Under the lights of the sanctuary and staged where the church podium usually stands, members of Campus Baptist Church are casting themselves into a historical scene to bring their Easter celebration to life.

This weekend musicians and actors will present “At the Foot of the Cross,” the only Easter musical taking place in Ames.

The production will explore the relationships of those who saw Christ crucified by the Roman government and the forgiveness offered through his death, interspersing dialogue with musical selections.

The lead role of Nicodemus will be played by senior pastor Charles Alber, who has been involved with drama throughout his life and delivered his December sermons monologue style dressed as characters from Luke.

Fourteen actors and actresses will deliver their lines on a stage setting of Calvary Hill, beneath the cross. Two Iowa State students have parts in the drama, including Jason Holtan, a senior in elementary education, who is playing the part of Jesus, and Jim Trunnell, a senior in architecture, who is playing the part of the thief.

Many other ISU students are singing in the choir of 40. The musical features several songs performed by the Campus Baptist Church choir, which were selected from standard church choral music to fit with the script. Soloists include Holly Boyd, Steve Gray, Carla Mungons and Becky Soukup.

The drama was written and directed by Ames resident Linda Livingston, who wrote the script with certain people in mind and also cast the entire production.

Kevin Mungons, associate pastor of Campus Baptist, is directing the production and coming to the stage with 12 years experience of teaching high school music, along with directing two previous religious musicals.

“We do this for two reasons: As a gift to the community of Ames because it’s free and a family-friendly musical event that everyone can enjoy,” Mungons said. “And, secondly, to share Christ — because often people come to church on Easter who normally wouldn’t come — and it’s a way for them to hear the gospel.”

Mungons said he expects about half of the audience to be visitors, along with regular attendees, because members invite friends, neighbors and relatives to join them. He said the congregation also tried to advertise around town by contacting news organizations and by word of mouth.

The Campus Baptist auditorium capacity is 400, and Mungons said he anticipates a full auditorium both nights — which means people planning to attend should come before the listed time to find a good seat.

Several other churches in Ames reported that they will have special music for their Easter celebrations, but none will involve drama. The nearest Passion plays, aside from the Campus Baptist production, will be put on at First Federated and Capital City Baptist in Des Moines.

The Campus Baptist production of “At the Foot of the Cross” will take place on Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 6:30 p.m at 130 S. Sheldon Ave. Admission is free, and a nursery will be provided for children two years of age and under.