To Boar’s Head Feaste director/producer Bradley Campbell it’s absolutely a yes as the event is being reimagined for 2016.
“I’m just pleased and happy it continues to grow the way it has,” Campbell said. “There’s been a lot of interest in the production side from the public, so we’ve rewritten it for a much larger cast.”
Travel back to a medieval 15th century English manor, also known as the Springfield Masonic Temple, for the candlelight feaste Jan. 21-24
The Boar’s Head Feaste is presented by the Springfield Civic Theatre. Proceeds will go to the theater, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year.
Part of the change in the feast’s format is presenting the event on four consecutive days instead of two separate weekends.
The first three days will feature a five-course meal as well as entertainment as lords, ladies, peasants and villagers would have experienced it. A special entertainment only show for a discounted price without the meal will conclude the event on Jan. 24.
Campbell said the inspiration to reimagine came from attendees who wanted to be part of the fun.
Whereas there were previously six to nine youth cast members, this year there are 19, a reflection of the interest in the Junior Civic Theatre.
“That program is growing like wildfire,” Campbell said.
One newcomer is Kolton Rice, who will perform magic tricks. He recently won a national prize for his magic skills.
The cast ranges from age 5-72. Returning as Lord and Lady of the Manor are Ted and Lynda Smith of Springfield.
Other cast members include a variety of madrigal singers, dancers, mummers and jesters. They’ll present the Oxfordshire St. George play after dinner.
Music will again be by Wind in the Woods, featuring recorders and lutes among the repertoire.
Seasons Bistro will once again cater, but he said one of the new items will be a meat pie, much as the people of the time period may have dined on.
Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-boars-head-feaste-2016-tickets-19753871361.
How to go
What: Boar’s Head Feaste
Where: Springfield Masonic Temple, 125 W. High St., Springfield
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, Friday, Jan. 22, and Saturday, Jan. 23; 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24
Admission: $40 a person for Jan. 21-23 events; $25 for Jan. 24
More info: www.facebook.com/pages/Springfield-Civic-Theatre/285313765108
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