1984 Miracle Yearbook

Fal] Pky Of "The Robe" n a small, dark backstage room of 1 Alford auditorium, I sat among a cluster of actors, actresses, and stage crew members while balancing a tray of grapes on my lap. As soon as the lights died and curtains closed, I dashed onto the stage to arrange props for the next scene. My job as properties chairman gave me a de- tailed peek into the backstage scene of producing "The Robe." Costume personnel spent hours designing and constructing costumes, tailoring them to each character. Stage crew mem- bers hammered and painted into the evenings to create a banquet hall in Jerusalem or a garden in Athens. As director, Mr. Robey plunged him- self into every aspect of play produc- tion, drawing the energy and shaping the talent of student performers. The cast spent endless afternoons laboring over the same lines, repeatedly striv- ing for believable characters who por- trayed the emotional intensity of "The Robe." The crucifixion of Jesus Christ spurred the plot of the entire play: the only material possession Christ left, His robe, lingered behind as a bitter reminder of His cruel betrayal and death. Marcel- lus, portrayed by Ben Herr, acquired the robe and then launched into a raging struggle between his secure li- festyle as a Roman soldier and the un- deniable claims of Jesus Christ. Brought before his family and countrymen, Marcellus was charged to deny his faith in Jesus Christ. The love for Christ which he and his beloved Diana shared,and the love which bound the two of them together remained steadfast until the climactic end: the execution of Diana and Marcellus for total commitment to Jesus Christ. by Tracy Holtzmann Fall Play 147