A fairy tale with a twist is coming to the Midlakes stage this March as the Midlakes Theatre Experience prepares its spring musical.
The award-winning program announced it will present Once Upon a Mattress at the Midlakes High School Auditorium in Clifton Springs, bringing a classic comedy to life with a large student cast and alumni-led creative team.
The musical, directed by Marie Fischer with assistant directors Mikayla Wilkes and Lindsay Douglass, takes place in a fictional medieval kingdom ruled by the overbearing Queen Aggravain. The queen has banned marriages until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a bride, setting off a humorous chain of events when Princess Winnifred arrives.
Once Upon a Mattress is based on the fairy tale The Princess and the Pea and centers on the queen’s elaborate attempt to prove Winnifred is not “princess material.” Her test involves stacking 20 mattresses with a single pea hidden underneath, a challenge meant to expose even the slightest discomfort. A minstrel and group of players help tell the story, revealing that the legend passed down in the kingdom may not be the whole truth.
Liesl Dorr will portray Queen Aggravain, with Brian Canaan playing Prince Dauntless. Robert Lally takes on the role of King Sextimus the Silent, and Maeve Jankowski stars as Princess Winnifred the Woebegone. The cast also includes Allison DeRuyter, Ellie Dorr, Blake Jensen, Gavin Ruggles, Justin Herman, and a full ensemble of student performers.
The production features choreography by Stefan Uveges, vocal and music direction by Adam Chandler and Will Hope, and technical leadership from Charlie King and Cris Brown. Lighting design comes from Ross Gifford, with props and set dressing by Trevor Barcomb. Costumes are handled by Nancy Denisi and Susie Bonawitz.
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 12 to March 14, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 15. All shows will take place at the Midlakes High School Auditorium.
Tickets cost $10 in advance, with a discounted $8 rate for students and senior citizens. Tickets purchased at the door will cost an additional $2. Advance tickets are available at the Midlakes High School Main Office and several local businesses across Clifton Springs, Phelps, Canandaigua, and Geneva.
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