Asbury Madrigal Feaste offers a unique Christmas experience
Asbury Fellowship Hall in Uniontown will be the scene of the Madrigal Feaste, which will include a festive holiday dinner.
For three days starting on Dec. 15, Asbury Fellowship Hall in Uniontown will be transformed into a 16th Century English Baronial Hall.
With a fireplace that adds even more to the seasonal charm and the addition of banners and an abundance of greenery like holly, pine and cedar, guests will be seated starting at 6:15 p.m. at long tables lavished with white cloths and centerpieces featuring red candles in preparation for a festive Christmas dinner.
The real magic of evening begins at 6:45 p.m. each evening when the King and Queen of the Manor House and their royal guests enter the room singing in a procession that introduces the Wassail, a punch made of heated apple cider and spices, and the Boar’s Head, the traditional Olde English Yuletide presentation of a sacrificed boar.
“Our Madrigal Feaste usually takes place every two years here at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Uniontown,” said Barbara Slavin, who will play the court jester and direct the masque or play-within a play that follows dessert.
During the feaste, guests will be treated to a prime rib dinner catered by Darin Myer of Fairchance with sides of green beans almondine and parsley potatoes. The feaste starts with barley/vegetable soup, moves on to a plate of Olde Hall greens (salad), and ends with the serving of the “Flaming Pudding” at every table.
Each course will be introduced by a song, and while the guests and royals dine they’ll be entertained by 15th and 16th amusements similar to that of medieval England’s manor halls during Yuletide with strolling minstrels, a recorder ensemble, a jester, and wandering guitar and violin players.
The highlight of the evening, the masque, will follow dessert when the theatrical troupe tells the story of the king, depressed because he feels he can’t trust anyone but the jester. In the classic tale of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” the king’s jester was the child that told the emperor the truth about his naked condition. Fearing the trustworthy jokester may retire or soon pass on, the court enlists in his place the aid of the Truth Fairy, who can ferret out the truth in anyone who approaches her.
“The script even has a moral — that there is some truth in each one of us, but, because we are human, there is also some untruth,” said Slavin. The masque will be followed by a concert of more than two dozen singers from the Chancel Choir, directed by minister of music Jim Hutchinson. The program includes “I Saw Three Ships” arranged by Lloyd Larson, “Rejoice and Be Merry” by contemporary English composer John Rutter who composed a piece for this year’s royal wedding of Prince William, and “Whacha Gonna Name That Baby” by David Lantz. At the conclusion of the concert, guests will be invited to join the choir in the singing of traditional carols, including “Silent Night.”
Reservations for the Asbury Christmas Madrigal Feaste can be made by mail only. Dates for the Madrigal are Dec. 15-17. Seating begins at 6:15 p.m. and is limited to 100 patrons. Reservations must be received by Dec. 5. Tickets are on sale and reservations are accepted on a first come basis. Those who would like to receive a brochure, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Asbury United Methodist Church, Attn: Madrigal Feaste, 20 Dunbar Street, Uniontown, Pa. 15401, or call 724-557-6963 for more information.
“This year, we will be joined by our minister of music emeritus, Bob Dreucci, who will perform, sing and direct and be making his first appearance at a madrigal feaste since the Christmas of 2004,” said Hutchinson.
Those attending the feaste are encouraged to dress in the costumes and regalia of the period. Those who do so will have the honor of leading the recessional out of the hall.
“People have said the feaste is a wonderful evening and the perfect start to the Christmas season,” said Slavin.