Passion Play THE THORN Is Headed To Theaters: ‘God Has Directed Every Step’
By Movieguide® Contributor
A creative performance of the Passion play THE THORN is coming to the big screen.
THE THORN, first performed 25 years ago in Colorado, has been delighting audiences for years. The show is described as “Cirque du Soleil meets the Passion,” and has played to more than 1 million people.
On March 6 and 7, Fathom is bringing THE THORN to the big screen for a special showing of the popular play.
“It’s not a traditional musical,” producer John Bolin explained. “The characters don’t sing. There is live singing and there’s live music, but it’s more like a Cirque du Soleil show than it is a Broadway show. There’s a narrator who tells the story that weaves the whole thing together, and we captured it.”
After seeing the success of THE CHOSEN in theaters, Bolin decided to partner with Fathom Events to see if THE THORN could also be shown in movie theaters.
“We’ve had an incredible team around us. God has directed every step,” Bolin said of the upcoming show. This is perfect timing. God is never late. He’s always on time. He’s not always on our time schedule, but he’s on His time schedule, which is just right.”
Bolin also shared what he hopes audiences take away from their viewing of THE THORN.
“If they are unfamiliar with the story, if they’re unfamiliar with the Gospel, then of course my greatest hope is that they encounter Jesus face to face, fall into His arms, and they follow Him,” he said. “Or, at least they begin to ask questions. We want them to ask questions and then leave The Thorn and find them. Maybe find the person that brought you and ask questions of faith. I want people that are outside the circle of faith to encounter Jesus.”
Bolin continued, “But number two, I would love for believers that come to The Thorn to reignite their passion for the Lord, and remember why they chose to follow Him to begin with. I hope they’ll take the Cross. Go to the Cross and then take the Cross to the world.”
Movieguide® previously reported on the decision to bring THE THORN to theaters:
THE THORN announced a cinematic release of their acclaimed Cirque du Soleil-like telling of God’s battle for humanity.
“For over two decades, it’s been our honor to share the Gospel through the immersive and creative medium of THE THORN,” said Producer John Bolin, “We’re thrilled to partner with Fathom Events to bring this life-changing experience to the big screen.”
For over 25 years, THE THORN has faithfully brought the story of God’s love for the world and the battle for humanity to over 1 million people. Through martial arts, aerial acrobatics, dramatic music, and grand special effects, THE THORN has thrilled audiences with its unique portrayal of the salvation of humanity. Over 150,000 people have come to understand the lifesaving knowledge of Jesus Christ thanks to the efforts of the nationwide show.
Following the live version, the cinematic release of THE THORN will begin with the story of creation and follow the events of the bible up through the early church. The focus of the story, however, remains on Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made to redeem humanity.
Longtime lovers of THE THORN need not worry as the cinematic release will include a special cinematic story along with other added features unique to the movie.