When one walked through Coppell High School’s doors on Friday and Saturday night, they were met with a castle-like entrance, trees decorated with lights and ornaments lining the entryway to the Commons. A large dining room backdrop loomed on the stage, medieval-style colored flags adorned on nearby walls.

“We’ve done a great job of setting the environment, the mood, the ambience,” Madrigal director Aaron Coronado said. “I’m really impressed by the tradition, and glad that as directors we are able to continue it.”

The event has about 50 volunteers working per night, including choir students, parents and National Honor Society members. They fill round tables with drinks and food as the feasting begins.

The comedic script amidst the medieval-era costumes and accents had references that made modern day audiences laugh, captivated with remakes of classic holiday music. The personalities of the characters played off each other, teasing and making their accented words ever more dramatic.

From fully embodying their characters, to maintaining comedic timing and projecting, performers mastered not only the music, but theatrical aspects as well. The performance seemed to truly leap off the stage, both literally and figuratively because of audience interaction, from acknowledging clapping in the script and talking to attendees, to talking to loved ones during intermission. This breaking of the fourth wall made the show more dynamic, truly feeling as though the audience was a nobility dining with the royal court in a medieval dining hall.

“The fact that it’s a tradition that’s been around for 24 years makes it special,” Coppell High School Principal Dr. Nicole Jund said. “If you can be in a place where things like this carry on, it becomes a part of the ‘blood’ of the school. It’s something you have to hold on to.”

As the storyline came to a resolution, the Madrigals gathered at the bottom left of the stage, leaving comedy behind for the deep, soulful music the genre (and the group) is known for. Spotlights pointed on them, they serenaded a rapt audience, voices intermingling and blending beautifully.

“The chord progressions and the way that the music was formatted and centered fits in perfectly with the idea of the holidays and the themes of love and family that are a really big thing during this time,” New Tech High @ Coppell junior Joie Lew said. She played the character of Sharp in the performance.

As is tradition, Madrigal alumni were asked to come up to the stage and join the performance of “Silent Night”. CHS graduates rose from the audience, quickly hugging and congratulating their performing friends.

“I loved being a part of the group, and coming back to see them is just really heartwarming,” 2018 graduate Victoria Kennedy said. “I miss the fun of the skits, and putting on a role and changing into a character for the night. It’s really fun and you feel like you have your best friends by your side.”

The atmosphere seemed to create an inherent feeling of warmth, glowing electric candles dotting tables in the semi darkness, families and friends of the performers captivated. The smell of warm bread, chicken and tea lingered in the air, the audience’s laughter reminiscent of a home during the holidays.

“They do sing some Christmas songs, but a lot of it’s just the fun of a Renaissance theme,” Madrigal parent volunteer Rocky Sanchez said. “They’ve always had the feast around Christmas time so they can sing Christmas songs, and make people happy as we get closer to the holidays and the end of the year.”

It is the hard work of the student performers that is at the core of the show.

“You have this entire group where everyone is so dedicated to music and their craft,” Lew said. “When you put together that many kids who are really committed and passionate about their art, then you get something as incredible as Madrigals.”