Madrigal Feaste

Last weekend, we had the privilege of attending a couple of fantastic Christmas shows. No, they weren't on Broadway. But they should have been!

First of all, on Friday, I helped other parents in the backstage at Travis's Madrigal Feaste. Then Saturday, we were able to attend it as part of the audience.

Holly and her Grandma

Holly and her Grandpa and Dad

I know, you think I'm one of those moms who will get all excited and tell you how spectacular it was and how you would never believe anything like that could come from a bunch of teenagers, that a lot of it was professional quality, etc. You will think I'm just a gushing mother. Well, you would be right. I am a gushing mother. But then, I'm right, too. It was....unbelievable.

Trav was Czar Tripsachov, who spoke with a deep "Russian" voice (sounded like a take off on Arnold Schwarzenegger, but, well, everyone was impressed anyway). He also tripped. (Tripsachov? Trip?...maybe you had to be there) He was at the head table, where, while we dined on "fine swine" (chicken cordon bleu), they ate such things as carryout pizza and chicken wings. The show began at 6 o'clock, when they started seating everyone. B, a good friend of ours, was the town crier, announcing every single family in his frumpy crier's voice. We were led to the table by lovely young wenches and ladies-in-waiting, asking in Olde English droll, "Would you like tea or watah?"

My Dad was selected as the Table Master

The show began with some old Latin hymns, and an acapella prayer. I think even God got goosebumps hearing that one. As the show progressed, we were served a fine meal, and our entertainment consisted of a show, a wide variety of music, the guys dancing a clog dance, the ladies and wenches doing period dances, a ballerina dancing a bit of the Nutcracker Suite, jesters, minstrels, and when the knights fought over the fair maiden, she declared her true love was....right, Clay. She gave him a kerchief (tissue) with her kiss on it for him to keep. Later, she came by and properly arranged it in his pocket. We were even treated to a fire-breathing dragon! My nephew was part of the dragon and had us rolling in laughter as he, um, "growled" at us. Sounded like a purr to me.

My dad and Mr. Dragon sans Dragon Costume

The acting was, eh, for some, and outstanding for others. There were lots of solos (yes, Trav had one!)

Trav and Holly

Trav and me

If only you could see the bottom half of that outfit.....men in tights galore! The night ended a full three and a half hours later with a lot of teary-eyed seniors mourning their last stage exit, and the MOST stirring rendition of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" I have ever heard. It is my new favorite song of Advent.

Soon, I will share pictures from the other show we attended.....stay tuned!