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.