Tusing and Miller urged people to arrive early in order to find a parking place and a seat in the sanctuary, which holds 450 to 500 people.
Because of the drama's popularity, it is not unusual for all seats to be filled, which means people must be turned away. To help ease that problem, each year a special performance is held for congregation members before the public shows.
Now in its 11th year, the play runs between 90 minutes and two hours. The sets and costumes have been added to and improved over the years.
"It is so real," Tusing said. "I was in tears when I first saw it."
This year, many of the cast members are veterans, including Shawn Bushman, who has played the role of Jesus since the beginning. Each year, he grows a beard to add to the authenticity of his performance.
"Pastor Paul Harne's great-granddaughter, Kennedy Leigh Eyler, will portray the baby Jesus this year," Tusing said. Just 1 month old, Kennedy will be supported by her real life parents, Brittany and Andrew Eyler, who are playing Mary and Joseph.
"They volunteered her," Tusing said with a smile.
The first baby Jesus, Carli Shank, now 10, will be in the cast this year in a different role.
Miller, who started out doing makeup, has been directing for eight years, despite having no experience in that field. The rest of the year, she is a cosmetologist.
"My husband, Mark, is the sound director but has portrayed a soldier, Pharisee and a disciple in years past," Miller said. Their son, Austin, 14, is a disciple this year and daughter, Ashlee, 11, is a townsperson.
Tusing came to Washington County from Baltimore, where he is general manager of Roberts Company Inc., a kitchen design firm.
Proud of the new sets in the production, Tusing said they are much more substantial than the original cardboard ones.
"You walk into the sanctuary and feel like you are in Jerusalem," Tusing said.
Miller said that participating in the production of "His Story" is a great way to get to know the people of the Virginia Avenue Church of God.
The 125 members of the cast and crew meet to rehearse twice a week for 10 to 12 weeks before the performances.
"At the final rehearsal, we take communion together at the Last Supper set," Miller said, noting it is a very moving experience for all.
If you go
What: Performances of "His Story," a play about the life of Christ
When: March 14, 15 and 16.
Time: 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Virginia Avenue Church of God, 17306 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown
