2025 Production: A Fairy Tale with a Twist!

PRODUCTION HISTORY

Once Upon a Mattress is a whimsical musical comedy that reimagines the fairy tale The Princess and the Pea, featuring a bold and unconventional princess, Winnifred, who must pass a test to marry Prince Dauntless. First performed in 1959, the show marked Carol Burnett’s Broadway debut, launching her into stardom with her iconic portrayal of Winnifred. The musical’s lively score by Mary Rodgers and clever lyrics by Marshall Barer have made it a favorite for theatergoers and performers alike. Its original Broadway run was followed by several revivals, including a Tony-nominated production in 1996 starring Sarah Jessica Parker. The show has also been adapted for television, cementing its status as a classic. Known for its humor, catchy songs like “Shy,” and heartwarming themes, Once Upon a Mattress remains a beloved staple in musical theater.

STORY

Once Upon a Mattress is a humorous musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Queen Aggravain has declared that no one in the kingdom can marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a suitable bride, but she sabotages every candidate with impossible tests. Princess Winnifred, a bold and unconventional young woman, arrives to win Dauntless’s heart, but the queen challenges her to prove her sensitivity by detecting a pea hidden beneath twenty mattresses. Meanwhile, Sir Harry and Lady Larken, a court couple eager to marry, work to help Winnifred succeed. With the help of the mute but clever King Sextimus and the supportive court, Winnifred passes the test, exposing the queen’s trickery. In the end, Dauntless stands up to his domineering mother, and the kingdom celebrates with love, weddings, and newfound freedom.

CAST 

Congratulations to the 2025 Cast!