DINNER AND SONG FOR LORDES & LADYES

The Family Life Center at Centenary United Methodist Church will be transformed this weekend into a medieval castle for Central High School's Yuletide Madrigal Feaste.

The dinner theater performance will be presented Friday and Saturday. Both performances are sold out.

David Nall, a madrigal singer, explained that the Madrigal Feaste differs from a traditional holiday concert. "There's a lot more drama and it's a lot more entertaining," he said. "There is singing, drama, jokes, juggling."

Guests for Central High School's Yuletide Madrigal Feaste will gather in the foyer and await the town crier's call. At the appointed hour, knights and ladies will escort guests to their tables amid a trumpet fanfare.

The Royal Court is led by King Jeffery Myers and Queen Martha Stoecker, Duke Aaron Picar and Duchess Elizabeth Hooker, Prince Drew Seib and Princess Julie McGowen, Lord Joseph Beaufean and Lady Callie Withers.

The Chamber Madrigal, an eight-voice group, will tour the hall throughout the evening entertaining guests. Madrigal members are Meagan Edmonds, Beth Bishop, Katie Rose, Amanda McAllister, David Nall, Jason Owen, Sam Fletcher and Mark Anderson.

The menu includes chicken Florentine, wild rice, winter vegetables, dessert and traditional wassail for toasting. Fanfares and signing introduces each course.

Nall explained that all of the student performers are dressed in elaborate costumes. "We have big hats and the men wear dress-like things," he explained. "The girls have big dresses on."

Parents have helped with costuming and decorations to create an atmosphere of Renaissance England, a time of bawdy living, strolling troubadours and madrigal singing, explained Dina Strickert, who directs the performance.

Madrigal singing, she explained, was brought to England from Italy in the 16th century. At first, it was performed informally as private entertainment at a castle or country homes of the landed gentry. Often, the lords and ladies performed the music themselves as they sat in the great hall.

Madrigal songs are written for small groups with voice parts combined melodically and rhythmically. Often the songs are performed without musical accompaniment.

In 1741, the Madrigal Society was formed and continues to meet regularly in Carpenter's Hall, London.

Central High School performers have been rehearsing music for the past two months. Over the past three weeks, the details of the drama and additional entertainment have been added, Nall explained.

Much of the preparation has taken place during choir classes.

Other entertainers include magician and juggler Luke Fuemmeler, fortune teller MacKenzie Price, jester Matt Komorech, and the King's Minstrel, Ben Carter.

Also performing will be singing beggars Matt Brandt, Jarred Holloway and Aaron Walker. Father Time, portrayed by Chris Wise, also will visit during the evening.