Merry music makers

King Collin and queen Brecken are preparing for the holiday season and a wedding.

Together with their subjects, the royal couple will open the doors to their castle for the annual Coal City High School Madrigal performance—a concert that includes an original comedic play written by former member Eli Fritz.

The play, “A Tale of Two Kings,” tells the story of two kings who have been friends for decades and decide the time has come to link their kingdoms through the marriage of their children—a most profitable alliance. However, the prince and princess are not on board with the idea, and hatch plans of their own to get out of marrying a stranger. The play will be presented during the performances set for this weekend—Dec. 9-11—in the Coal City Performing Arts Center.

Madrigals is a unique program within the school’s music department and is comprised of a select group of student vocalists who mainly perform 15th and 16th century a cappella music, and for their annual holiday performances the musical selections feature a variety of traditional Christmas carols.

The group is led by seniors Collin Dames and Brecken Johnson, who were selected by their peers to serve as Madrigal king and queen. These leadership roles go to students who exhibit leadership qualities and a commitment to the program. Dames is a three year member of the choir and Johnson has been a member of the group all four years of high school.

Not only do these students set an example for others in the group, they take the lead to assure all members are doing their best in every rehearsal and performance.

In keeping with the time period, the royal couple is served by two jesters. Serving up fun and witty moments throughout the program are senior Izzy Kostbade and junior Adeline Dowling.

The 23-member choir further features the voices of seniors Logan Hawkins, Sammy Thackeray, Colin LeRoy, Kayla Connelly, Jacob Nadess and Angelina Seeley. Juniors Elaina Patten, Jared Counterman, Logan Hausman, Chessa Kuhel and Elsa Bunton. Sophomores Mason Natyshok, Melody Kinder and Eliana Chernesky. And, freshman Olivia Sage, Sam Vota, Gio Bruno, Gianna Savarino and Leo McCants.

This year’s performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $5 per person and available at the door.

It has been a busy holiday season for the Madrigals who have participated in a number of holiday events this year including the Three French Hens Holiday Market, Home for the Holidays and the lighting of Chapin Park in Morris and Coal City Promfest Festival of Trees. And, for the first time the group will participating in the high school choir concert.