Music: Mary Rodgers Lyrics: Marshall Barer Book: Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller & Marshall Barer
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| Based on the fairy tale of The Princess and the Pea, Once
Upon a Mattress was originally written by Mary Rodgers (daughter of Richard Rodgers)
and Marshall Barer as part of an adult summer camp. The original one-act version was so
well-received that they decided to expand it into a full-length musical. The story centers around Prince Dauntless the Drab whose mother, Queen Agravain, seeking to keep the boy to herself, has declared that he will wed only a true princess of royal blood. When Princess Winnifred arrives dripping wet (having swam the moat!) and declares herself a contender for the Prince's hand, the Queen devises a clever test to determine whether this self-proclaimed princess is worthy of her son. Once Upon a Mattress opened at the Phoenix Theater on May 11, 1959 with Carol Burnett playing the part of Princess Winnifred, Joseph Bova as Prince Dauntless, and Jane White as Queen Agravain. |
This production sponsored by Duncan Little Theatre offers area youth an opportunity to participate in all aspects of theatre. Not only will they act in a play, there will also be classes in makeup, props, set, publicity,costume, lighting and sound, producing, and program. Teens design their own T-shirt and each participant will receive a student membership to Duncan Little Theatre for the 2001-2002 season. Classes are from 9:00 AM -12:00 pm Monday-Friday at the Simmons Center Theatre.