If you thought you knew the story of The Princess and The Pea, you may be in for a walloping surprise when Mainstage Center for the Arts Musical Theatre Company presents Once Upon a Mattress on May 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. at the Dennis Flyer Theater at Camden County College. The production is sponsored by Beneficial Bank.
Set in 15th Century Europe, the devious Queen Aggravain, played Olivia Foreman, rules a medieval kingdom along with the King, Lily Freund. The queen has declared that no one in the kingdom may marry until their son, Prince Dauntless, played by Vanya Weinstock, does so. The queen feels no one is suitable for her son and instructs her sidekick, the Wizard, played by Ava Dibabbo, to create tests that the princesses fail. This proves troublesome for Lady Larkin, Kolisa Pimentel of Runnemede, and Sir Harry, Chase Catling of Blackwood, who are in love and wish to be married.
“My character and Lady Larkin are a side plot to the main story line. The show is a lot of fun with great music. I think audiences will really enjoy it,” said Catling.
The story is narrated by a Minstrel, played by Riley Cassidy, who explains that Princess Winnifred, played Megan Moyers, an unrefined princess from the marshland swam the moat to get to Prince Dauntless.
“I love being Winnifred,” said Moyers. “She’s crazy and silly – a very comedic role.”
Upon her arrival, Winnifred charmed most of the kingdom, including Dauntless, but most definitely not the Queen. What tests did the Wizard and Queen dream up to get rid of Winnifred? Did she pass?
Find out as Mainstage Musical Theatre Company presents Once Upon A Mattress, Getting to Know You version. This musical comedy has music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. It is directed by Lindsay Deal with musical direction by Lexi Schrieber
“This cast members are a great group of kids. They really care about each other and that’s evident in rehearsals as they work together. It’s been a joy seeing them evolve,” said Deal.
Tickets are just $10 for adults and $6 for children, 12 and under. To purchase visit mainstage.org or call (856) 302-6485.
