Madrigal Feaste slated for Dec. 6

On Saturday, Dec. 6, the School of Music and Department of Theatre and Dance will present the third annual Madrigal Feaste dinner theater performance, held in the Williams Center. Tickets for the event are completely sold out.

The traditional 15th century royal feast and musical program will be a feast for the senses, with authentic food, costumed performers, rousing music and merriment on a grand scale. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with an open bar, and the seated dinner and music program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and are available at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center at 716-673-3501 or online at www.fredonia.edu/tickets. Seating is limited; tickets must be purchased by Nov. 30. Anyone interested in purchasing a full table of eight guests should contact Jennifer Darrell-Sterbak, 716-673-3686 or via email sterbajd@fredonia.edu.

"We are excited about offering the feaste again this year,” said School of Music Director Karl Boelter. “People seemed to enjoy the festive environment and the music of the Chamber Choir. The theatrical features provided by Jim Ivey were perfect for the situation. This year, both the Fredonia Chamber Choir and College Choir will be performing, adding another dimension of music to the evening.”

The collaborative event features talented faculty and students from the School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance, under the direction of Dr. Gerald T. Gray, who had the vision for bringing this historical dinner theater tradition to Fredonia.

“As a high school student,” commented Dr. Gray, “I had the joy and privilege of performing in a Madrigal Feaste in my hometown, and it was a true highlight of the year. There was something magical about the festive music, beautiful costumes, grand banquet dinner…all coming together to create something unforgettable. It is exciting to bring that to our community. It is a magnificent way to begin the holiday season, and we hope the community will come out and join us for this unique and memorable event.”

Theatre and Dance professor, Dr. James Ivey, will lead a troupe of actors for the event, and will also be featured in the all-important role of Master of Revels.

A particularly special highlight of the evening will be geosciences Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard and Carmen Gilman of Fredonia featured in the roles of King and Queen.

"The Gilmans are respected members of our community, and will be wonderful royalty at the Madrigal Feaste," said Vice President for University Advancement David Tiffany. "It is appropriate to recognize their many years of service to the campus and community."

The King and Queen will don period attire and join the rest of the performers at the royal banquet table on a central stage, while audience members dine and enjoy strolling singers and various chamber ensembles throughout the evening. Each course of the feast will be heralded with a traditional song, and audience participation is encouraged.

At the heart of this festive event is a traditional 15th century feast. The School of Music is pleased to announce the royal banquet menu, which includes an open bar featuring wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks at the beginning of the evening, followed by a seated dinner and musical program. The meal begins with winter sausage, aged cheese and crusty bread, followed by a fanfare heralding the traditional holiday Wassail beverage. A peasant-style mushroom wild rice chowder will be followed by an entrée of choice. Choose from Steak Fillet Au Poivre, Herb Roasted Chicken, or the vegetarian Butternut Swiss Chard Polenta Lasagna. The meal is accompanied by wine and beer service, traditional root vegetables and a potato dish. A festive array of holiday desserts will be served family style with hot coffee and tea service during the final concert of choral music, bringing the evening to a rousing close.