WCU's Madrigal Dinner Tickets Now On Sale; Events Are Fri. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 1

As it has done each year since 1970, Western Carolina University is inviting the public to attend a Madrigal Dinner presented by students, faculty and staff. This year 2 dinners will take place on Friday Nov. 30 and Saturday Dec. 1.

Each Madrigal Dinner is an evening of dinner, theatre and music in the tradition of the Elizabethan period, presented by characters in elaborate period dress.

Dr. Jim and Barbara Dooley, co-founders of the Madrigal Dinners, will serve as "lord and lady" of the dinner theatre, as they have since its inception.

"It's a tradition steeped in people. The same people have been putting this on, and the same people have been coming back again and again to participate," said Diane Harris, director of the University Center, whose staff will co-produce the dinners. "It seems to be very contagious." Harris has been with the university and participating in the Madrigal Dinners for 26 years.

The dinners will be held in the University Center. WCU's Musical Theatre Department, directed by Dr. Bob Holquist, will provide entertainment. The campus foodservice group, Aramark, will cater a three-course meal including the historical staples of Wassail, Cornish game hens, glazed carrots and plum pudding. (Click here to view the menu.)

Guests don't need to wear period costumes or fancy dinner attire but many do, Harris said. The guests, called patrons, will be seated at tables of 8 in the UC Grand Room. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. on each night but patrons must be in their seats by 6:25 p.m.

Tickets sell out fast; the sale began on Tuesday, Nov. 6. WCU student admission is $18; all others are $30.

The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until noon and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., and is located on campus on the first floor of the University Center.

Tickets also can be purchased by Visa or MasterCard, at 227-7206.

Additional information is available from UC office manager Kim Davis at 227-3621 or UC director Dianne Harris at 227-3619.