A Hilarious Twist on “The Princess & the Pea” Comes to Mainstage

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, May 10 and 11, 7 pm, Dennis Flyer Theater, Camden County College, Blackwood.

Set in 15th Century Europe, the devious Queen Aggravain (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 (Vanya Weinstock) does so. The Queen feels no one is suitable for her son and instructs her sidekick, the Wizard (Ava Dibabbo) to create tests that the princesses fail. This proves troublesome for Lady Larkin (Kollisa Pimentel) and Sir Harry (Chase Catling) who are in love and wish to be married.

“In the beginning, Dauntless does whatever his mother wants. I enjoy how he grows and becomes more independent,” said Weinstock.

The story is narrated by a Minstrel (Riley Cassidy), who explains that Princess Winnifred (Megan Moyers), an unrefined princess from the marshland swam the moat to get to Prince Dauntless.

“I love playing Winnifred,” said Moyers. “She’s crazy and silly – a very comedic role. Also, there is great choreography in the show.”

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 in order to dismiss Winnifred? Did she succeed despite their efforts?

Find out as Mainstage Musical Theatre Company presents Once Upon A Mattress, Getting to Know version, sponsored by Beneficial Bank. 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 who are all part of Mainstage’s Musical Theatre Class. 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.

Additional characters include: Lucille (Casey Hartigan), Rowena (Cameron Tracy), Princess #12 (Gracianna Bangle), 1st Knight (Tori White), 2nd Knight (Olivia Milano), Beatrice (Emily Shewell), Harold (Kira Fisher), Ladies in Waiting (Casey Hartigan, Cameron Tracy, Gracianna Bangle, Gianna Reginelli, Emily Shewell, Olivia Milano), and the Knights (Victoria White, Willow Mignone, Mackinley Duca, Alia Bachen, and Kira Fisher).

Ticket prices to Once Upon a Mattress are $10 for adults and $6 for seniors/children 12 and under. To purchase, visit mainstage.org or call (856) 302-6485.

About Mainstage

Mainstage Center for the Arts, located at Camden County College in Blackwood, NJ is committed toward making the arts experience enjoyable for all its patrons. In an effort to make the shows, concerts, events, workshops, classes, and offices accessible to as many as possible, Mainstage offers many services for patrons requiring assistance. For anyone in need of assistance, please notify the office at (856) 227-3091 at the time of purchasing tickets, or at least five days prior to the event you are attending.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, the parent program for Summer Stage, is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization committed to providing a creative, vibrant, and nurturing environment for youth and adults. This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. This program is also made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Cultural Trust.