5 Minutes with 'Jesus'

Many area churches hold theatrical productions during the Easter season. The plays detail the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

For three years running, Eddie Vigh, a 33-year-old professional landscaper, husband and father of two, has played the role of Jesus at Brightmoor Christian Church in Novi. 

Here's what 'Jesus' had to say during a recent chat with Patch:

When did you first play the role of Jesus?

Vigh, of Bellevile, said he first played Jesus by happenstance during a mission trip to El Salvador.

"We were doing some teenage dramas and someone said, 'Someone has got to be Jesus on the cross' so they asked me to do it.  I just sat there and put my hands in the air."

When he returned home it was suggested he take the role of Jesus in the church play.

"They were saying, 'Eddie played Jesus and he was good!' I was thinking, 'What does this mean? I said nothing, I did nothing (in that play). I'm not an actor, not a singer, never done anything like that in my life. I cut grass and trees and do a little carpentry on the side."

What do you have to do to prepare?

Vigh said he added hair extensions to get the look the first year, but today the locks that drift just past his shoulder are all his.

"I don't like the beard. I really hate the beard. I'm all patchy. It takes six to seven weeks to grow it to where it's visible."

How has this role changed you?

Vigh said playing Jesus reaffirms his faith, adding that some parts are difficult to perform because they are so emotional and because he knows "this happened." He said he also feels "blasphemous" during certain scenes.

"When I have to say, 'I am the way, the truth and the life' ... for me to say what Jesus said, it messes me up a lot."

Do you get recognized in the community?

"Yes, I'll be at the mall and people will come up to me and ask if I'm celebrity or a rock star...people will even call me Jesus in the hallway in the church."

Vigh said he is reluctant about being in the spotlight and says he never knows quite how to handle the attention. He said he's trying to heed the advice from one pastor to embrace the love and the accolades from others.

What are your Easter traditions?

"We go to church. We go to Good Friday service and every service we can. I used to want to go see plays at other churches, but I don't really have time to do that now. We watch the Passion of the Christ at least one time, probably the most powerful movie I've ever seen. The family wants to do Easter eggs and the bunny. I really loathe it, but I understand it ..."

Looking for a church to attend on Easter Sunday?

Here is a guide to Easter Services in Novi.

Looking for a place to have Easter brunch?

Check out local restaurants that are prepared for the Easter crowd.