Travel Club visits ‘Pageant of Our Lord’

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The man shown in full body makeup will portray Jesus in the painting of Jesus Knocking at the Door. Photos provided by Marlene Cathro

A bus load of Travel Club members visited the “Pageant of Our Lord” on Sunday, March 29, at Rolling Hills Covenant Church. The show is a unique presentation of the life of Christ through living reproductions of famous works of art. Approximately 15,000 people attend the 18 two-hour performances each season.

A 60-voice choir and orchestra provided music for the presentation of 14 life-size paintings and sculptures, and included narration that led the audience on a unique journey through the life of Christ. In the presentation, real people stand in for the painted or sculpted subjects in each famous work of art. By the time the curtains part on each piece, models are frozen in place and special lighting creates a two-dimensional look.

One scene that stood out for spokesperson Marlene Cathro was when the actors could be seen standing outside the picture of the Last Supper, then moved into their places and became the painting.

Sharon English and Marlene Cathro are pictured here standing with an art subject. Only the head is made up as it will be the only part of his body that is shown in the painting. Photos provided by Marlene Cathro

Photos provided by Marlene Cathro

Prior to the show, Canyon Lakers were allowed in the art room to watch make-up applied and were able to speak to some of the actors. According to Marlene, Laguna Art Festival workers have shared their expertise, which has enabled Rolling Hills Covenant Church to keep this professional presentation going for the past 30 years.

What Marlene and others didn’t recall at the time of this visit is that The Friday Flyer wrote about “Pageant of Our Lord” Art Director Brad Hicks 10 years ago. The March 4, 2005 article noted that Brad was the son of Canyon Lake residents Robert and Joann Hicks and that he had done murals for homes in the community.

“This was a magnificent outing and a memorable Easter experience,” says Marlene. Lunch for the group was included at the Home Town Buffet.