Darlington’s fine arts department will present “Once Upon a Mattress” Feb. 13-15 at the Historic DeSoto Theatre. Doors will open Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., with show time at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday matinee begins at 2:30 p.m., and doors open at 2 p.m.
“Once Upon a Mattress” features music by Mary Rodgers and lyrics by Marshall Barer, and is based on the book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer. The classic Broadway musical adaptation finds its roots in Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Princess and the Pea.”
The story follows the woes of a fictitious medieval kingdom caught in a debacle when an unfair queen decrees it illegal for her citizens to marry. Only when her son, the Prince Dauntless, finds true love and ties the knot may other citizens also unite in matrimony.
The kingdom’s luck begins to change with the arrival of swamp-born Princess Winnifred, who is intent on winning the prince’s hand in marriage. What happens next involves the queen’s hilarious pursuits to keep her son a bachelor, involving wild dancing, melodrama, outrageous tests of strength, 20 mattresses and a pea.
“This is a show that is as entertaining for adults as it is for children,” said Kim Tunnell, Darlington’s director of fine arts. “It is a more raw version of a classic fairy tale.”
An ensemble of students in grades 9 through 12 will star in this year’s winter musical. Senior Gabrielle Wood will play Princess Winnifred opposite Prince Dauntless, who will be portrayed by sophomore Ian Kinney. The role of the scheming queen will be played by sophomore Palesa Molapo, alongside junior Lyons Nida who will portray her cursed and mute king.
Also joining the list of main characters is Lady Larken, played by sophomore Paulina Elsner. Lady Larken’s love interest Sir Harry the knight will be portrayed by senior Abraham Johnson. Junior Adam Tarrant will play the minstrel, junior Julia Warren will portray the Jester, and sophomore Chandler Edge will play the Wizard.
"My favorite part about Lady Larken is that she is a diva—a drama queen," said Paulina Elsner, an international student from Germany. "To see the students in a completely different character is a lot of fun in my first winter musical."
"Playing my role is a lot of fun because Harry is such a comedic character—egotistical and somewhat “jockish,” but all-the-while well-meaning,” said Abraham Johnson. “Working with Paulina has been a highlight…from our first audition together [a scene where Larkin and Harry have a melodramatic yelling match], we clicked instantly.”
A group of seven student dancers will be featured throughout the musical under the direction of dance captain junior Eleanor Goldin and professional choreographer Amie Sabourin. Live music for the show will be performed by an orchestra comprised of fine arts students and professional musicians.
Darlington’s production of “Once Upon a Mattress” will feature familiar tunes from the Broadway musical including “In a Little While,” “Shy,” “Song of Love” and “Happily Ever After.”
“Everyone should come see the show because the music is great, the dialogue is hilarious, and we have a great cast that has been working very hard on the production," said Johnson.
Tickets for the show can be purchased in advance online at www.darlingtonschool.org/musical or at the door. General admission tickets are $10. A limited number of tickets for a reserved seating section are available for $15, and must be purchased online. For more information, contact ktunnell@darlingtonschool.org.
