Theater

One Last Holiday Celebration

A Westerly tradition continues the festivities into January

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You may think the holiday season has come to an end, but there is still one more way to celebrate. Twelfth Night celebrations have come in many forms. In the medieval ages, cake was distributed during the party and whoever found the bean inside the cake became the king. The high and mighty became the peasants but all went back to normal at midnight. (How Cinderella-esqe.)

Our coming Epiphany, however, is celebrated much differently today. We can all feel like the finders of the bean as we sit back and enjoy the entertainment of the Chorus of Westerly’s 39th annual A Celebration of Twelfth Night (January 11-13). This holiday season’s grand finale is filled with pageantry including dancers, acrobats, court jesters, puppetry, poetry and of course the full-bodied beautiful voices of the Chorus.

This year marks a new tradition with Andrew Howell’s debut as music director of the production. The conductor and organist received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education, magna cum lade, in May 2005 from the University of Rhode Island. He has also sung along with the Chorus of Westerly since age 12, so this is undoubtedly going to be a special production, as it has been close to his heart for much of his life. “Having been a singer in the chorus for about 17 years, this is going to be a completely different experience,” he says. The exciting change is sure to add something new for those who have been a fan of the production in past years. “It is always a wonderful theatrical performance and is amazing to watch it all come together,” Howell says.


This celebratory tradition has been a part of Westerly since 1975, annually presenting an original written script, this year written by Harvey Blanchette who was previously a Chorus of Westerly treble. Harvey will be tying the past five years together with the conclusion of his presentation of the shows, an impressive five year story arc that began in 2009. “It is exciting to finally have this completion,” says Andrew, “good finally overcomes evil, and of course, this is exciting because I am the music director.” This arc is set in a mythical world of separate kingdoms that have been threatened by a sinister and powerful force. Symbolic of the meaning of Twelfth Night, the first year introduced the birth of a “Chosen One,” who over the year has grown and audiences can look forward to this saviors triumph in the age old tale of good versus evil.

Although the shows from 2009 to present are all related to each other you certainly do not have to have seen the others to understand and thoroughly enjoy this year’s performance. We also welcome back Derron Wood as Twelfth Night’s director, and the talented Robin Rice as this year’s choreographer. The show is supported by 365 passionate actors and singers who volunteer from communities in Rhode Island and Connecticut. The eclectic show includes multi-talented children and adults of all ages.

Staying with the medieval customs of Twelfth Night, enjoy the Peasants’ Feast that will take place at 6pm on January 12 - 13. This Westerly tradition over the past 25 plus years features a mouthwatering meal including desserts and wassail (a time-honored Twelfth Night punch) prepared by chefs and served right in your seats of the performance hall. Adding to the enjoyment, tantalize more senses than simply your taste while you dine because entertainment continues on stage while members of the Twelfth Night Cast put on an extra little something just for your eyes and ears!

Chorus of Westerly, Twelfth Night, Celebration, holiday season, christmas, theater, performance, seasonal

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