be active in a Bible-based church. The requirement doesn't preclude anyone from participating but adds to the authenticity of the emotion that is evoked by the actors.

Theme nights spur the spirit

The upcoming season will hold a variety of theme nights tailored to the audience, that typically include a discounted admission. The season opens on June 14 with the 50th Celebration Night, to honor the founders. There will be a church night for church groups, a school supply night to collect needed items for area youth, and a deaf night with the Signing In God's Name Ministry, a veteran's night, and an Amish night.

"Amish/Mennonite night is massive. You would never think it, but it's huge. They support us. Nearly 40% of our audience for the season are Amish and Mennonite. It's incredible," Dawson added,

During deaf night, Rebekah Cole, who leads the S.I.G.N. ministry out of Akron, interprets the performance for any deaf or hearing-impaired audience members. The entire right side of the amphitheater is dedicated to the experience. Audience members are encouraged to wear black, so as not to disrupt the performance. "They've become our family. They come every year. It's a special night for us," Dawson said.

For years, area churches have brought youth groups to the Living Word to act as extras. Josh Haught, the youth minister from Stop 9 Church of Christ in Byesville, is working to bring students from Buckeye Trail, Mid-East, and Meadowbrook, who are part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) to experience an FCA night at the venue.

Fundraising and show dates

Held this year at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center, the annual auction and dinner has become a tradition for many in the community. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on April 12, and the doors will open at 5 p.m. for guests to peruse the auction items.

"Last year was our biggest, but we need to get tickets sold. Items-wise we're doing awesome," Dawson said of the fundraiser. More than 100 items have been secured for the auction, and more are coming in. Akron football tickets will be auctioned off as well as items donated by Country Bits and Pieces and, of course, there will be pies from Cindy Scheffer. Last year at the auction, just one of Scheffer's sweet creations brought in $1,200.

Tables of eight are available to purchase for $280, with individual tickets selling for $35. Those interested in purchasing tickets can call 740-439-2761.

The Living Word Outdoor Drama season will run from June 14 to Sept. 27 on Fridays only and will be closed July 5 and Aug. 30 for holidays. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and have a two-and-a-half-hour average runtime. A by-donation behind the scenes tour is offered on show nights at 6:30 p.m., and a front set tour, included in admission, is offered at 7 p.m. on show nights. Tickets cost $18 for adults 13 to 59, $16 for seniors/AAA members and $6 for children 4 to 12. A group rate of $15 per person is offered for groups of 20 or more. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling 740-439-2761. Parking is free.

Donations can be made directly to the organization's office or by mail to P.O. Box 1481, Cambridge, OH, 43725. For more information about Ohio's only outdoor passion play, visit https://livingworddrama.org.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Living Word, Ohio's only outdoor passion play, readies for 50th season