Dec. 16, 2010

A royal dinner invitation

By Erin Rosacker

Dinner menu

  • Wassail punch
  • Pease porridge
  • Boneless pork loin chop with fruit compote
  • Potatoes
  • Salad with raspberry vinaigrette
  • Guillotine pull-apart bread
  • Plum pudding with lemon sauce and hard sauce
  • Cheese and fruit plate
  • Beverage (Tea, water, coffee)

Special dietary considerations can be made if requested in advance.

Make a dinner reservation with royalty. The music department's annual medieval madrigal dinner, now in its 46th year, will take place Jan. 14 and 15 in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Tickets are available now.

A host of talent, including the Iowa State Singers, Musica Antiqua, The Music Men and Orchesis II, will entertain guests and the royal court with music and dancing. New this year is a theatrical production of Jester the Body Ventures Forth, which will have the King of Jibber join the crowd in hopes to marry off two daughters.

"Each year, it's a joy to be transported back to 'Merrie Ole England' through the music of the singers and instrumentalists, the pageantry, the dances and the antics of the performers," said James Rodde, music professor and madrigal co-director. "A splendid meal, along with interacting with some of Iowa State's finest students, can make for a very special night."

It all starts with a 5:30 p.m. social hour, followed by a 6:30 p.m. fanfare entrance. The three-course meal features a boneless pork loin chop. Wine will be offered with dinner, and a cash bar will operate during the social hour.

Tickets are $40, or $36 for ISU students, seniors and groups of at least 10. To order, call 4-8349 or visit the MU ticket office (11 a.m.-5 p.m., weekdays), or download and mail the order form (PDF).