2025 Production: A Fairy Tale with a Twist!

‘Once Upon A Mattress’ is a musical comedy based on the fairy tale ‘The Princess and the Pea’.

CASTING CALL IS CLOSED

We are grateful for the overwhelming response!  Auditions are now closed for Once Upon a Mattress.  If you are still interested in getting involved please let us know at trmpdirectors@gmail.com.

Auditions Dates

Monday, November 25th – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

 Wednesday, November 27th – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Location: Arnprior District High School, Drama Room

Scroll down to get all the info including audition materials.

musical theatre play arnprior once upon a mattress

SUMMARY

‘Once Upon a Mattress’ is a musical comedy that reimagines Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” In a medieval kingdom, Queen Aggravain decrees that no one may marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, weds a true princess, subjecting potential brides to nearly impossible tests. Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, an unconventional and spirited woman from the swamps, arrives to vie for Dauntless’s hand, endearing herself to him and the court. Determined to prevent the marriage, Queen Aggravain sets a final test: placing a pea beneath twenty mattresses, believing only a true princess would detect it. Despite the Queen’s efforts to sabotage her, Winnifred remains awake all night, proving her sensitivity and royal authenticity. The musical concludes with the marriage of Dauntless and Winnifred, bringing joy and freedom to the realm.

HISTORY

‘Once Upon a Mattress” is a musical comedy that premiered Off-Broadway in May 1959 before transferring to Broadway later that year. It marked the Broadway debut of Carol Burnett, who originated the role of Princess Winnifred. The show is a humorous adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea,” featuring music by Mary Rodgers and lyrics by Marshall Barer. Notably, the original production played in five different Broadway theaters, a record for a Broadway musical. The musical has been revived multiple times, including a 1996 Broadway production starring Sarah Jessica Parker and a 2024 revival featuring Sutton Foster. Its enduring popularity is attributed to its witty script, memorable songs, and the dynamic character of Princess Winnifred.

AUDITION PREP

 We are grateful for the overwhelming response!  Auditions are now closed for Once Upon a Mattress.  If you are still interested in getting involved please let us know at trmpdirectors@gmail.com.

– Everyone MUST sing Edelweiss.

Note: If you are interested in auditioning for the role of Princess Winifred, please be prepared to sing the first sixteen bars of the  song “Shy” found below.

– Prepare a monologue reading provided below.  You do not have to memorize your monologue, but please rehearse it.  Show us what you can bring to the character!  If you are auditioning for a primary role, then a reading is mandatory.  You may be asked to read for more than one role.

– Arrive at least 10 minutes early to your audition time to receive more information and to have your photo taken (photos are for the production team only and will not be shared.  All photos will be deleted when auditions are completed)

HAVE FUN!

Monologue Info

Pick your character and the monologue info for your audition below.

Song Info

All those auditioning should prepare to sing Edelweiss.

Note: If you are interested in auditioning for the role of Princess Winifred, please be prepared to sing the first sixteen bars of the song “Shy” found below.

Did You Book Your Audition?

Get Involved!

There’s a place for everyone in community theatre. On stage, off stage, many hands make light work and more fun!