Revels Goes Medieval in Swanson’s Swan Song with ‘Feast of Fools’

Vincent Ernest Siders (The King, far left) and the cast of Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools
Photos by Paul Buckley

Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools: A Medieval Celebration of the Solstice – Written and Directed by Patrick Swanson and Debra Wise.; Musical Direction by Elijah Botkin; Choreography by Susan Dibble; Set Design by Jeremy Barnett; Sound Design by Bill Winn; Lighting Design by Jeff Adelberg; Costume Design by Heidi A. Hermiller; Presented by Revels, Inc. at The Sanders Theater at Harvard University, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, through December 28th.

Retiring Revels Artistic Director Paddy Swanson is ending his career on a decidedly high note, delivering on his promise to the Globe’s Terry Byrne to “return to our roots, with brass instruments with their big sound, big carols, and processions.” The result is the highly entertaining Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – and it’s quite possibly the best Revels in years. This year’s edition (the 53rd, 34th with Swanson at the helm) is also marinaded in comedy, bolstered by a trio of talented fools, Folly (René Collins), Fiasco (Eliza Rose Fichter), and Flop (Roger Reed), who serve their king (a regal and affably commanding Vincent Ernest Siders) with irreverent devotion.

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