What does one call a knight who does not speak, yet partakes in seasonal revelry?
This quiet knight will be revealed at the royal holiday celebration hosted by King Logan, Queen Melody and their court of loyal lords and ladies.
The king and queen welcome the community to join them for the annual Coal City High School Madrigal performances this weekend—Dec. 13-15—in the Coal City Performing Arts Center. The holiday event features a concert and a medieval comedic play that this season is highlighted by dueling knights, over the top jesters, the king’s right hand trumpeter and plenty of secrets.
Madrigals is a unique program within the school’s music department and is composed of a select group of student vocalists who mainly perform 15th and 16th century a cappella music, and for their annual holiday performances the musical selections feature a variety of traditional Christmas carols with a few newer titles included.
The group is led by seniors Logan Hausman and Melody Kinder, who were selected by their peers to serve as Madrigal king and queen. These leadership roles go to students who exhibit leadership qualities and a commitment to the program. Both are four year members of the choir.
Not only do these students set an example for others in the group, they take the lead to assure all members are doing their best in every rehearsal and performance.
In keeping with the time period, the royal couple is served by two jesters. Serving up fun and witty moments throughout the program are senior Mason Natyshok and junior Sam Vota.
The 20-member choir further features the voices of Eliana Chernesky, Olivia Sage, Gianna Savarino, Leo McCants, Jordan Olson, Aubrey Grunwald, Martin Ramirez, Evelyn Wills, Wyatt Chase, Cora Armstrong, Caroline Childers, Isabella Palacios, Anastasia Papach, Elizabeth Nadess, Olivia Vota, and Brady Pierson.
This year’s performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. The Saturday performance will begin with a buffet dinner featuring roast turkey, herb potatoes, vegetables, salad and dessert. General admission tickets for the Friday and Sunday performances are $5 per person and the Saturday dinner and show is $18 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://coalcity.revtrak.net/high-school-/#/f/cchs-madrigal-holiday-concert-and-play Tickets for the Friday and Saturday performances are $5 per person and will be available at the door beginning 30 minutes prior to each show, cash only. Advanced tickets, $18 per person, are recommended for the Saturday performance. The Madrigal’s famous wassail will be served at all three performances.
The annual holiday performances are culmination of the Madrigal season that has included several events including caroling at the Three French Hens Holiday Market, Home for the Holidays, lighting of Chapin Park in Morris, Morris Winterfest, Coal City Promfest Festival of Trees, village of Carbon Hill Santa visit, performances for the lower grade buildings and participating in the annual high school choral concert.