A collaboration between the theatre and music programs at Virginia Tech will result in a concert-style production of the family-friendly musical comedy “Once Upon A Mattress” April 13-16 at the Moss Arts Center, presented by the School of Performing Arts.
The plot is based on the classic fairytale “The Princess and the Pea.”
Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the queen. That is, until the 'shy' swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince, and help Lady Larkin and Sir Harry to the altar? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the classic tale “The Princess and the Pea” provides some side-splitting shenanigans.
The production will be “truly a joint venture between theatre and music, supported by the School of Performing Arts,” said Cara Rawlings, associate professor of theatre who is co-directing the show with Ariana Wyatt, associate professor of voice. Brian Thorsett, associate professor of voice, serves as the vocal director, and Mathias Elmer, director of orchestral activities and assistant professor of music, is music director. Elmer will conduct the 35-member Virginia Tech Philharmonic, which will play on stage alongside the actors.
Of the philharmonic’s role, Elmer said, “This is a very unique opportunity for us to be involved with the musical. I am very thankful that our students will get the experience of performing/accompanying in a setting that is nontraditional for us. This will definitely help push us onto a new level, musically and artistically.”
The title role of Princess Winnifred was originated by the famous comedic actress Carol Burnett, who won the 1960 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. Maya Jaffe, a double major in theatre in the School of Performing Arts in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design and psychology in the College of Science, will take on the brashly lovable character in this production.
“Once Upon A Mattress” is “a story about being yourself and never shying away from a challenge,” Jaffe said. She said she is looking forward to performing on the Anne and Ellen Fife stage at the Moss Arts Center, a unique opportunity for an undergraduate actor.
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
Music by: MARY RODGERS
Lyrics by: MARSHALL BARER
Book by: JAY THOMPSON, DEAN FULLER, and MARSHALL BARER
Stage Direction by: Ariana Wyatt and Cara Rawlings
Musical Direction by: Mathias Elmer
Vocal Direction by: Brian Thorsett
Performed in collaboration with the VT Philharmonic
Performance dates:
Thursday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m.
All performances will be in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre at the Moss Arts Center, 190 Alumni Mall in Blacksburg.
More information about "Once Upon A Mattress" is available online.
Tickets are $15 general and $12 for seniors/students and may be purchased through the Moss Arts Center ticket office in person, by calling 540-231-5300, or may be purchased online. Tickets will also be available at the door beginning one hour prior to the performance.
For more information, contact performingarts@vt.edu or call 540-231-5200.
