The Renaissance Christmas Pageant Troupe is getting ready for their December performances with early previews for community groups. Photo by Voris Brumfield.

CLEARLAKE – Costumed players from the Renaissance Christmas Pageant Troupe entertained a packed house on Oct. 17 at the Lakehouse Inn Bistro and Lounge (formerly the Lamplighter) in Clearlake.

More than 50 members of SIRS (Sons in Retirement) enjoyed a “taste of” the Christmas pageant, with a narrative by co-founder Voris Brumfield, who explained its history and gave the audience a lively description of what the event is like.

Players included lead actor Bob Silvestre, co-founder and choir director Claudia Listman, singer Barbarajo Bloomquist, and script-writer/artistic director Laura Lamar, who sang songs and engaged in dialog drawn from the pageant, including the “Wassail” song, a traditional toasting song.

Brumfield described the tradition of men-at-arms parading a boar’s head around the hall before the feast, accompanied by nobles singing “The Boar’s Head Carol.” Several other songs with dialog were shared to give an overall sense of the experience, while the players joked and interacted with the audience.

A “taste of” performance will be offered at the November meeting of the Middletown Luncheon Club, on Wednesday the 19th at the Middletown Community United Methodist Church, 15388 Armstrong Street between Armstrong and Washington streets in Middletown, California, one block east of Highway 29. Come and see what all the fun is about!

This annual event takes place in the lavishly-decorated stone and stained-glass sanctuary of Middletown’s castle-like historic Pioneer Church, which was built in the 1890s. Gorgeous costumes and sets and delicious food make this a sparkling holiday entertainment, with over 16 traditional and Renaissance Christmas songs, dances, games, and entertainments.

The audience is part of this theater-in-the-round experience, and costumes are encouraged (but not required). Produced by the Middletown Community United Methodist Church, actors, singers, dancers, musicians, costumers, cooks and other volunteers — of all ages and faiths, including several parent/child duos — come from throughout the community and from other churches to participate in this production. This is family entertainment at its best, and a local tradition for over 15 years.

Tickets for the 15th Annual 2008 Renaissance Christmas Pageant and Feast in December are now on sale — and there’s a $5 discount on tickets purchased before Nov. 15^th.

Performances offer over two hours of non-stop entertainment, plus a three-course feast around which a lively costume drama unfolds. Shows will be held Friday and Saturday evenings, Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m., and Sunday afternoons, Dec. 7 and 14 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are pre-sale only and are $45 each; $5 off if bought before Nov. 15, so be sure to get yours early and save! Call Shari at 707-987-2653 to reserve your ticket. Or you can pick up tickets at Tri Counties Bank in Middletown, The Lake County Arts Council Gallery on Main Street in Lakeport, and at Wild About Books in Clearlake.

Pastor Wanda Celli can be reached at the church office at 707-987-3379.

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