DIFFERENT PEOPLE, ONE CROSS

Length: 60 minutes (performed continuously in 3 sections of ~20 minutes each)
Cast Size: 15–22 (flexible with doubling)
Style: Character-driven Easter drama (biblical events interwoven with modern reflections)
Tone: Balanced: warm, honest, gently humorous, deeply respectful
Key Message: The good news of Easter meets every person where they are.

Cast Size: 15–22 (Flexible Doubling)

Primary Characters in Section 1 (Act 1):
Modern World (Stage Right):

• MIRIAM — skeptical church member, articulate, guarded

• ELI — warm volunteer, steady friend

• PASTOR JORDAN — calm, compassionate, grounded

• JADA — youth leader, confident, practical faith

• KAI — surfer dude, humorous, emotionally honest under the jokes

• NAOMI — grieving mother, quiet strength, raw honesty

• MODERN ENSEMBLE — 2–4 (church members, greeters, background)

Biblical World (Stage Left):

• NARRATOR — bridges worlds, sets tone

• CASSIUS — Roman soldier, duty vs truth lens

• ROMAN SOLDIER 2 — blunt, loyal to Rome

• PETER — bold, impulsive disciple

• MARY MAGDALENE — perceptive, steady, courageous

• RELIGIOUS LEADER — defensive authority

• JESUS — may be silent presence-only (recommended), or minimal lines

• BIBLICAL ENSEMBLE — 3–6 (crowd, temple sellers, bystanders)

Staging Notes (Simple + High Impact)

• Split stage:

• Stage Left = Biblical world (stone tones, torches, minimal props)

• Stage Right = Modern world (chairs, small table, flyers, phone, jacket)

• Center = Cross silhouette/beam that becomes more visible as the play progresses

• Lighting:

• Act 1: cross is dim, “question-shaped” rather than triumphant

• Use quick light shifts to “cut” between worlds

• Sound:

• Light ambience: crowd murmurs (biblical), soft lobby/church chatter (modern)

• Optional gentle pad under emotional moments (do not overpower dialogue)

Props (Section 1)

• 6–10 chairs (modern)

• Small table (modern) with flyers/programs

• Optional surfboard or skateboard-like prop for Kai (not mandatory)

• Small keepsake for Naomi (child’s jacket, hospital bracelet, photo, or toy)

• Temple “coins” pouch / simple cloths (biblical)

• Optional “branches” or cloth strips for crowd (biblical)