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More than 300 vocalists and actors make up the cast of “No Greater Love” at Nampa First Church. The phenomenally successful Easter Passion Pageant celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Dan Lea/IPT
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Dan Lea
dlea@idahopress.com
Sunday, April 5th, 2009

NAMPA — For 30 years one man has been the face of "No Greater Love," the Nampa First Church's poignant and powerful Easter Passion pageant that has become a tradition in the Treasure Valley. That man is David Mangum, a retired Melba Elementary School teacher, who has portrayed Christ with humility, grace, power and sensitivity. Magnum still coaches track at Melba High School.

"Dave is the most humble person you'll ever meet," NGL director Bette Dale Moore said. "He has a magnificent voice and is a dream person to work with for a director.

"In the early years after I took over in 1986, I would ask Dave if he wanted to do the role again, because it is so demanding. Finally he said, 'Bette, this is something I absolutely love doing and I'll do it as long s you will have me.' He's done it ever since."

Mangum's introduction to music came in church children's choirs and from a family that loved music. He can recall playing his dad's tennis racquet as a guitar and began playing clarinet at the age of 10. He got a guitar as a graduation present from high school and it has led to a lifetime of self-teaching.

At Northwest Nazarene College (as it was known then) he was part of two touring musical groups. But, most notably, he began singing in 1995 with Dallas Holton and Randy Jahn in a southern gospel trip called "Daybreak Trio." They performed throughout the Northwest.

Mangum's powerful portrayal of Jesus is the glue that has held this production together for three decades. But, he's not the only veteran performer in this production that boasts over 300 singer/actors and musicians. His wife, Pam, has been a chorus member since Steve Hulsey premiered the then hour-long dramatized cantata in 1980. Eleven other performers boast 19 years or more of service to the performance. They include choir member Bill Downs (30) and Mildred Hendrickson (29), Dick Dynes (Pilate/choir member, 27), Bob Ecker (set design/Judas/Peter, 26), Annie Cleveland (organist, 25), Bette Moore (choir/drama director/author, 25), Terry Michaelson (Marcelus/Rabbi, 24), Bonnie (Pederson) Sumner (extra, 22), Mike Wiebe (music director, 20), Vonnie McDaniel (Octavia, 19) and Brooke (Ferdinand) Adamson (child actress/Naomi, 19).

"One of the most impressive aspects of the production is the long-term commitment that individuals have made to 'No Greater Love,'" Moore said.

Today, more than 400 people are involved in this Passion pageant spectacle.

"I feel awkward being singled out," Mangum admitted. " But, I recognize that it's just a by-product of the part I play, and how long I've played it. There are many in the cast, both current and past, who are better actors or singers than I am. There are many involved behind the scenes who put in more hours than I do. But all of us would agree: We do this to share the true story of Jesus. All of us would prefer to do it with no recognition being given, but if recognition for any of us gets more people to come and witness the story, so be it."

Moore, who began her tenure as drama director in 1986, completely overhauled NGL adding new characters and narrative. Music Minister Mike Wiebe has continued the tradition of bringing in new music. Four years ago Jonathan Perry and Bob Ecker constructed a magnificent set, complete with authentic Greek and Roman architecture from the ancient period including a mammoth temple ruin that rises 20 feet above the elevated stage. Ecker sculpted and cut Greek and Roman friezes into buildings. Dana Gingrich and her crew of artists, Sandra Eggebraaten, Darla Larson, Carolyn Dahl and Darlyene Barr turned the scene into a work of art.

Moore has a simple explanation why hundreds of adults, children, and teens who work as actors, chorus members, stagehands and technical crew members give of their time so freely. "Quite simply, it's an act of love ... to the community, to the church, and most importantly, to the One who first loved us."

Audiences will recognize many familiar faces in this year's production. Ecker returns as Peter while Ben Thomas is back as the disciple Thomas. Dallas Holton is the Apostle John. Melodye Kamplain portrays the haughty Octavia Vera, and Dean Matlock is her beleaguered husband, Marcelus Sejanus. Doni (Moore) Otremba reprises her role as the slave girl Naomi. Real-life sign language interpreter Stacy Holton plays the deaf maiden Athena Vera.

New to the cast is Wayne Lansford as Lazarus. Jonathan Perry, a well-known actor and drama technician, gives a powerful portrayal as the Apostle Paul. Nathan Roskam returns as Judas — a likable and very human man who simply got ahead of his Lord ... with devastating consequences. Rounding out the cast is Harold Keech as Pilate.

Live animals roam the First Church sanctuary to lend further realism. Clyde the camel, lambs owned by Bruce Ankeny and a white donkey, provided by Rev. Gerald Crownover of Caldwell, couple with the breathtaking set and incredible costumes to transport audiences to days before Christ was crucified and triumphantly rose from the dead.

You will want to get your tickets early. The five nightly performances always sell out.