Jester Jacob Isiminger and Wizard Nick Gati support Princess Winnifred (Julianna Kates) during a dance number. Submitted, Maura Brehl
Musical season has begun at the high school. Students auditioned in late Dec. 2014 and began rehearsing at the beginning of January for this year’s production, “Once Upon a Mattress.”
“Once Upon a Mattress” features a variety of characters. From the evil Queen Aggravain (Maura Brehl) to the bold Princess Winnifred (Julianna Kates), it is clear that the characters have differing personalities.
Leads include the Minstrel (Brandon Flemmens), the Wizard (Nick Gati), Lady Larken (Anna Pavoncello), Prince Dauntless (Brady Pappas), King Sextimus (Mitchell Frantz), the Jester (Jacob Isiminger), Sir Harry (Gabe Tyson), the Queen, and Princess Winnifred.
“Once Upon a Mattress” is a musical very similar to “The Princess and the Pea.” It centers around a kingdom ruled by a mute king and not-so-mute queen. Queen Aggravain controls everything, including her son, Prince Dauntless.
In the land, there is a marriage law that no one may marry until Dauntless himself does. Thus, the musical depicts a desperate search, as noted in the first cast number “Opening for a Princess,” for a “good enough, nice enough, sweet enough, smart enough” princess to marry Dauntless.
Winnifred, the thirteenth contestant, is not the peoples’ idea of a true lady, but they are willing to accept anyone who is a potential mate for the Prince.
The cast has been hard at work for a month rehearsing lines, music, and dance numbers to improve the show.
“Rehearsals have been going extremely well! Everyone is getting their lines down and really starting to get into character. This musical is a hilarious comedy which will make just about anyone laugh,” said senior Maura Brehl.
Show dates are March 6 at 7:30, March 7 at 2:30, and March 7 at 7:30. Ticket sales opened to the public on Feb. 7.
Will Winnifred make a true match for Dauntless? Will she pass the Queen’s test? Will she ever stop falling into the moat?
You’ll have to come out and see.