Madrigal Feaste

Tickets are on sale now for the Madrigal Feaste, a beloved and long-standing tradition at Ashland University. The 47th annual event, presented by the AU Department of Music, will be held Thursday, Nov. 30, through Sunday, Dec. 3, at Redwood Hall with doors opening at 6 p.m. each night and the royal procession beginning 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.

The four-course-meal, served family style, features roast beef, roasted potatoes and carrots, cashew salad, rolls, 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. 27. They are available online (credit card purchases will include an additional transaction fee) 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 419-289-5114 or rblackle@ashland.edu.