We spent the weekend in Madison for our annual pilgrimage to St. Dennis Church to see the annual performance of "Old Befana". Ken Lonnquist and his gang have been doing this show for years. Ken wrote the musical version of Old Befana 19 years ago and it has grown each year in popularity. This is a show that is appropriate for all ages. It tells an old Eastern European tale of a widow that was asked to join the Three Wise Men as they make their journey to the town of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the special child born who was born on Christmas Day. You remember the baby, don't you. They called him "Wonderful," "Magnificent," "Saviour," "Christ." Old Befana doesn't follow the Three Wise Men, instead she chooses to stay home and tend to the menial tasks. When she realizes that she should have followed them, it is too late. She then takes her baked goods, candies, and cookies throughout the land delivering them to each child on January 6th, the Epiphany, Three Kings Day, hoping that one of the children she delivers to is that "Special Child" who will make a difference in the world.
The music is entertaining, as well as the gifted vocals of his cohorts, who are professional singers, as well as a wonderful bass player. They bring together this show each year for about 3-4 weeks in December and January. We've become kind of "Old Befana" groupies, having seen the show in Madison for 4 or 5 years and once in Chicago. If you ever get the chance to see this tale (some say it is actually more than 3000 years old, preceding the birth of Christ), don't pass up the opportunity. You'll be glad you went.
For more information about Ken Lonnquist or his music, including Old Befana, go to his web site: www.kenland.com.
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