Lauren Saner / Winonan

Every year, the Winona State University’s Women’s Chorus and Concert Choir present either a madrigal banquet or a dessert music revue. For their 23rd year, the ensembles are presenting a Dessert Theatre in honor of William Shakespeare as a celebration of the 400th anniversary of his death.

“This year will be recreating the regal elegance of the renaissance past through music, costumes, feast and pageantry,” Director Harry Mechell said, in his announcement of the event.

The members of the choir will begin the evening by creating a medieval bizarre in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center, sharing their individual talents with the audience prior to the beginning of the event. In between performances of the choirs, there will be dancing and skits put on by the members of concert choir. Desserts will be featured, reflecting those found at traditional madrigal feasts of the 16th century, such as “Pate De Fruits Lozenges” and “Fresh Made Medieval Fig Tarts.”

“This event brings together all aspects of the performing arts: dancing, singing and acting.  It’s a unique experience – not often do you get to go and experience this 16th century atmosphere,” Brooke May, president of the American Choral Directors Association, said about the event.

The Dessert Theater will take place on Feb. 27 in the Vivian Fusillo Theatre in the Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased beforehand online. General admission tickets are $25, and tickets are $12 for Winona State students with an ID.