The Madrigal Dinner presented April 19-20 by the Perryville High School music department helped to usher in springtime joy for those in attendance.
The Madrigal Dinner, usually presented in December, was rescheduled due to illness, but it lost none of its magic. Directed by PHS Choirs Director Taylor Davis, the show is set at a medieval estate and features a feast, music, and comedy. Ms. Davis is assisted by former music instructors and faithful volunteers Janet Seibel and Terry Edwards, along with PHS band director Jerry Childers, PCMS band director Jacob Bagott, student teacher Samantha Barrentine, and PES choir director Dalton Manche.
Performers included the PHS Chamber and Concert Choirs, the District 32 Clarinet Choir and Trumpet Fanfare, and the Perryville Elementary School Children’s Choir.
The cast included Blake Bodendieck as Lord Thurston Haynesworth, Jasmine Muench as Lady Clough Granger Haynesworth, Macy Rayburn as Lady Edith Channing Haynesworth, and Libby Reed as Lady Elide Barton Haynesworth. Isabella Iffert and Johannah Hoffer were the Stewardesses Sophronia and Saffron. Julius Maxwell played Court Jester Jokerst of Johnsontown, Grady Warren as Court Wizard Wilbur of Winbournville, Anna Abbott as Court Musician Molasses of Manchester. Waylon Buerck played Lord Wickliffe and Chloe Cox played Lady Wickliffe. Ayla Schuler was the Baroness Terwilliger, and Gwynivere Newbrough was Minerva Terwilliger. Pfatzgraff Diefendorf was played by Xavier Pfaff, and Faulina Diefendorf was played by Kathryn Broeking. Gavin Moll played Lord Ethelbert, Josephine Lohmann was Lady Ethelbert, and Alyssa Bryant was Adina Ethelbert. Jocelyn Schweiss played Tholena Trautfischer, Taylor Ebersohl played Thumblina Trautfischer, Camryn Heim played Tuffina Trautfischer, Alyson Peeler played Toccatina Trautfischer, and Adalynn Thieret was Tootsie Trautfischer. Dominick Paul played Lord Whippet and Skylar Francis was Lady Whippet. Tanner Bequette played Lord Shoesmith, and Jessalyn Louveau played Lady Caldecott. Jared Stortz was Baron Skeffinton, and Rosemaire Baker-Mosley played Baroness Skeffington. Hunter First played Dorr Dillingham, Riley Kemp played Dinter Dillingham, and Kolten Little played Dunter Dillingham.
“I want to give a huge thank you to all who supported the Perryville music programs,” Ms. Davis said. “Whether they purchased a ticket to the dinner, helped set up, or volunteered to plate and serve the food, or clean up afterward, we couldn’t have a successful event without you! We are fortunate to have wonderful community support.
“I am so proud of each of the students involved in the Madrigal Dinner, from the elementary choir for their amazing performance, the middle schoolers who helped set up the gym, and the high school students who put their whole hearts into performing or working behind the scenes. I am so fortunate to be the choirs director at Perry County School District 32! Our community grows stronger because we have a great music program, and our music program grows stronger because we have a great community!”