Chamber Singers, Department of Music, Dr. Rowland Blackley, Madrigal Feaste

Sept. 20, 2011/ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University Department of Music cordially invites everyone to celebrate the holidays at the 36th Annual Madrigal Feaste slated for Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 30 to Dec. 4. All performances begin at 6:30 p.m. in Redwood Hall. Tickets are on sale to the public through the Ashland University Box Office at 419.289.5125 or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets.

Directed by Dr. Rowland Blackley, director of choral activities, the Madrigal Feaste is a dinner theater based on the period of Queen Elizabeth I of England around 1600. With entertainment provided throughout the evening, the event includes Christmas carols, ceremonial music and madrigals performed by the Ashland University Chamber Singers while the Madrigal Players present a new play each year along with other theatrical stunts throughout the evening. Performer costumes are designed as authentic reconstructions of period apparel; and the Feaste includes a four-course meal culminating in flaming bread pudding. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

The 2011 Madrigal Feaste Chamber Singers feature Jonathan Barko as the King and Lauren Massaro as the Queen along with their court including  Jessica Blake, Sam Diemer, Erin Lingenfelter, Brandy Riha, Katie Stone, Alex VanScoy, Katie Vargo, Jordan Black, Bret Cowden, Matthew Dawson, Christopher Goffos, Derek Jackenheimer, Curtis Reynolds and Drew Rothhaar. Led by Eddie Carney as the Jester, the Madrigal Players include Austin Arnold, Maddie Beer, Kelsey Bowens, Jensen Glick, Katie Mounts and Nate Sayatovich. 

Tickets for the event are $25 for adults; $15 for children under 12; and $22 for groups of 10 or more. A special $11 ticket is available to Ashland University students for the Wednesday performance only. A vegetarian option is available upon request. Due to preparation of meals, tickets are not available at the door.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.ashland.edu/music or contact Tricia Applegate, coordinator of performing arts publicity and events, at 419-289-5950 or tapplega@ashland.edu.

Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.