IN a kingdom far, far away—and nowhere near Camelot, Shrek’s swamp or Santa Cruz—lives a king that is struck dumb, wizards past their prime, court jesters, battling sibling minstrels and a score of proper knights and ladies, all characters in the zany and festively fun ride that is Once Upon a Mattress. A fractured fairy tale is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s Princess and the Pea, Mattress the musical is the story of an overbearing queen who seeks to test the bloodlines of young women seeking to marry her precious and very sheltered son. By putting a small pea under the mattress, the queen reasons that a true princess would be far too sensitive to sleep soundly. In this production, that story line, as well as numerous fairy tale archetypes, become ripe for humor.
Tickets are on sale now for the Mount Madonna School high school production of lively musical “Once Upon a Mattress.” A vibrant performing arts tradition and integrated arts curriculum make Mount Madonna School performances outstanding. Put aside any stereotypes of what “high school play” might bring to mind—think attention to detail, great costumes, staging, musical talents and dramatic accomplishment. Performances are Friday and Saturday, Jan. 22– 23, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 24, 2 p.m. All seats reserved, tickets are available at (408) 847-2717. Prices: $15 for adults, $10 for 18 and under.
“The show presents plenty of opportunity to inhabit bold, raucous characters,” commented Sampad Martin Kachuck, the school’s longtime performing arts director, ”and was the unanimous choice by those students who shared their opinion during the selection discussions last summer. Within the process of this, and every, production, we are committed to establishing strong community, encouraging all involved to bring integrity and openness to the endeavor, to collaborate with good spirit, to expand our abilities, and to enjoy the creative journey together.”
