Area lords, ladies invited to medieval dinner and revels at Central, Jackson schools

~ The event will feature food, songs, dances, skits and other entertainment.

There will be men in tights, a boar's head, a jester performing acrobatic tricks and plenty of fanfare at Central High School's annual Madrigal Feaste Dec. 7 and 8.

"We will be re-enacting what a king and his vassels and knights would have done during the 12 days of Christmas," said Dina Strickert, Central's choral director.

About 65 students outfitted in Renaissance attire will perform short skits, sing, dance and entertain guests while serving a four-course meal.

Celebrations will cater the dinner, starting with fruit, cheese, bread and wassail, in this case a spicy drink made from apple and cranberry juice. Salad comes next, followed by a "roasted breast of fowl," or chicken breast, and winter vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. Dessert is sticky toffee pudding.

"There will be songs and pageantry for every course," Strickert said.

The royal court, seniors selected to play the roles of the king, queen, duke, duchess and others, will preside over the evening.

Women will don high-waisted dresses with puffy sleeves and men will wear tunics and capes and place a feather in their hats. Many of the costumes have been made by parents through the years.

Parents also help decorate the cafeteria, turning it from a student commons to a castlelike atmosphere.

"Christmas trees are everywhere, floating candles are used as centerpieces, and hundreds of white Christmas tree lights are hung," Strickert said. Banners depicting swords and shield, horse heads or crosses will also be displayed.

Students auditioned for positions and have been practicing in choir class and after school since October.

"Things will be going on constantly the entire night," said senior Jennifer Willis. "A skit will be going on in front of you and then all of a sudden behind you something else will be happening," she said.

Besides an acrobatic jester, there will be jugglers and students performing card tricks.

Skits will include "Sir Robin and the Cut Purse," where an arrogant and manly Sir Robin gets attacked by a thief with a bread knife and runs away in fear.

"It's a night full of entertainment, good food and great times," said senior Jacob Bagot.

Jackson students will present a Madrigal Feaste from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 to 8 at the Bavarian Halle. Call 243-9517 for tickets.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123