After 2,000 years of hymns, oratorios, musicals, movies, and episodic series, we did not think there were any ways left to present the story of the life of Christ in a unique format. That was, however, before we saw the trailer for The Thorn, an imaginative production that relates the story of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection through song, thrilling choreography, and stunning visual effects. Now, this pearl of the stage is coming to theaters just in time for Lent.
While this is the first time The Thorn has reached the silver screen, it has been touring the US for 25 years, presenting the Gospel narratives to over 1 million attendees along the way. Now, The Thorn has the opportunity to reach more viewers than ever as it makes its theatrical debut with the help of Fathom Events. Fathom has arranged screenings at theaters across the country on Monday, March 6, and Tuesday March 7, 2023.
The production is the brainchild of John and Sarah Bolin, a married couple who worked as youth pastors at New Life Church in Colorado during the 90s. In 1996, the two wrote and produced a small high school production of The Thorn as a means of communicating to students their unconditional value to God. New Life liked it so much that they asked Bolin to expand the production for their 1998 Easter pageant, and the rest grew from there.
What was once a minimalist show performed in a high school has expanded to a monumental production, with stage shows featuring an enormous cast and crew of about 600. The Thorn draws on the skills of actors, dancers, singers, martial artists, aerial acrobats, and even live animals like tigers and camels. Furthermore, it features pyrotechnics, a rotating 30-foot stage, and video elements that help to make the show more interactive and immersive.
In a press release, Bolin said of the theatrical release:
“Through sound, dance, and visual arts, The Thorn inspires the God-given creativity within each of us while proclaiming the Gospel. This has led to over 150,000 people making a commitment of faith, with countless stories of people experiencing lives changed from family restoration to freedom from addiction.”
Tickets for the two-day (March 6 and 7) theatrical release are already on sale. Visit Fathom Events to find a full list of theaters near you and secure your tickets today.
