Students of all ages crowded into Kaleidoscope Youth  Theater on a recent November evening, eager to practice their lines for the Theater’s upcoming performance of A Winter’s Madrigal. Madrigal dinners recreate the Yuletide feasts of Renaissance England by combining theatrical and musical performances with an elaborate feast. The Kaleidoscope players stick to tradition and offer a unique performance accompanied by a delicious dinner. Many of the performers in this year’s show have been a part of past performances of A Winter’s Madrigal. Rehearsals at the theater have the same feel as a family gathering to celebrate the season. “It’s like a family here,” said 13-year old actor Julien Harris.

Rehearsals are especially important for the Madrigal because there are so many different components to manage. All of the kids work hard to learn their lines, their appropriate places on stage, and the dances that accompany all of the musical numbers. “Open your mouths,” cried Kaleidoscope owner and director Stacy Hostetter during one of the rehearsals.

The chorus of “Mommy made me mash my M&Ms” grew louder as kids warmed up their voices to practice the 18 songs involved in the show. Some of the songs are old, traditional songs from Renaissance times, but many are original compositions crafted by Hostetter. The silly phrase worked the magic Hostetter hoped for and focused everyone’s energy onto rehearsal. Kaleidoscope’s annual performances of A Winter’s Madrigal bring the spirit of the season to the hearts (and stomachs) of the audience.

Dressed in ornate costumes, the actors tell the original story of a group of fairies who discover a castle in ruins. With their fairy magic, they travel back in time to witness the castle when it was a warm home to a royal family and its court. Preparations for a holiday feast are underway at the castle, and everyone is getting ready for mid-winter celebrations. Hunters go out in search of wild boar while cooks and kitchen maids prepare for the feast. Jesters entertain the king and queen while young village children plan a play to perform for the royal court.   The hustle and bustle is infectious  and full of seasonal merriment.

All of the shows at Kaleidoscope involve some interaction with the audience, but the Madrigal is unique in that the audience becomes part of the performance as they feast on a traditional medieval  dinner alongside the royal court. Caterers prepare appetizers, roast pork and vegetables, cranberry relish, breads of all kinds, and dessert. The feast incorporates locally sourced ingredients whenever possible; this year’s meal will feature locally grown vegetables and apples. Coffee and non-alcoholic wassail, a spiced cider steeped in ancient wintertime traditions, are also served. The wait staff, which includes some of the performers, serves an audience of 80 every night.  It’s a good idea to watch your plate, because jesters, feeling mischievous and hungry, love to work the crowd.

Comfort in front of an audience is something Hostetter works hard to cultivate in her students. She has been teaching theater in various forms for the past 20 years. Kaleidoscope Youth Theater grew out of a performance at the Sweet Pea Festival thirteen years ago. The Theater finally got its own performance space, at 1602 West Beall Street, just a block from Bozeman High School. In addition to theatrical performances, the Theater also offers classes for kids of every age and several summer camps. In the past 13 years, more than 2,000 kids have participated in Kaleidoscope Youth Theater’s programs. The theater on Beall Street sees several performances each year.

Hostetter’s philosophy is that performers enjoy their roles most when they have reached a certain skill level. She works hard with each and every student to help them present their lines and move around the stage effectively. This dedication to the finer points of theater shows in every Kaleidoscope performance. And, the kids are clearly enjoying their roles. Kids giggled and joked during breaks, some working on homework or snacking while waiting for their turns to take the stage. Like a big family coming home for the holidays, they joked light-heartedly and encouraged each other. Hostetter has the unique ability to make hard work fun, and it is clear that the students are learning a lot about theater while mastering their roles.

A Winter’s Madrigal will be performed on December 6, 12, 13, and 14 at 6:30p.m. A matinee performance will be held on December 7 at 3p.m. Call the Theater at 587-3642 to reserve seats. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $20 for kids, and this includes the scrumptious dinner and dessert. Kaleidoscope is happy to accommodate vegetarians who request a different meal when they purchase tickets.

This show delivers the holiday spirit at a bargain price. The children singing, bells tinkling, snowball fighting, and neighbors feasting bring merriment to the festivities that will wash the winter chill from your bones.

Sarah Cairoli always needs a little help getting into the Christmas spirit; the Madrigal Dinner is just what she needs. She can be reached at  scairoli30@hotmail.com