Culture

Pomp and circumstance of medieval proportions: Madrigal Dinner

It’s 1609 all over again at Drexel University’s Great Court for two nights only as the 19th Annual Madrigal Dinner takes center stage Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 PM both nights. The price is a criminally low $21.95 including dinner or $3 if you just want to hang out in the balcony and take it all in.

What’s a Madrigal Dinner? A lot of fun, if you ask me. More specifically, it’s a Renaissance-style celebration with song, dance, stories, and great food. Don’t worry. They’ll leave the Bubonic Plague and Inquisition at home.

Seriously, if you’ve never been to one of these thingies, it’s time to go. The Drexel Chamber Singers will perform Elizabethan madrigals, French chansons and lute songs amidst a sumptuous feast fit for a king of mulled cider, osse bucco or poached salmon, potage Jacqueline with butternut squash, roasted turnips, peas, artisanal bread and upside down warm apple tart. For thirty-five cents more have your tart served right side up – just kidding. Come on, everyone knows they taste better upside down.

While non-meat eaters were widely (and rightfully) scorned in the Middle Ages, you’re in luck that you live in the 21st century. A vegetarian option is available if requested ahead of time. Speaking of requests, you need to make reservations to secure a seat and can do so by calling 215-895-1275.

The Madrigal Dinner has become one of Drexel’s most anticipated and popular traditions, drawing in an array of period enthusiasts who enjoy the captivating call of a King James I authentically prepared meal and Shakespearean oratory presented by fully costumed student performers.

The Great Court at Drexel is located in the Main Building on campus at 3141 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. You can learn more about the college here.

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