“I did chat with him before and after the show,” said Golbeck. “He loved it.”
According to Golbeck, this was Stelmach’s first time taking in the show. He attended with his wife Marie, and members of his family. It was not an official appearance, rather a private visit.
While he is pretty sure they were not able to coax Stelmach’s predecessor Ralph Klein to come to the show, other ranking politicians have made it.
“It is one of Alberta’s top culture attractions,” Golbeck said, adding they have had cabinet ministers and other dignitaries, but because the play only runs for a handful of performances each year, it may be difficult for scheduling.
It was a strong opening weekend for the Passion Play.
“We’re having record attendance,” said Golbeck.
The show opened last Friday to a healthy 1,800 spectators. On Saturday the evening show sold out, this despite another major event in the valley at the same time. On Sunday, according to Golbeck, they broke the 2,000 mark.
This season the interest seems to have been revived for the show. Golbeck says a number of national media outlet have been giving the performance coverage.
He says this year the play with its largest cast ever, and a dedicated crew of volunteers working with great professionalism has contributed to its success.
The Passion Play continues this weekend with performances on Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m. and afternoon performances on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19.
