Marion High School Drama and Choir is bringing the modern classic Once Upon a Mattress to the main stage at the Walton Performing Arts Center this spring.
Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea provides some side-splitting shenanigans. For after all, a princess is a delicate thing.
This fun musical was born in a Poconos resort in 1958 and proved so popular it headed off-Broadway in summer 1959, and then to Broadway proper, featuring then-newcomer Carol Burnett in the starring role. Burnett would reprise her role for two TV productions of the show, one in 1964 and another 1972. In 1995, the show returned to Broadway, this time featuring Sarah Jessicah Parker as Winnefred. Decades later, it remains one of the top-licensing shows in the world.
And now, MHS drama students bring it to the Walton!
The show is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15. More details will be available closer to the show dates.
Music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer. Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer.
Once Upon A Mattress is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals, www.concordtheatricals.com.
Original source can be found here.