2009 Madrigal, a Magnificent Celebration of Song!

The 16th Annual Department of Music Madrigal exceeded all expectations in terms of
showmanship on the evenings of December 5 & 6 as they took attendees back in time to a
royal court for an evening of revelry and song. The characterization and vocal music offered
during the evening was second to none. It was an evening which began with fanfare and a royal
greeting by the cast and moved on to the seating of the guests as they entered the royal
chambers under crossed swords. Each guest was announced and ushered to their seats by a
member of the royal court.

Upon waiting for their seats, madrigal goers were greeted on Friday night by Queen
Mary Jo Fiordelise and King Nate Stone. On Saturday evening attendees were greeted by
Queen Jessica Faselt and King Jacob Lampe. Both sets of royalty set the scene perfectly and fit
the roles perfectly as they hosted a dinner party for visiting royalty. Seated onstage, this royal
group were entertained, waited upon and even assailed the audience with their royal singing
talent at one point joining together to offer a piece of Renaissance music to those present. The
voices blended splendidly and the royal presence of those singing shone through in both their
voices and demeanor. Leading the evening as Town Crier played by Hanna Wilson who kept not
just servants on their toes with the announcement of each course but who also lent a certain
air of dignity to the madrigal, making the transitions smooth and the pace of the evening
running on time.

But visiting royalty weren't the only ones to join in on the feast. Present at the feast were also
beggars Ashley Harper, Shelby Gordan, Samantha Debler, Aimee Moberly,
Brenda Richardson and Rachel Miller, all who played their characters with a flair and with
rich personality, that they caused such pity within the crowd they were oftentimes seen
scrambling for coins which had been tossed onto the floor for them to collect. This delighted
the audience so much that one woman was over heard telling her husband, "get out some
change and toss it...those girls are too cute!" A perfect description of the performance of the
beggars for sure. This group of young ladies took a part which could have easily melted into the
background and brought humor and good natured characterizations to their parts, not to
mention song as they sang a charming song, resonating with clear voices which showed off
their expertise as well as their natural comfort with the style of song as well.

Other characters included the Jester, played by Becca Mansfield who flitted around the room
throughout the entire madrigal, offering sage advice, legal counsel and more than a few jokes
which left some of the audience groaning but were entertaining none the less. This jester
(whom I discovered learned to juggle in just a week), stole the show with her likable character
and fully charming personality. Mansfield, decked out in a bright yellow and red jester's costume,
mingled throughout the crowd as well as interacting with the other characters, adding just the
right amount of wit and humor to the entire madrigal.

Joined by Travis Ford, Mansfield and Ford had the audience total attention by their witty
repartee' and one liners. This pair played off each other with impeccable timing and set the
stage for the "fitting of the royal boot". During the events to come, we met a peasant woman
played by Ashley Hawley, who stepped forward with her son, played by Devon Ulin to settle
the question once and for all "Who fit's the royal boot". With an enthusiasm and unbridled
personality that shone throughout the room, Hawley played her part with a confidence many
Professional actors try their whole lives to achieve. The discovery of who the boot fit was a
total surprise to all concerned and was accepted by the audience with laughter and applause.

In addition to the group song, royal court performance and that of the beggars, there were also songs performed by the ladies and men's choirs. Both were perfect showcases for excellent
voices and young people who by their performance proved their hard work paid off in excellence and professionalism.

Others put extra effort into their parts and should be commended for their efforts. Cody Michael was dashing and very authentic in his costume, playing the part of knight with panache and a sense of bravery needed by knights of old. In terms of another sort of bravery and excellence of character was Jalen TeBockhorst in chain mail that I later learned weighed over 60 lbs. His appearance was striking and lent just the right air of knighthood to the show.

The Royal Bass consisting of Mr. David Kunz, Mr. Ross Schumaker, Taylor Bluemel , Amanda Stout, Jasmine Fugate and Ian McDowell who with talented harpsichord playing by Molly Hussey provided just the right air to the evening with their
musical talents.

Adding to the evening were a group of talented court dancers, recorder players, gypsies, pages
and court singers. All did an excellent job of taking music from an era so far removed from
today and bringing it to life once again. For a bit over two hours, madrigal guests were taken
back in time to royal courts, jesters and fabulous feasts. It was an evening to remember and
one that was perfect in both its professionalism and in the talents shown.

And not to leave out the most important part of this madrigal. Collette McClellen, director and
Music teacher at Mid-Prairie has been active with the madrigal for much of the 16 years the
madrigal has been produced. In fact, when McClellen was a student at MPHS, she herself
played the part of Queen and her husband was King. Her ability for taking raw talent and
molding it into a show that enthralled sold out audiences for two evenings should be
commended. She has taught her students so much more than mere singing, she has taught
them a respect for and an appreciation for different types of music. And it is because of this
teaching style that the madrigal was a resounding hit for all who experienced the madrigal and
or those students who through their hard work made it all happen as well.