School page: Back in time

They will walk through a tall archway leading to a room scented with pine and dressed in Christmas lights drooping from the ceiling. Inside the "castle" walls stands a long table for the king and queen and their royal court.

The royal court is actually the Lely High School Vocal Ensemble, who are presenting the seventh annual Olde Yuletide Feaste on Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, in the high school cafeteria. Doors open both nights at 6:15 p.m. and the festival begins at 7 p.m.

"The visual is really interesting," said Susan Hart, Lely High music director. "The idea is to take guests back in time."

In order to set the mood of the Renaissance time, planning and decorating begins well in advance. The cafeteria actually looks like a castle with tall-standing walls. To dress up the castle up, all the lights are off except for one that shines above the royal table as a spotlight and of course the Christmas lighting. The sweet aroma of pine engulfs the room to give off the old, autumn scent.

The festivities begin as the performers waltz in, greeting guests with a song. As the court takes its seats at the elongated table in the front of the room, a wassail, or toast is given.

Traditionally in the 15th century, alcohol would be consumed during the toast. But at a 21st century high school function, ice cold lemonade and iced tea are provided.

To introduce the feast, a brass fan fair sounds and servers make their rounds distributing the "letuse sallade." During this course of the meal, the royal court mingles with guests using only their British accents to make the experience authentic.

All the food is catered for a great-tasting meal. Silverware is provided, to make the feast as historically accurate as possible. The main course includes "Brouned Rounde Loofe, Tendre Beof, Wyld Rice, and Greene Vegatabls." During this time, the vocal ensemble presents four to five different songs as entertainment. Dessert this year is "cobled peaches."

After a filling, Renaissance meal, the choir and selected actors prepare to entertain guests with a madrical play titled "What Dead Carrier Chicken."

IF YOU GO

When: December 5 and 6 at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Where: Lely High School cafeteria. No. 1 Lely Blvd., Naples 34113 Cost: Tickets are $17.00 each for dinner. Reservations are required. Pick up a ticket request from Lely High School and return it in person or by mail no later than Monday, Dec. 1. Please enclose a payment (checks payable to Lely High School) and indicate choice of date and number of tickets requested. No refunds are available for unused tickets.

"Throughout the play everyone makes fun of Swedish people. I don't really know why, but it's pretty funny," Hart said.

Guests are guaranteed a night full of laughter not only at the silly script, which was obtained from "Knight Schtick Press," but toward the silly people playing the parts. To add some spunk and humor to it all, girls get to play the role of men, while senior Paul Schwartz plays the Fairy Godfather who wears wings and tights.

Following the play, the Vocal Ensemble hold their concert in which all music holds an early Renaissance sound. The selections consist of both traditional carols such as "Wish you a Merry Christmas" and other unknown carols.

The seating for each performance is 125, up from last year's 110, said Rachel Duschl, choir vice president and a Lely High senior.

"I think it'll go really well," Hart said. "The choir is well prepared and I'm really happy with all the actors. I'm super proud, as I pat myself on the back."

Katie Moon is a senior at Lely High School and an intern at the Daily News.