Ken R. Wells — Correspondent
UPPER LAKE — When Jose Angel Martinez first appeared in the Lake County Outdoor Passion Play in 2004, he had a small part as a person in the crowd. That changed in 2010 when Martinez, of Windsor, took center stage as Jesus of Nazareth.
“Playing Jesus is a blessing for me,” Martinez said Sunday. “He is very close to my personal feelings and beliefs.”
With his darker features, flowing white robe, long hair and beard, the soft-spoken Martinez makes a convincing Son of God.
When the two-hour production ends, the cast mingles with audience members, many who are so moved by the play that they find it difficult to leave right away. Martinez is one of the last cast members to walk into the audience and as he slowly makes his way into the lingering crowd, Jesus seems to come to life through him.
Dozens of people surround him, asking him questions and requesting that he pose for photos, often with themselves or family members, especially children. Martinez accommodates every request. Some people shake his hand, others hug him, and a few just want to touch his robed arm or shoulder.
“For me, it feels kind of weird for people to call me Jesus,” he said. “But the main thing is that I, and the play, help a lot of people find the Holy Spirit in their hearts.”
The Passion Play concluded its 34th year with afternoon shows on Saturday and Sunday to a few hundred people. It takes place on 85 acres along Westlake Road with 20 acres used for the presentation that includes three stages and a grassy area for the audience, seated on bring-your-own lawn chairs and blankets. The remaining 65 acres are used for parking.
The multi-denominational production is about the last few days of the life of Jesus, from the Last Supper to His crucifixion and resurrection. It has a cast of more than 140 people along with sheep, llamas, horses and pigeons.
The play takes place on several small, rolling hills and sets includes the Garden of Gethsemane, the house of Caiphas, the Last Supper stage, Pilate”s judgement hall, and Herod”s palace. The Via Dolorosa is a 615-foot climb to the crucifixion scene. The play is presented yearly on the third weekend of May. Admission and parking are free.
Eubonnie Lenard of Clearlake viewed Sunday”s production after attending church with her husband. She saw the play for the first time last year.
“The production is beautiful,” she said. “I always cry during the play, especially during the crucifixion scene. It”s very moving.”
Lakeport resident Jenifare Martin saw the play a few times as a child and attended Sunday”s presentation with her 8-year-old and 10-year-old daughters.
“I thought it was something my children should see,” she said. “It”s a good experience that everyone should check out.”
She said the production has grown since the first time she saw it 20 years ago when the cast was smaller and there were no stages.
Sunday”s presentation was the first time Mario Diaz of Newark had seen the Passion Play. He brought his wife and two daughters, aged 10 and four.
“It”s a beautiful play and everything about the story is very important, even though it”s only a small part of the Bible,” he said. “I brought my family here because they need to know everything possible about Jesus.”
Matthew Lucas auditioned for the play five years ago after being told about it by a co-worker. There were several parts available and he chose to be a Roman soldier.
“It was either a soldier or a crowd member so I took this part,” he said. “I didn”t want a main role. I think it”s very cool that many denominations are involved in the production.”
