After being ushered into the gates of Metea Valley Castle by the court jesters, you’re swept into a fantastical night of music and joy. When the light dims, the king, queen, the court, jesters, and the maids welcome you to the Metea Valley kingdom. Throughout the evening, you are immersed in an interactive and merry musical show, even acting as a part of the show sometimes.
Metea Valley’s Renaissance-inspired Christmas choir group invited the community to join them at their 14th Annual Madrigal Yuletide Feaste. Filled with music, merriment, and a hearty dose of humor, it is clear why the event has become a beloved tradition for the community. This year, they began their Christmas shows on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 4:00 p.m. and their last show was last Saturday, Dec. 14, at 5:00 p.m.. There were over 60 madrigal students at the show. Some of the most notable songs were “Gloucestershire Wassail,” “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Carol of the Bells”.
“It was so fun! It was my senior year, so it was just wonderful to get one more time up on that stage, singing Christmas music and just being around all the people I love,” said senior Samantha Philo, Queen in her fourth year of Madrigals.
The Madrigals’ mission is simple yet powerful: “We hope that our music and merriment may add to your own joy during this holiday season and that our Madrigal Feaste might become a treasured holiday tradition for you and your family.” And judging by the smiles on the faces of the audience, it was clear that they succeeded.
The audience was treated to more than just beautiful music. The performance was coactive, with silly feuds, ghastly surprises, a suspected coup and audience members participating in a lively rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. As the audience followed hand symbols to accompany the famous tune, the jesters narrated the entire story with witty commentary.
“It was super funny, with really beautiful music,” said junior Lylah El=Sayad. “I really liked ‘Carol of the Bells’ and ‘God Rest you Married Gentlemen.
Even though there were some issues during Tech Week and with the ticket site, the cast truly had a great time, delivering an evening that left everyone feeling festive and full of joy.
However, the show didn’t end when the lights dimmed down for the last time on Saturday. Outside the “castle” were little plates of chocolate chip cookies, rice krispies, and other sweets to snack on. The audience got to chat with cast members. The ending Yuletide feast truly served as a sweet and festive break for both the cast and the audience.
The Madrigal Feaste has once again proven why this is a highlight of the holiday season in the Metea Valley community. The laughter, the music, and the heartwarming sense of togetherness left the audience with a sense of connection that made the Madrigal Yuletide Feaste a holiday tradition worth cherishing for years to come.
