A candlelit Great Hall at the Memorial Union was transformed with sights, sounds and tastes for an evening’s entertainment at the 52nd annual Madrigal Dinner presented by the Iowa State University Department of Music.

The night was filled with intrigue, food, comedy and singing all set to the backdrop of a festive Renaissance court. Dancers, jesters, musicians and wenches performed Friday and Saturday evening for the king, queen and their dinner guests. The event featured not only song and dance, but comedy and playful interaction.

While the evening’s entertainment was for the guests to enjoy, the performers also savored the moment.

“It is really fun to do different music and some more acting,” said Allison Pitz, a member of the Iowa State Singers and a senior in marketing. “Getting into character and performing is a fun way to start the spring semester.”

The Iowa State Singers were joined by Shy of a Dozen, Orchesis II Dancers and Musica Antiqua as the pageantry for the event. Musica Antiqua played period appropriate instruments like the gemshorn, organetto and krummhorn to supplement the performances.

One of the prominent roles throughout the performance belonged to the jester. He was played by Nick Hermann, a senior in speech communication and a member of the Iowa State Singers and Shy of a Dozen.

In addition to his role as a performer, Hermann was also the author a short play that was put on during the dinner.

“I usually don’t look forward to performing, but this year I am very much looking forward to showing what we have to offer,” Hermann said.

The play, titled “Kingdom of Super Warrior Heroes,” followed Hermann and his group of unusual heroes as they tracked down a villain who planned to ruin the evening with his horrible singing voice.

The act utilized audience interaction, modern references and puns to entertain the dinner guests.

One common theme during the evening was the use of audience interaction. The performers would serenade individual tables and the characters would playfully interact with the guests. This was a favorite part of the evening for some in attendance.

“I really enjoyed the audience interaction, […] the participation with skits and the performers interacting with the audience,” said Teresa Kaloupek, an attendee of the dinner. “It is very good dinner theatre and experience for everyone.”

Along with the performances, the evening featured a three course meal. The main course contained a pork sirloin with herb roasted potatoes and a pease porridge. A flaming pudding with a lemon sauce finished the dinner.

The 52nd annual Madrigal Dinner was presented in cooperation with the Story County Pork Producer Association.