Laurie Heath Studio: Wonderfully Made

Angleton High School choir members stepped back into time this past weekend and took two audiences along with them. Their second annual Madrigal Dinner was a hit! As you can see, they're a shy bunch who avoided the spotlight:

Each cast member used the pre-show time slightly differently:

After the choir director made one last pass through the hall, the doors opened and guests were seated at the banquet tables.

The herald called our attention to the stage...

... where the King and Queen stood ready to greet us warmly.

Immediately the Jester leapt into action ...

... and called for the boar's head!

Prompt and courteous servants sang to us while delivering wassail and steaming plates of food to each guest.

All sorts of exuberant entertainment filled the room while we ate:

Lovely singers!

Friendly conversationalists!

And, of course, "jokes."

But mercifully, the Town Crier interrupted the Jester's comedy routine to announce that is was time to begin the play.

Cast members waited for their cue to enter.

"RapunzelRapunzel" had all of the familiar elements:

The Father who made a deal with a Witch...

The delivery of a beloved baby girl, taken all too soon from her duped father...

Shocking surprises and sleight of hand, requiring the audience to shield their eyes...

The sweet young Rapunzel with looooooooong golden hair, who is forced by the witch into a tower...

And the Handsome Prince! With sound effects!

Will Rapunzel have to stay alone in the tower forever? No!

(sigh) Isn't he dreamy?

But wait! What is this? (gasp) The Witch does not seem happy for some reason! Oh my! Why does she have those huge scissors? What good can possibly come of this?!

Poor, poor Rapunzel.

Boo! Hisssss! (Actually, isn't she the most adorable witch you've ever seen?)

Will Rapunzel ever see her Prince again? Will she be able to salvage that hideous hairdo? I won't ruin the ending for you, but I will tell you that the choir performed several beautiful carols at the end of the show that told the Christmas story very effectively. Their backup angels behind the curtain added a nice touch!

This production helped me get into the spirit of the season, and there was ample evidence of hard work all around -- students, teachers and parents alike. Thanks for sharing your gifts with us, musical people, and thanks for pointing us to the One whose birth your feast celebrated!

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!

Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung

It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter

When half spent was the night

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind

With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind

To show God’s love aright, she bore to men a Savior

When half spent was the night

The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright

How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night

To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger found Him

As angel heralds said.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air

Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere

True Man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us

And lightens every load

O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe

O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know

Bring us at length we pray, to the bright courts of Heaven

And to the endless day!

15th century carol