Little Rock, AR (September 30, 2025) - “The Thorn,” a powerful and popular theatrical event, seen live by over one million people, will bring the passion of Jesus to life this Spring with 40 performances spanning the country. Over the past year, The Thorn has continued to captivate audiences nationwide, drawing more than 160,000 fans to its sold-out performances.
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. Watch the trailer here. For more information, please visit TheThorn.com
Pre-sales start Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 10:00AM local time – Friday, October 3, 2025 at 9:00AM local time. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 10:00AM local time at TheThorn.com.
Author John Bolin created the show over 25 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.
Spring 2026 Tour Dates
Little Rock, AR | February 10 & 11 | Robinson Center
Longview, TX | February 14 & 15 | Belcher Center
Corpus Christi, TX | February 20 & 21 | Selena Auditorium
McAllen, TX | February 24 & 25 | McAllen Performing Arts Center
San Antonio, TX | February 27 & 28 | The Tobin Center
Abilene, TX | March 4 | Abilene Auditorium
Lubbock, TX | March 6 & 7 | The Buddy Holly Hall
Houston, TX | March 12, 13, & 14 | The Hobby Center for Performing Arts
Baton Rouge, LA | March 17 & 18 | River Center Theatre
New Orleans, LA | March 20 & 21 | Saenger Theatre
Columbus, GA | March 24 & 25 | RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
Savannah, GA | March 28 & 29 | Johnny Mercer Theatre
Miami, FL | April 2, 3, & 4 | Ziff Ballet Opera House
Jacksonville, FL | April 10 & 11 | Moran Theater
Fort Myers, FL | April 14 & 15 | Barbara B. Mann PAH at FSW
Gainesville, FL | April 18 | Stephen C. O’Connell Center
West Palm Beach, FL | April 21 & 22 | Kravis Center
Tampa, FL | April 24, 25, & 26 | Straz Center
Tallahassee, FL | April 28 | Donald L. Tucker Civic Center
Orlando, FL | May 2 & 3 | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
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 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 “The Thorn” was created in. 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 since 2011, “The Thorn” is proud to have the touring cast and audiences be participants in seeing over twenty two thousand 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 25 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.”
More information about “The Thorn”:
Live performance details and tickets are available at thethorn.com/the-thorn-live
The feature film version of the show is available to stream and purchase at shop.thethorn.com
Outback Presents is the leading independent, full-service promoter of live entertainment in North America. Specializing in producing comedy, festivals, and music, with an emphasis on providing award-winning, best-in-class service to their diverse roster of clients.
Since 1996, Outback Presents has promoted and produced thousands of concerts, events, and festivals, ranging from clubs and theaters to arenas and stadiums. Founded in Nashville by Mike and Kathy Smardak, the company is driven by a shared love of comedy, music, and the transformative power of live entertainment.
Their mission is a dedication to excellence in service. Efficiency, adaptability, and collaboration are the keys to their success, and they work closely with artists, venues, sponsors, and partners to foster meaningful relationships to bring creative visions to life.
For more information, visit www.outbackpresents.com.
