Imagine stepping back into another century in time — one filled with kings and queens, knights and maidens and other historical characters such as jousters and a court jester.

Imagine a pristine castle encompassed by stone walls, and upon stepping inside, finding an enormity of Medieval aesthetics, fit for a Royal Court and all their guests.

This was the world showgoers warped into Nov. 15 in Streator Township High School's commons area to enjoy the festivities of the school's first annual Madrigal Dinner. More than 30 students were involved in the production, with parents, teachers and businesses coming together to bring the event to fruition.

"Being the first year for a production of this magnitude, it was a bit overwhelming at first," said Camilla Russell, STHS choral and drama director. "We started with nothing. No costumes, no scenery and set."

"We all were given a baptism by fire during the planning of this event which was such a tall order, for not only the students, but for everyone involved," said Ann Werner, artistic set director.

Students involved agreed with Werner.

"The biggest challenge I think for everyone was getting along," said Rachel Miller, a senior who played one of the two queens. "When you spend such a considerable amount of time with the cast and crew you are working with, everyone's nerves can get a bit frayed because you're under so much pressure. In the end, though, when we saw the crowd's reactions, I really felt it was well worth all of the time and work we put into it."

Senior Kelli Hovious was in charge of the choreography of the play and has 14 years of dance training under her belt.

"Teaching the dances to all of the students was a definite challenge. There were so many dances to learn, and it was so rewarding in the end when it all came together," she said.

As far as relating to the characters they played, Robert Werner, a senior, said, "I am a very lighthearted guy, so playing the uptight Sir Mertenshire wasn't really a challenge for me, but I always seem to get cast in the plays as my polar opposite, which is interesting."

"I am definitely a sort of jester myself offstage, so the part came natural to me," STHS senior Hunter Cox, who played the Court Jester, said of his role, "I can't read music, I can only hear pitch, so blending with the rest of the choir was hard because of my large voice."

The seniors also had their own pieces of advice to hand down to future Madrigal Dinner participants.

"If you decide to be a part of the Madrigals, you have to be able to commit to not only your character but the whole experience," Hovious said.

"Go into it with an open mind," Miller added. "And get into the mind frame of the time period that you are trying to portray."

"I especially enjoyed seeing how active the parents were" said Stage Director Donna Stone. "They were just as dedicated as the students in making this idea come alive. Just watching them (the students) grow and becoming comfortable in their roles was great."

"I'm just so proud of the kids and amazed with their capabilities," Russell said. "Seeing the kids and the looks of pride on their faces was the biggest reward for me as a director."