Madrigal Madness

By: Angela Leis-Roberts

Sparta High School prepared a Madrigal Feast for December 3rd and 4th. Madrigal Feast is an American form of a dinner theater often held by schools and church groups during the Christmas season. It is set in the Middle Ages and is generally comedic in nature. The meal is divided into courses, each of which is heralded with a traditional song. A play is performed between the courses and a concert of choral music concludes the festivities.

This year as like many before Sparta High School's Choir director, Janette Hanson is dedicating a lot of time. Hanson said "I've been involved in Madrigal here at Sparta for 18 years." Madrigal feasts have been performed for many years. They were first written and performed when all entertainment was live entertainment.

Hanson said " I was in one Madrigal in college and I liked it a lot. So i decided to start the tradition here at Sparta High" Many schools put together a Madrigal Feast.

"The food is awesome, the woodwinds choir and the recorders are also awesome, also it is unique. Most Spartans don't get to see a lot of these things, with it being a combination of a concert, a meal, and a comedy make it very unique that is why I like Madrigal," said Hanson

Hanson knows that a lot of preparation is needed. "The first part is letting students know what its all about, I tell the choirs what its all about so they can go out and tell their friends about it to get more people involved. I also have to get a good assistant director. For the physical stuff there is decorating, getting costumes put together, and also the set."

Emily Arens, a freshman at Sparta High School, is a rose seller in the play. A rose seller is considered to be a town's person. "To prepare myself I am listening to Justin the assistant director when he teaches us about Madrigal. I am also practicing my British accent," said Arens.

Another important aspect of Madrigal is choosing the correct actors and actresses. "Automatically Vocal Jazz and SHE are chosen for Royal Court. They are automatically chosen for the ensemble," said Hanson.

The Royal Court needs many rehearsals to get ready for Madrigal. Hanson said, "The Royal Court practices every day in class for about three weeks. There is also about ten evening rehearsals."

Arens said, "As a town's person I have to be at one rehearsal on either the 29th or the 30th of November. I am also required to be at the rehearsal on December 3rd." The Royal Court needs many rehearsals to get ready for Madrigal.

There is so much to do to get ready for Madrigal in such a short period of time. "I have to wear a costume more dressier than a wench but less dressier than someone who is in the Royal Court. There isn't a lot for me to do to get ready the day of Madrigal I have to put my dress on and curl my hair," Arens said

Hanson said, "To make it less stressful and to make it run more smoothly, I get prepared as early as I can. I chose a great assistant director this year which has been a huge help. Justin my assistant director has been doing a lot of behind the scene stuff to make it a even greater performance."

Preparing for Madrigal makes the ending product much more enjoyable for everyone. They put on a Madrigal Feast every year at Sparta High School. If you think this sounds fun next year try and go.