Madrigal dinners, presented by Northwestern’s Heritage Singers, will be making its 2025 comeback on the evenings of Jan. 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the NW Black Box Theatre.
The dinners, a quadrennial event presented by the music ensemble every four years, is intended to model a 16th Century Medieval feast, and is directed this year by professor emeritus of theatre, Dr. Keith Allen. Essentially, the performance is a lively and festive dinner theatre experience, inspired by the medieval period.
In true medieval time fashion, the performance this year will feature a traditional English masque. A traditional English masque was a popular form of theatrical entertainment in the late 16th and 17th centuries, particularly during the reigns of James I and Charles I, who were particularly fond of them. These performances typically combined the art forms of poetry, music and dance to produce an elaborate and exuberant spectacle.
With its main purpose being entertainment, a key staple of the masques are the extravagant costumes, which were intended to dazzle the audience and convey symbolic and allegorical meanings. In addition to the elaborate costumes, masques were known for their special effects, intricate set designs and impressive lighting. They were typically performed in the royal court, most often at banquets, weddings or other private gatherings. They often conveyed symbolic or political messages in addition to being a vehicle for royal flattery.
The Madrigal dinners will feature the traditional English masque, “Chaos in the Banquet Hall.” In the masque, a wealthy mayor has prepared a banquet for his friends and townspeople, but chaos ensues just as the festivities begin. To begin, a villager challenges a knight to a duel, and then the sudden resignation of one of the head servants creates a gap in leadership that must be filled before the banquet can continue.
“It will be an enjoyable evening of storytelling and fun entertainment,” Dr. Thomas Holm said, director of the Heritage Singers and chair of the music department. “There will be great choral singing and outstanding food. It’s always a highlight for both the audience and the students involved!”
Following the masque, there will be a concert of madrigal pieces performed by the 24-member music ensemble. Guests who reserved their tickets to the show will enjoy a dinner of chicken leg quarters, tossed salad, rolls and crème brûlée.
The Heritage Singers have spent countless hours preparing for the show, and are excited to present a night of entertainment, with maybe just a little bit of chaos. “There are a lot of moving parts in the show that will provide excitement and an unforgettable evening for everyone involved,” said Alissa Hugen, Heritage Singers choir member.
Holm, Allen and the Heritage Singers are beyond thrilled to present Madrigal dinners this year, and to bring this special rendition of a traditional English masque to Orange City once again.
