Rounding up a cast of dozens of actors, all adorned in period costumes, Catalina's Vista United Methodist Church wants to make visitors feel as though they're witnessing the first Christmas.
In Walk Thru Bethlehem, an interactive tour that draws aspects from Renaissance fairs and haunted houses, participants don the garb and personalities of Bethlehem residents 2,012 or so years ago. They recite scripts and ad-lib, depending on how the audience reacts.
"We want to be as realistic as possible," said co-director Pam Holder. "We want it to feel like how it might have been at the time."
The church began staging the event in 2005, occasionally skipping a year. It's such a mammoth undertaking that those who plan it out work for nearly a year to get it ready. Holder and her helpers have been working on the production since January.
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Holder hopes the hard work pays off in the heavy detail and sense of place they establish. The tour is meant to re-enact the events that led to the birth of Jesus.
Pickpockets study the crowds and beggars line the streets. Roman soldiers stand at attention, shepherds tend to their flocks, shopkeepers chat up passers-by and Mary and Joseph look for a place to stay.
Visitors start off the tour by registering with a census taker, then a guide leads them through the tapestry. Once they've completed the tour, they can drink hot cider and watch carolers sing. A photographer takes free pictures of groups.
Visitors say the event sets the tone for the season, Holder said.
"People who commented on it say it helps them remember what the reason is; it helps them prepare for the real Christmas. It's not just about gift-giving."
IF YOU GO
• What: Walk Thru Bethlehem.
• When: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Dec. 7. Tours leave every 15 minutes and last 40 minutes.
• Where: Vista United Methodist Church, 3001 Miravista Lane, Catalina.
• Admission: Free, but donations of canned goods are accepted.
• For more information: www.vistaumc.org
Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at 573-4130 or pvillarreal@azstarnet.com
