Medomak Valley High School Players opened their fall musical “Once Upon a Mattress” last Thursday to an appreciative audience.
Directed by Nancy Durgin, the bouncy musical was a crowd pleaser from the moment the pantomime began. Featuring future Medomak students Kylie Moody, Rachel Gross, Eliana Gross, and Kylie Blake and a pleasing narration sung by the Minstrel (J.P. Lobley), the performances of whom Durgin calls the “Beansies” sets the show up for success from the start.
“Once Upon a Mattress,” is a zany musical send-up of the beloved Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.”
No one in the kingdom is permitted to marry until Prince Dauntless (Kevin Donlin) exchanges vows – a problem hindered by the fact that his overprotective mother, Queen Aggravain (Isabelle Lobley) has thus far thwarted all efforts to marry her son.
Enter Winnifred the Woebegone (Halie Haskins), the outspoken contender who immediately captures Dauntless’ heart. As played by the vivacious Haskins, Princess Winifred is the opposite of the stereotypical storybook princess; she swims moats, she is loud, and she is brave.
Her gestures and voice filled the stage throughout. Her sarcastic tone fit lines like, “All right sheep, I’m ready when you are,” when she could not sleep or the comment that Cinderella had help from “that crazy lady with the wand.” Haskins’ was a sparkling performance.
A passel of other courtly characters strike further blows to the classic concept of refined behavior: the devious old wizard (Johnn Trueman), the lady-in-waiting (Greta Brown), and the easy-going jester (Abby Brooks) and Sir Harry ( Justin Gillman).
Gillman is perhaps more typical of a storybook character – his terrific stage presence and lovely voice were reminiscent of romantic Princes Charming from many tales. Sir Harry knows his own perfection and never fails in his knightly duties. That Sir Harry is something of a heel made Gillman’s portrayal a high note.
The supporting actors also gave consistent performances in their own roles. King Sextimus the Silent (Devin Widdecomb) pantomimed his way through the two acts, chasing ladies through the castle in many scenes. Isabelle Lobely’s Queen Aggravain is a scheming, devilish mother. She gives a star turn as the obnoxious queen.
The enthusiastic cast includes Amanda Dever, Julia McClure, Jeannie Trueman, Josh Beckett, Paul Brown, Gavin Felch, Aaron Smeltzer, Kelsea Wotton, Hannah Babcock, Kristen Simmons, Tekia Cox, Sage Rolling, Desiree Foley, Brianna Gross, Elizabeth Widdecomb, Christina McClure, Kaitlyn Hanson, Haley Mank, Angela Gray, Cheyenne Silvinski and Michelle Hopkins.
The show itself is a musical comedy gem – Mary Rodgers’ music deserves the ultimate compliment: it withstands comparison to the work of her legendary father, Richard. And Barer’s lyrics are nothing short of brilliant: “Alas! A lass is what I lack; I lack a lass. Alas! A lack!” and, “Where sir and when sir? I couldn’t be tenser.”
The orchestra is behind the actors; a challenge for all concerned. A 12-piece pit band adds the icing on the cake, carefully watching through a video feed to ensure that they stay with the singers.
Under the direction of Peter Stuart, they do an admirable job with a professional sound that enhances the production. The overall affect of the invisible musicians is worth the effort, allowing the newly added thrust on the stage to bring the young cast closer to the audience. It keeps the focus squarely where it belongs in any young people’s production: on the performers.
“Mattress” is a great evening for the whole family in the capable hands of Durgin, with stylish choreography by Assistant Director Emily Moore and fine choral work by Susan Jones. The kids will get the slapstick humor and there is enough adult humor to keep the rest of the family entertained.
“Once Upon a Mattress” continues for a final weekend at Medomak Valley High School, Fri.-Sun., Nov. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Sat., Nov. 12. Call 832-5389 Ext. 107 for tickets.
