By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current
Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses, Princes and Princesses, lend me your ear! The King (senior Dylan Gehl) and Queen (senior Elizabeth Mroz) of Merrie Olde England wish to share an evening of feasting, celebration, and of course, music during these high holiday times. Don thine finest raiment, make ready to partake of copious fare, and join us in merry song and mirth.
This year marks the 44th annual Madrigal Dinner at Geneseo High School, and this year’s particular group of musicians proved to be beyond fabulous talent! From the moment we drove up to the high school, we were transported to 16th-Century England with “fire” caldrons, beggars, a brass quintet and a full recorder ensemble. We were lead through the halls to the DePauw Theater where we were greeted with instrumental music as well as folly provided by the court Jesters. Then, with the sound of horns, we were lead to our banquet tables.
Photo by Elizabeth Hulsbrink
The entire library lobby was decorated floor to ceiling with traditional-looking paintings, shields, wreaths, candles, and a huge “stone” fireplace. The audience was lit solely by the soft glow of candles on their tables, while the head table, reserved for the king’s court, was bathed in spotlights, making them clearly visible to everyone. With true-to-style dinner theater, the audience was encouraged to join in the singing and laughter, as well as help the Lord Chamberlain (senior Logan VanDeWoestyne), move the story along.
During the dinner, court Jesters Jule (Hope Kuster, senior), Patison (Nina Schmedding, junior), Will (Mickayla Bowles, freshman), and Tom (Elijah Coppejans, freshman) told jokes, sang songs, moved through the audience, and even danced during the court’s singing. Mimes Emilia Schmitt and JJ Money, both seniors, engaged the audience in their unique and captivating style. And beggars, Jameson Coppejans, Evelyn Dahl, Ruby Efflandt, Lizzie Lane and Vera Vincent all worked the audience in efforts of gaining sympathy and receiving tokens of candy (or mashed potatoes- as was the case at our table!).
The songs performed were exceptionally challenging, yet the students delivered them with remarkable ease and confidence, showcasing their impressive talent and dedication. Nearly all pieces were acapella, and included at times six, eight, or even ten-part harmony! There was a very special song towards the end of the program which included the trio of Joe Versluis (Bass Recorder), Kara Sancken (Soprano Recorder), and Paxton Sherbeyn (Acoustic Guitar), all seniors, joining with the full choir to perform “To Keep the Cold Wind Away” by Paul Brandvik. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house! Simply amazing!
Photo by Elizabeth Hulsbrink
The sheer number of students involved in this production is astonishing! Vocalist in the King’s court included: seniors Tyler Holtzen, Shay Schehl, Cody Hensley, Clara Huddleson, Elanor DeBlieck, Avery Catour, and Carter Eastburn. Juniors: Landry Possin, Perry Farley, Jackie Milem, Theodore Phillips, Isabella Brooks, Ava Brewer, and Cy Sammons. Sophomores: Andre Diediker, Aria Mayo-Bechtel, and Ayame Stroh. Freshmen: Colin Roemer, and Chase VanDeWoestyne. Members of the brass quintet included: Juniors Jonathan Freadhoff and Tucker Tarkington. Sophomore Jacob Berry. Freshmen: Harrison Conley and Aiden Hawkins. Members of the recorder ensemble included: Seniors Sophia Clifton, Kara Sancken, and Joseph Versluis. Juniors: Liam Coleman, Sam Curcuru, Matthew Darnall, Anna Davis, Bee Scheider, and Kjerstin Wildermuth. Freshmen: Alivia Brown and Addie McSparin. And to complete the show, there were an additional four pages, one “cook”, and 24 servers (all students).
*It is important to note that this program is completely student-led! Though there were rehearsal directors, stage managers, sound and light managers, chairpersons, costuming, set construction, table settings, an abundance of food donations, decorations, waitstaff, tickets and programs, videography, and a parent-led cast party, the Geneseo High School Madrigal stands apart as a truly unique performance. A special recognition of appreciation goes to the incredibly talented musicians, whose skill and dedication brought an exceptional level of artistry to the performance. Their hard work and passion truly shone through, making the show unforgettable.