An actor from Red Deer will take over the lead role of Jesus for the first time in five seasons at this year’s Canadian Badlands Passion Play.
For the past two seasons Aaron Krogman has been the understudy of Steve Waldschmidt, who since 2008 has assumed the role of Jesus.
The Walschmidt family moved away to Saskatoon last winter, paving the way for Krogman to make his big break as the new Christ.
Krogman has previously played the part of Enosh (the man born blind) and is a veteran Rosebud Theatre and Burnt Theatre actor, singer and musician.
“To play such an iconic figure as Jesus is by far among the biggest challenges I have faced as an actor and I’m looking forward to bringing everything I have to this pivotal role,” said Krogman.
Aaron Krogman (left) will be filling perhaps the biggest sandals there are as he assumes the role of Jesus in the 2013 Passion Play. Krogman takes over from Steve Waldschmidt, who has filled the role since 2008.
Since its first performance in 1994, the Passion Play has gained a provincial, national and international reputation as one of North America’s top “must see” cultural and tourism events.
“We are very excited about the new dynamic that Aaron will bring to the stage,” said Vance Neudorf, executive director of the Passion Play.
Assuming the role of Jesus extends beyond the reaches of the amphitheatre as people will look to Krogman to maintain the same kind-hearted compassionate demeanor that he presents on stage.
“He’s a great actor. He really does a great job,” said Neudorf.
From July 10 to 21 there will be nine performances, including six evening performances and three afternoon shows with over 200 actors on stage supported by 40 backstage staff members.
Since 2005, annual attendance at the Passion Play has skyrocketed from 6,700 to more than 14,000 in 2012.
Neudorf predicts this year’s attendance will hit the 20,000 mark.
“The Passion Play is a mammoth undertaking resulting in an incredible outdoor spectacle,” said Neudorf.
