Passion Play in the Smokies at Greenbrier

PITTMAN CENTER — Hills Creek Baptist Church, located in Pittman Center just 5.5 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, proudly presents the third annual Passion Play in the Smokies at Greenbrier.

This event is a collaborative effort involving alumni from previous productions. Director Mark Pedro shared, “After attending the Greenbrier Mountain Festival in 2021 and seeing the potential of the natural performance space behind the church, I approached the church about producing the Passion Play.”

The church has constructed permanent stages behind their fellowship hall, which will be dressed to represent Old Jerusalem. These stages will also be used for gospel sings and outdoor services. Pastor Dustin Shultz said, “When Mark approached me about holding this production a few years back, my first thought was how our world needs to hear this story now more than ever. In a world filled with bad news, it would be nice to share the ‘Good News’ with a nation that needs to hear it.”

He continued, “This will be a wonderful outreach of the gospel to the community and to the tourists who come to the Smokies each year to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.”

New this year, the production will feature 16-foot high Gates of Jerusalem, a live donkey, and a walk-through Tabernacle Experience beginning at 6 p.m., which illustrates how the ancient Tabernacle points directly to Christ. Pastor Dustin Shultz will also portray Christ in this year’s performance.

The Passion Play will be presented on Friday and Saturday nights, September 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 7 p.m., with two special showings for churches on the 8th and 15th. Admission is free, and a love offering will be collected to help cover the cost of the play. Audience members are invited to bring a lawn chair, or a folding chair will be provided by the church.

The play begins with John the Baptist proclaiming the coming of the Messiah and moves through significant moments, including the Sermon on the Mount, miracles, and confrontations with religious leaders.

The story is narrated by Nicodemus, a secret follower of Christ, who recounts the pivotal events in Jesus’ life—His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, trials, crucifixion, and glorious resurrection. The drama is enhanced with traditional hymns and contemporary gospel music, retelling the Greatest Story ever told.

The production is presented outdoors at Hills Creek Baptist Church, 154 Hills Creek Rd., Sevierville, TN 37876, in Pittman Center. Church groups and families can register to attend at smokiespassionplay.com.

For further information, please call 865-280-2103 or visit the Facebook page, “Passion Play in the Smokies at Greenbrier.”