The Lincoln-Way North High School Madrigal Singers, Madrigal Ladies, Troubadours, Actors and Instrumentalists are ready to take the stage Nov. 29 for the school’s 5th annual Madrigal Dinners.
“The Madrigal Dinners are a long-standing and important tradition in the Lincoln-Way community that audiences have enjoyed for over 40 years,” said Lincoln-Way North choral director Christina Shoemaker. “People coming to the show can expect to leave feeling cheerful, uplifted, and ready to start the holiday season! We are so happy to be able to spread the joy of the holidays to people in the community and look forward to this year's production.”
“For many people, like my parents, (the Madrigal Dinners) are their cue that this is the holiday season,” said Lincoln-Way North senior Moira Quealy, one of the Madrigal Singers.
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Students have been preparing for the dinners since May when they auditioned for an opportunity to be a Madrigal Singer, Madrigal Lady, Troubadour or Madrigal Actor.
“We work so hard,” said Lincoln-Way North senior Haley Hamann, another Madrigal Singer. “Seeing it all come together is an awesome experience.”
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Rehearsals began shortly before school began in August.
“Once the students are back in school, their attention is split between so many other activities, including their school work,” explained Shoemaker, who held a weeklong Madrigal Camp in August.
Nearly 90 Lincoln-Way North High School students are involved in this year’s production, which will feature outstanding vocalists and instrumentalists, elaborate costumes and clever storylines acted out by talented students.
Among them are Madrigal Singers are Alec Arvia, Brandy Benak, David Blakeman, Molly Ciszek, Chris Cranston, Libby Doubrawa, Shannon Egan, Thomas Gaertig, Emilee Gerk, Christian Gorski, Haley Hamann, Michael Lanigan, Moira Quealy, Rachel Rehm, Katie Sheehan, Ali Stachowicz, David Woods and Derek Yahnke,
Playing the role of Madrigal Ladies are Abby Baguisa, Kayli Benak, Emily Chudzik, Victoria Clifford, Airene Dizon, Pamela Doody, Allison Gerk, Mimi Hoeller, Valeri Hooper, Anna Janaszak, Irene Larson, Sarah Larson, Susan Liva, Caitlin McCully, Brenna Molinare, Jillian Nast, Marisa Piotrowski, Sabrina Steck, Savanna Steck, Elly Waleski, Nikki Wiltjer and Maddie Witt.
Troubadours include David Arnold, Ryan Arnold, Josh Arvia, AJ Brattoli, Justin Corp, Arturo Gutierrez de Velasco, Jack Kotze, John Larson, Danny Rehm, Casey Sawilchik, Geoff Ward and Brett Wiltjer.
Madrigal Actors are Mike Balcerzak, Meghan Berry, Morgan Boman, Alec Chase, Jake Chudzik, Maddie Conover, Jaime DeRuiter, Taylor Herrmann, Owen McGee, Abigail Peterson, Delaney Schmidt, Thomas Swierczyna, Lauren Vitiritti, Alec Volante and Katie Weaver.
Providing the background music are instrumentalists Shayvonnna Albrecht, Greg Anderson, Joe Brady, Stephanie Bulthuis, Katie Christopher, Nicole Collopy, Emily Gaytan, Alex Greer, Sarah Hastings, Erin Hastings, Susie Kreuz, Jackie Lenz, Kody Malas, Ryan McKalip, Melissa McKalip, Katherine Plesniak, Richie Prokop, Kyle Stanuch, Joe Sturino, Tom Sturino and Veronica Villasenor.
Tickets to the four Madrigal Dinners have been sold out for weeks. However, area residents will have an opportunity to see the Madrigal Ladies and Troubadours perform at the school’s free Holiday Concert on Dec. 6 and the Madrigal Singers perform at the free Solstice Concert on Dec. 11. Both concerts will begin at 7 p.m. in the school’s Performing Arts Center at 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort.
