The Thorn takes its epic story of God’s love for the world
on a 14-city US tour this Fall
September 21-22, 2024
Aronoff Cetner – Procter & Gamble Hall
Tickets on sale Now
[Cincinnati, OH] The Thorn, a powerful and popular live theatrical event, seen live by over one million people, will bring the passion of Jesus to life this fall with performances spanning the Northeast and Midwest. This follows a tour in the Spring of 2024, with over fifty performances across the country, including many sold out shows. The show will play the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall for two performances only – Saturday, September 21 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, September 22 at 1:00 PM.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, July 25 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. Applicable services fees may apply. Prices are subject to change.
A VIP Package is available as an add-on to any ticket and includes a Q&A session before the show with select members of The Thorn’s cast and crew.
The Thorn offers audiences a unique theatrical experience in a show that has been hailed as “Cirque meets ‘The Passion’” thanks to its compelling mix of drama, music, dance, martial arts, aerial acrobatics, emotionally evocative performances, and timeless spiritual perspectives. The story spans from creation to the formation of the early church.
Author John Bolin created the show more than twenty-five years ago to convey the meaning of Christ’s sacrificial death to a group of young people who knew little about the story of Jesus’ suffering but were familiar with pain through their own practice of cutting and self-harm.
The show has evolved ever since, with the current live version returning to the original format featuring St. John, “the beloved disciple,” recalling his many amazing encounters with Jesus.
“It’s a story full of love, sacrifice, spiritual warfare, and redemption,” said Bolin.
Meet The Thorn creators
The Thorn creator John Bolin says God called him: “to tell stories on the page, stage, and screen,” an assignment he has now completed with the film version of The Thorn. His books include novels (The Eden Project) and Christian growth guides (So Loved, The Two Doors of Heaven, and Life Unlimited).
John’s wife, Sarah Bolin helped create the show and is the Executive Producer, managing the show’s national touring troupes. When asked about why she tours and has participated in The Thorn for so long, Sarah said, “God asked us to trust him and open our hands, and he promised to make something beautiful happen.” Over the years, Sarah has been witness to seeing God move in tangible ways across audience and cast members alike.
Sponsors
The Thorn partners with Compassion International, a child sponsorship and Christian humanitarian aid organization, headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, the same town in which The Thorn was created. In an effort to assist in the sustainable development of children living in poverty around the world, Compassion works with the local church to provide food, clothing, education, healthcare, discipleship and more. With a partnership spanning over twelve years, The Thorn is proud to have the touring cast and audiences be participants in seeing thousands of children sponsored and is expectant to see many more sponsored this Spring.
Jesus trending
Although polls show that U.S. church attendance is declining, interest in Jesus is growing. The Chosen, the popular streaming series about Jesus, has racked up over 400-million-episode views.
“As I first saw with my students twenty-five years ago, people who may have jaundiced views of Christians or churches are more open to learning about who the real Jesus was, how he lived, and what he taught,” said Bolin.
While previous incarnations of The Thorn live show have been performed mostly at churches, the new touring model makes the show available to everyone at mainstream performing arts venues and arenas.
“Jesus believes in accessibility,” said Bolin. “He wants everyone to have access to the ultimate story of love and hope. That’s why he came to earth in the first place.”
AUDIENCE REVIEWS
- “This was breathtaking! Even a month later after seeing it when I think about it, it just takes my breath away. So beautiful!”
- “I loved the show, it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. I would see it again and again.”
- “It was Spectacular, moving, beautiful, and truly a gift and blessing to behold!!”
- “This performance was a truth-based beauty! The elaborate detail, the bold imagery, talented dancers made it a spectacular event!”
- “This show was one of the most beautiful experiences we have ever had. It was visually stunning as well as emotional and inspiring!”
Fall Tour Dates
- Hartford, CT
- The Bushnell Performing Arts Center – William H. Mortensen Hall
- Sep 10-11, 2024
- Boston, MA
- Boch Center – Wang Theatre
- Sep 14-15, 2024
- Newark, NJ
- NJPAC – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Prudential Hall
- Sep 18, 2024
- Cincinnati, OH
- Aronoff Center for the Arts
- Sep 21-22, 2024
- Cleveland, OH
- KeyBank State Theatre
- Sep 24-25, 2024
- Indianapolis, IN
- Clowes Memorial Hall
- Sep 27-28, 2024
- St. Louis, MO
- Stifel Theatre
- Oct 1-2, 2024
- Omaha, NE
- Orpheum Theater
- Oct 5-6, 2024
- Minneapolis, MN
- Orpheum Theatre
- Oct 9-10, 2024
- Milwaukee, WI
- Miller High Life Theatre
- Oct 12-13, 2024
- Chicago, IL
- Auditorium Theatre
- Oct 15-16, 2024
- Rockford, IL
- Coronado Theatre
- Oct 18, 2024
- Detroit, MI
- Fox Theatre
- Oct 20-21, 2024
- Grand Rapids, MI
- DeVos Performance Hall
- Oct 23-24, 2024
Stay up to date with the touring company at thethorn.com.
The feature film version of the show is available to stream and purchase at shop.thethorn.com.
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Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 