A Magical Madrigal Dinner

Apparently, several months ago, after watching a show on Food Network that recounted a Madrigal Dinner, I had casually remarked to my husband that it sounded like a fun experience. So, after I had completely forgotten about making that comment, my husband surprised me with tickets to a Madrigal Dinner at the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral. As a bonus, our dear daughter would also be going with us. A Madrigal Dinner is a Twentieth-Century American invention that recalls an Old World Medieval Christmas Feast.

The players in this play are members of the North Central High School King's Court Singers.

I later found out that we were seated across from the "queen's" parents. Someone asked them if she wore her tiara around the house.

The agenda for the evening.

A bit of information about the group.

First we were served warm Wassail and a salad featuring Fresh Greens with Brie, Apples and Walnuts with a Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette.



And here is our roast beast, er, Roast Pork Shank, Haricot Vert and Roasted Potatoes. Warm Rolls and Butter accompanied the dinner.

Dessert arrives with much aplomb.

Peppermint Semifreddo finishes off our dinner.

While we dine, the players entertain.

My husband and I get into the celebratory mood.

First the ladies regale us with songs.

And then the gentlemen perform their rendition of "Men in Tights" from Mel Brooks' Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

The players sing the "New Year Carol" and "Good Night to You", signaling the end of the festivities.

These lovely young people continue to sing as they shake your hand.

The other guests thank the players.

All in all, this was an enjoyable evening, with just one caveat: The tables were set up at a 45 degree angle; however, they were angled away from the stage, so that we poor souls who were seated facing away from the action had to turn completely around in order to see anything. If the tables had been angled toward the stage, we would have only had to turn just a bit in order to see. This is definitely something that should have been considered.

And just because this chandelier is so darn beautiful. There are 200 lights in this massive light fixture.

The main floor of the cathedral is decked out for the season.