AU’s Madrigal Feaste taking place Nov. 20-23, tickets on sale through Nov. 17
ASHLAND, Ohio – Tickets are on sale now for the Madrigal Feaste, a beloved and long-standing Christmas tradition at Ashland University. The 49th annual event, presented by the AU Department of Music, will feature four performances from Thursday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 23, at Redwood Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. each night, and the royal procession begins at 6:30 p.m.
The Madrigal Feaste takes audiences back to “Merry Olde England,” a term that refers to the country’s powerful and prosperous Elizabethan period, for an evening of fine singing, original comedy, award-winning dining and cherished traditions.
The dinner theater includes performances throughout by the AU Chamber Singers, a select vocal ensemble on campus. They dress in authentic period-style costumes and sing traditional Christmas carols, ceremonial music and madrigals—a cappella love songs from 400 years ago that include themes and topics that are relatable today—while actors entertain theatrically, with comic relief provided by the commanding butler and the court jester.
This year’s “King” is junior chemistry major Keever Whitehead from Columbus, Ohio, and the “Queen” will be senior music major Meredith Morgan of Centerburg, Ohio. The “Jester” will be performed by junior music education major Ellie Nickoli from Lexington, Ohio, while the “Butler” is junior music education major Sheldon Stotts of Coshocton, Ohio.
The four-course-meal, served family style, features roast beef, roasted potatoes and carrots, cashew salad, bread, cookies, figgy pudding and wassail. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available and can be selected when purchasing tickets.
All tickets must be purchased in advance (none are sold at the door) and are on sale through Monday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. They are available online at ashland.edu/performing-arts-tickets (credit card sales only) or in person at the AU Campus Store during normal business hours.
For more information, contact Ron Blackley, director of choral activities and professor of music at AU, at rblackle@ashland.edu.