'Not Guilty,' Musical About the Passion of Christ, Premieres Friday

With a dramatic and magnificent stage design and a cast of 160 actors, the (ALCF) church portrays—for the sixth year in a row this and next weekend—the life, death and resurrection of Jesus at its worship center in Mountain View.

Not Guilty, the title of this year's Easter musical production, is again directed by Pastor Dan Baker, also the church's worship arts director.

"It's our annual outreach," said Baker. "We do it for the purpose of getting the gospel out to the community."

The entire production is put on by volunteers, who start at the audition and casting in January. Right after the cast has been chosen, the chorus starts rehearsals, and the costume designers begin to sew and alter clothing. During the two weeks prior to opening night, the technical group joins in to bring light and sound to the musical.

"It's the same play every year, but we give it a unique twist each year," Baker said, and explained that each time the story is approached from a different perspective and the music is updated. "This year the Apostle John is narrating; last year it was the Apostle Peter."

The actors and the words they speak are simple and clear, and they engage the audience in the stories of the First Testament, which Not Guilty triumphantly shares. Also, through the emotive vocal talents of the diverse cast, the period-costumes handmade by a team of seamstresses and the detailed sandstone scenery, the audience is instantly transported 2,000 years in the past—and Christian or not—they experience the impact of Jesus of Nazareth on the world.

Milpitas resident Shari Thompson has performed in the chorus of the annual Easter production for the past four years. Though she performs every year, Thompson has several scenes that really move her.

"I have so many favorites, like the resurrection chant when Mary discovers that Jesus Christ has resurrected," she said, "and after he's crucified, and we realize we've made a huge mistake. I can't get through that scene without crying."

All tickets for the Not Guilty production at 2440 Leghorn St. are free, but interested attendees should pick up tickets for the production they want to attend beforehand.

Performances take place on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at noon and 4:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m., April 21 at 7:30 p.m., April 22 (Good Friday) at 7:30 p.m., and April 23 at noon and 4:30 p.m. Call 650-625-1500 for information about child care. Kids under 5 are not permitted.

With a capacity for nearly 2,000 people, the entire Bay Area community is invited to see the Easter production, which continues to grow and attract fans.

"I've seen it in previous years and I'm looking forward to a glorious production, which they do every year," said Jasper Williams, Menlo Park resident and ALCF church-goer.