Sing Hosanna! is preparing for its Easter drama, “The Choice,” created by Robert and Cindy Sterling and orchestrated by Dave Williamson. The show opens April 11 at the Succop Theater.

“The Choice” is a glimpse into the Easter story from a different perspective.

Set during the rule of Tiberius Caesar in the seaside city of Capernaum, a young Roman centurion named Marcus falls in love with a beautiful Jewish girl, Hannah.

As Marcus becomes fatefully intertwined in the tumultuous events leading to the execution of Jesus, he weighs the words and example of Christ against the wealth and power of the world. In the balance hangs, “The Choice.”

Playing the role of Hannah is Jordan Luntz of Saxonburg, a sophomore at Knoch High School.

“Hannah is a Jewish girl who is a faithful follower of Jesus. She falls in love with Marcus, who is a Roman Centurion, and does not share her faith,” said Jordan, who auditioned because she loves the music and the religious aspects of this musical.

“'Call Him Messiah' is my favorite song in the show and has been since I first heard it. It is very moving and I just couldn't help loving it,” she said.

“I think all Christians have been at that point where it is hard to choose Jesus, but we know that he will always be the right choice. This show really reminds us of that and brings everyone into the spirit of Easter.”

Jordan's first show with Sing Hosanna! was an Easter musical about six years ago.

The object of Hannah's affection, Marcus, is being played by Ronald Kaine of Evans City.

“Marcus is an accomplished officer in the Roman army. While his career quickly advances, he is still searching for something to give his life meaning,” said Kaine of his character.

“He thinks that marrying Hannah will do this, but she keeps talking about another man, Jesus. Like many of Hannah's Jewish customs, Marcus cannot understand what it means to follow Jesus,” he added.

It was the powerful message and unique perspective on the lives of the people during that period that drew Kaine to the show.

“My favorite song in the show is 'I Choose Jesus,' which comes at the end of the story. Lyrically, it is a great summary for where Marcus has been and what a difference Jesus can make in a person's life,” Kaine said.

Maxine Smathers of Butler Township portrays two roles in this production. In Act One, she plays Rachel. Act Two finds her as Mary, a sister of Lazarus.

“Rachel is the very controlling but caring grandmother of Hannah,” said Smathers, who has appeared in almost every Sing Hosanna! Easter production since 1989.

Rachel's brother Lazarus is played by Matt Nocera of Butler, a teacher at Butler Intermediate High School.

“Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead even though Lazarus was dead for four days. Although we never actually see that happen, Lazarus tells his story in a song. Then, Lazarus appears as a follower of Jesus through most of the show,” Nocera said.

Though he's been involved in Sing Hosanna! shows before, he knew “The Choice” was a show he didn't want to miss.

He said “By Faith” is his favorite song in the show.

“It is an upbeat, toe tapping song that recalls people in the Bible who had great faith in God, and the cast affirms that 'we are a people of faith,'” he said.

Director Ralph Christy Jr. said: “I think the perspective will be an interesting twist to a story that so many people are familiar with.”

Note that this show contains a relatively graphic crucifixion scene so discretion is advised.

<B>WHO:</B> Sing Hosanna!<B>WHAT:</B> “The Choice”<B>WHEN: </B>7:30 p.m. April 11 and 12, and 2 p.m. April 13<B>WHERE: </B>Succop Theater at Butler County Community College<B>TICKETS:</B> $15 for those age 11 and older and $10 for those age 10 and younger. Tickets are available from cast members or May’s Music Shoppe<B>INFO: </B>724-287-8362