Anita Campbell
County Reporter
Searching for a “real” princess is the theme of this year’s musical Once Upon a Mattress to be presented November 12 and 13 on the Warsaw High School stage. The first performance will start at 2:00pm on November 12 with a second performance following at 7:00pm. Then the cast will take the stage again at 2:00pm on November 13.
The story begins in a faraway kingdom long ago. Due to an unhappy curse, King Sextimus is unable to speak. Meanwhile, his terror-of-a-wife, Queen Aggravain, has taken over control of the kingdom. Most importantly, in an attempt to keep Prince Dauntless single, she has decreed that only the princess that can pass her test may marry her son. Further, no one else in the kingdom may marry until Prince Dauntless does. Lady Larken and Sir Harry are extremely disturbed by this fact since Lady Larken is now pregnant with Sir Harry's baby.
Luckily, Sir Harry is able to find an amazing princess, Winnifred the Woebegone. She instantly catches the attention of Prince Dauntless but Queen Aggravain is determined to stop the Princess from marrying her son.
The cast includes Logan Schockmann as Prince Dauntless; Samantha Pearman as Princess Winnifred; Grace Drake as Queen Aggravaine; and Jayson Roberts as King Sextimus.
Logan Schockmann, who portrays Prince Dauntless, said that the musical is funny with lots of jokes. “I encourage everyone to come out and support the music department as well as having a good time,” said Schockmann. Schockmann has been involved in music for as long as he can remember from Keyboard Kids to Middle School Choir to four years in Madrigal.
Grace Drake who portrays Queen Aggragian, is a three year member of Madrigal. “I have been singing since I was in Keyboard Kids in elementary school. It is fun to be a leader this year in the musical,” said Drake.
Other cast members include: Damian Fogle as Jester; Reece Brazel as Wizard; Kathryn Lomax as Minstrel; Olivia Langton as Lady Larkin and Jesse Parker as Sir Harry.
Parker said his character Sir Harry is in love with Olivia Langton and has some real “lovey dovey” scenes. “It is a fun show and I think everyone will enjoy it,” said Parker. Parker is a four year member of Madrigal.
Damian Fogle, who plays the Jester, offers comic relief to the musical. Fogle has to interpret for the king since the king has been cursed and is mute. “It is a very funny play and I think the audience will enjoy it,” said Fogle.
Julie Huckaby will portray Lady Merrill; Aly Alcantara will portray Lady Rowena; Mara Jensen will portray Lady Lucille and Josephine Kelsey will portray Lady H.
Samantha Pearman, who portrays Winifred the Woebegone, is the real princess who can feel the pea through the mattress. “There are lots of cheesy jokes that adults should fine amusing,” said Pearman. “The play is really funny. Come out and support the music department.”
Olivia Langton, Lady Larkin, agreed with Pearman. “It is a really funny show with great music. Come out and spend the evening with us,” said Langton
Still other cast includes: Jayden Culbertson as knight 1; Shawn Melvin as Knight 2; J.C. Minks as Knight 3; Ayden Burdick as Luce; Jovi Robertson as Luce’s Lady and Hudson Karr as Studly.
Grace Miller will portray Maybelle; Jaxson Deckard will portray Omnes; Aleah Minks will appear as Wench 1; Chloey Brazel will appear as Wench 2; and Sonia Lasseigne will appear as Wench 3.
This musical was first presented on Broadway with the legendary Carol Burnett as Princess Winnifred. Music is by Mary Rodgers with lyrics by Marshall Barer. Once Upon a Mattress is based on the book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer.
Once Upon a Mattress director WHS vocal instructor Deanna Schockmann reported that her cast has been working hard to deliver an amazing production. “We have been working since the beginning of the school year to learn lines and songs and we are ready to treat the community to a entertaining show,” said Schockmann. “Rehearsals are hectic but my students never disappoint me, they always pull off a great performance.”
Recently retired WHS counselor Katie Johnson is co-directing with Schockmann. “Mrs. Schockmann asked me to help her and since I have never had the opportunity to direct a musical, I was glad to help out,” said Johnson. “I love working with these students and as an artist it is natural to want to perform.”
Admission to Once Upon a Mattress will be $8 for adults and $5 for students. Children 3 and under will be admitted free of charge.
The concession stand will consist of a bake sale as well as the usual soft drinks.
Make plans to enjoy a Broadway musical right here in Warsaw on November 12 and 13.
