Twelfth Night Celebration Was ‘A Spectacular Event’

Musicians, choristers, minstrels and maids convened at Newtown Congregational Church on Saturday, January 5, to carry out the inaugural 12th Night Celebration. Twelfth Night is traditionally the last day of the Christmas season, commemorating when the Three Kings arrive in Bethlehem.

Costumed in Renaissance garb and accompanied occasionally by professional harpist Wendy Kerner Lucas, the evening’s music was performed by members of the church’s choir with guest artists under the leadership of Dan Coffman and Maureen Kelly.

What followed was a program of dramatic readings, hymns, songs and laughter to welcome Yule and process with the Boar’s Head into a banquet hall resplendent of  savories (meat pies), cheeses and farm fresh bread, fruit and sweet meats (plum pudding with hard sauce), accompanied by warm cider and complete with an enormous cake wishing everyone a happy new year. It was, said attendee Ellen Parrella, “a spectacular event.”

The pageant was being given in honor of church and choir member Dr Eugene Marks, and was offered free of charge.

A jester (Patrick Coffman) and a donkey (Peter Coffman) made the audience laugh, and alto Sara Vokes made the audience cry when she movingly sang “Rachel’s Lament.”

Anne Calmels gave a remarkable reading in Middle English from the “Prioress Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer (1343 - 1400).  A modern English version was provided in the program booklet. 

Dolores Allen read from “The Journey of the Magi” by TS Eliot. Between the readings there were processionals, songs and hymns sung by the choir. The choir was in good voice and well rehearsed and the solos were outstanding.

The well attended, festive occasion was a true affirmation of all the good wishes for this new year.