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 The
medieval setting for the dinner provides opportunities for the
audience to hear English carols, see skits that are fun and light,
and to enjoy a special skit entitled “A Dickens’ Christmas" with
Christmas Past – Madeline Steiner, Christmas Present – Krystina
Morrow, and Christmas Future – Trestan Osbourne
Early in the program, there is lively music performed by the serving
wenches.
Then as the Queen (Kathryn Nobbe) introduces the prize of the meal,
the King (Issac Deuringer) escorts the Boars Head to the stage with
the traditional 15th Century Boars Head Carol, "The boar's head in
hand bear I, bedecked with Bay and Rosemary (rose-mar-I), So I pray
you my masters be merry, quot estis in convivo (as many as are at
the feast)."
Soon after a group of young ladies comes forward with a special
musical piece that outlines the proper behavior for those in
attendance at a royal feast.
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The entire skit is fun, and made doubly so by a lippy wench who
seems to take great joy in sharing what the consequences will be for those who
misbehave at the table. "Madrigal Manners" is performed by Melissa Harvey,
Blythe Neese, Kylie Nall, and Makenna Frank.
A story of 15th century courting made easier by 21st century devices is just too
cute for words. As the young couple comes to the front of the stage, the lady is
taken with the young lad, so what does she do? She Googles him! The skit goes on
to talk about "Friending" on Facebook, and "Tweeting" on Twitter.
And all this is just in the first few minutes of the show. You need to buy a
ticket and attend to find out what other great performances lay ahead for those
who do attend.
The Madrigal Dinner opens tonight (Thursday) and will play on Friday evening and
Sunday afternoon.
The evening performances include a dinner of tossed salad, Honey Glazed Ham (of
course), potatoes au gratin, green beans, dessert, coffee, tea, and a
traditional English punch served warm - Wassail.
The Sunday afternoon performance will serve dessert and beverage only.
Thursday and Friday show open at 6 p.m. with dinner starting at 6:30. The Sunday
performance will be doors open at 2:30 p.m. with the program to start at 3 p.m.
To find out if tickets are still available call 217-732-4131 ext. 1259
[Nila Smith]
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