Scores of OU Students Perform in 'Pageant Play'

When Oakland University theater professor Michael Gillespie decided to retire at the end of this year, he envisioned a special kind of swan song.

It took more than a year, but last Saturday, Gillespie's vision emerged in "Pageant Play," an eight-hour extravaganza of music, theater and dance performed in and around Varner Hall on 's campus. The entire production will be staged again this Saturday, starting at 2 p.m.

The Department of Music, Theatre and Dance will also present a shortened version of the performance tonight at 8 p.m.

Gillespie said the full Pageant Play is "stunning." About 200 students and staff bring the Christian Bible to life, beginning with the creation of the world and ending with the crucifixion and death, or the "passion" of Jesus Christ.

While there was an introductory outdoor performance last weekend, inclement weather may drive the whole production inside on Saturday. The first play happens in Varner Hall; then the audience is divided into groups that travel to performances staged in the rest of the building, as well as a buffet dinner.

At 8 p.m. Saturday, everyone returns to the recital hall for the conclusion of the event, which is the passion play.

Students are involved every step of the way, from set design to performance, Gillespie said.

"The acting is very strong, and very moving," he added.

Gillespie described a feeling of "amazement" at watching the whole Pageant Play unfold and being inside the audience after "seeing the bones of it in my mind."

One of the oldest forms of drama, the pageant (or mystery) play originated in the churches of Europe, where clergy would perform parts of the biblical story as an enhancement to their liturgy. Over time, the plays were taken over by the town's craft guilds, became less serious in nature and were much anticipated both for the fun and spectacle they offered.

Students from various ensembles within the department contribute a scene to the cycle, much in the same way as various wards of New Orleans build floats to represent their community in the Mardi Gras parade. Taking part in the MTD production are musical theatre performers, dancers, steel band members, chorale singers, African drummers and more.

If you go

• Where: Varner Hall is located on the OU campus; a map is available at www.oakland.edu/map.
• Cost: General admission tickets for the Saturday full-cycle performances and a medieval buffet are $32 for adults, $24 for students and $28 for seniors and OU employees. Tickets are available at the Varner Box Office for one hour before each performance. They can also be purchased with no service fee by calling (248) 370-3013 or by visiting starticketsplus.com.
• For more information: Visit www.oakland.edu/mtd or call (248) 370-2030.