In its fifth year of production, The Stations of the Cross reminded Malvern students once again of the true meaning of the Easter season.  On Sunday March 24th and Wednesday March 27th, the Malvern Liturgical Choir and a group of senior actors from Malvern and VIlla Maria brought the somber Passion of Our Lord to life.

The thought-provoking production highlighted the solemn events of Christ’s passion on Good Friday leading up to the most joyous of celebrations for Catholics, Easter Sunday.

All student actors lived up to the high expectations set by performances of years past.

Leading the performance as Jesus was senior PJ Mullen. He effectively captured the emotions of Our Lord, so solemn yet joyous, beaten down yet forgiving, fearful yet brave. Said PJ, “Playing Jesus was an awesome experience and made me realize how much He did for us.”

Photo: Mr. Colameco

Transitioning to the stage from his usual post in the sound booth, Tom Verdi ’13 played Pontius Pilate, the authoritarian leader that sentenced the Lord Jesus to death by crucifixion. “It’s a big change transitioning from behind the scenes to actually being on stage. It was definitely a lot of fun though, even though the role is on the darker, brooding side. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Chelsey Dawson of Villa Maria portrayed Mary, accurately depicting the intense emotions of pain and suffering as she watched her Son being crucified in front of her eyes. Julian Gaasche, Rich Mingey, Jack Lambert, and Alex Tammany played the Apostles of Jesus and MP Salinas, Colin Sweeney, Luke Tecce, and Sean Irvine played the guards.

Students performed silently and were backed by the Malvern Liturgical Choir. The score was powerful and was filled with modern day music that never fails to keep parents, faculty, and students in the crowd captivated. Songs such as “Mary” by the Scissor Sisters, “Philadelphia” by Neil Young, “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton, and the ever dynamic “O Fortuna” were performed by the choir.

Mr. Larry Legner, director of Christian Service, directed the play working alongside Mr. Ed Liga, director of the Liturgical Choir. Mr. Rob Muntz was in charge of set design, and junior Billy McCullough headed lighting and sound from the balcony.

A special appreciation is in order for all students and faculty that were involved in the performance. The Stations of the Cross never fails  to capture the powerful emotions and intense spirituality of the Easter Season.