A series of musical vignettes will portray the life and Resurrection of Jesus in Sing Hosanna!'s annual Easter production, "The Resurrection and the Life."

Created by Deborah Craig-Claar and Robert Sterling, the Easter production kicks off Holy Week with shows on March 15 and the following day, Palm Sunday.

"There are a series of dramatic musical scenes with a little dialogue sprinkled throughout," said Ralph Christy Jr., director and Sing Hosanna! founder.

"The mini scenes depict key moments in the life of Christ," he explained. "His calling, when he called the disciples, a miracle or two then the events of Holy Week, are all brought to life."

Christy, sometimes known for embellishing and enhancing the troupe's programs, has included a prologue and an epilogue that take place in heaven.

The set design was crafted around constraints at the Penn Christian auditorium.

"We've built eight huge boxes with four sides each that are on castors — so they are moveable. There are different scenes depicted depending on how the boxes are placed and turned," said Christy of his 32 foot long moveable backdrop.

"The actors will be the ones that turn them and move them," he said.

Smaller boxes are in the process of being made that will enhance the three dimensional perspective, he added.

Just like the music in this production is a combination of well-known songs mixed with original material, the cast includes a mixture of regulars and folks new to the troupe.

Eric Snyder of Butler Township returns to the Sing Hosanna! cast for his second show. After playing the asylum director in "Beauty and the Beast," Snyder is plying his craft at portraying John the Baptist.

Currently working on a master's degree in business administration at Point Park University, Snyder has found time for the production.

"As John, I sing 'Kingdom of Heaven,' which is a powerful and upbeat song about who Christ was," he explained.

"John is a charismatic personality."

New to the group is Ron Kaine of Evans City, who portrays Peter.

"I sing in church regularly and have a background in dinner theater, so the stage is not a stretch for me," said Kaine, a technical writer by day.

"This has been a unique opportunity to work with a variety of people from many other churches," he said.

"I truly connect with Peter's solo regarding his denial of Christ. It is a fresh perspective on his denial."

Playing the disciples James and Jarius, whose daughter is healed by Jesus, is Steve Sharrer of Portersville, who is training to become a pilot.

Sharrer, a full-time student at the Community College of Beaver County, worked with Christy in productions at Slippery Rock High School.

"I was drafted by Ralph," Sharrer joked. "I love to act and this is an excellent opportunity to do it."

Rick and Karen Lake of Butler Township were familiar with Sing Hosanna! and Ralph Christy's creativity, but finally found time in their schedule to be a part of one of his productions.

"With both of us working, we've just never had the time. It is still quite a stretch but we are really enjoying it," said Karen, who by day is a cyber school teacher in Sewickley.

"It is so great to have the opportunity to be a part of something like this, outside of church," she said.

"This production is a unique take on the life of Christ," said Lake, who thinks several of the songs are quite moving and enjoyable.

Her favorite number is, "We Followed the Man," a number in which her husband performs that reveals the conviction of the disciples to leave their lives to follow Jesus.

Kay Castor of Harrisville wears several Sing Hosanna! hats. Offstage, she organizes fundraisers and keeps tabs on the lottery calendars and other sales.

In this production, she will portray Mary of Bethany.

"I've been with the group for 15 or 20 years now," said Castor, who doesn't seem to mind the multitasking.

Sing Hosanna! veteran Daryl Paul will resurrect his role as Jesus. "He's played Jesus for me in several productions," Christy said.

As well as preparing for the annual Easter performance, Sing Hosanna! has already begun preparations for its next production for Mother's Day, which will include a Mad Hatter's Tea complete with a meal, a show and a new/used doll and teddy bear auction.

<B>WHAT: </B>"The Resurrection and the Life" by Sing Hosanna!<B>WHEN: </B>7:30 p.m. March 15 and 2 p.m. March 16<B>WHERE: </B>Penn Christian Academy Auditorium, 199 W. Airport Road, Penn Township<B>TICKETS: </B>$12 per seat, not reserved, are available at May's Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., or by phone at 724-287-8362.