Varner Hall, on the campus of Oakland University (OU), has spent the last two years going through much-needed renovations and is finally ready for its close-up. To celebrate, the esteemed OU School of Music, Theatre and Dance is staging the Varner Act II Gala — a show-stopping musical revue under the direction of Teri Hansen in the Varner Studio Theatre. Hansen, a visiting assistant professor, brings a wealth of screen (Film/TV) and stage (Broadway/London's West End) experience to this fresh … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Varner Act II Gala Honors Oakland University’s Musical Past While Shining a Bright Spotlight on its Future
November 17, 2023 by Leave a Comment
REVIEW: Oakland University’s ‘A Chorus Line’ Hits the Mark with Hope, Heart, and High Kicks
March 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment
When I first learned the next production from the Oakland University Department of Music, Theatre and Dance would be A Chorus Line, my interest was piqued. Since the Varner Studio Theatre is such an intimate setting, I was curious to see how they were going to pull off such an ambitious piece of American musical theatre. The answer? Sensationally! Upon entering the Theatre, you can’t help but be struck by the massive size of the stage. The usual side stage seating is gone, which creates a … [Read more...]
Go Behind the Scenes with Oakland University’s Production of ‘A Chorus Line’
March 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment
A Chorus Line, perhaps the ultimate backstage musical, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, will open at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, in Varner Studio Theatre at Oakland University. A Chorus Line, which is a stunning musical-vérité about dancers auditioning for the chorus of a Broadway show, is a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration. It highlights the achingly poignant ambitions of professional Broadway ‘gypsies’ to land a job. When it opened, the show’s … [Read more...]
