CAPE CENTRAL'S MADRIGAL FEAST BRINGS BACK THE RENAISSANCE

All loyal subjects prepare to attend the annual Madrigal Feast presented by the Cape Central High School music department.

The medieval dinner theater will be presented Dec. 13-15 at the Southeast Missouri State University Center Ballroom at 6:30 each evening.

Judy Williams, music director at Central, said the Madrigal Feast is much like theater in the round.

"Everywhere you turn there is something happening," she said.

In addition to the Lord and Lady, there are 14 singers, wenches, villagers and stewards. All students are members of Cape Central's chamber and concert choirs and auditioned for their parts. There are about 30 students participating.

In addition, the Southeast Missouri State University Brass Ensemble will accompany the students.

The menu includes honey-glazed chicken, baked potato, soup, vegetables, bread and dessert. Toasts will be made from a Wassail, a medieval toasting pot, Williams said.

"Each person has an important part in the feast. Some will be wandering minstrel singers, and there is a juggler (Henry Kenimore) who will perform before the feast," she said.

A trumpeter will announce the beginning of the feast, and each guest will be announced and seated in the Ballroom.

Brandon Hahs is Lord Phillip and Gwenda Bennett is Lady Gwendolyn.

Bennett said it's the second year she's participated in the feast.

"It's something really different to act," she said. "You have to get the right drama, but you learn a lot.

"Also, I think that when people go to the feast, it's elegant. Since we get the audience involved, it's a fun thing to attend."

Williams said there is a surprise this year that will be revealed near the end of the feast, when one of the ladies asks if she can hear a myth.

The jester, Brent Felker, will tell "The Reluctant Dragon."

"The court is part of this in that they help tell the story to the audience," she said.

Featured oboe soloist is Allison Nall, and the dragon is played by Jane Propst.

Reservations are $18 per person and can be obtained by calling the music department at 335-6439.

Funds raised from the feast are used for music department productions.