April 13, 2023
By Rachel Scofield
Photos by Amy Lynn
Millersport Community Theatre’s (MCT) production of Once Upon a Mattress is a delight for audiences of all ages.
In this twisted take on The Princess and the Pea, Queen Aggravain (Misty Connor), has decreed that “Throughout the land no one may wed, ’till (her son Prince) Dauntless shares his wedding bed.”
Winnifred the Woebegone or “Fred” for short (Ashley James), an unrefined princess from the Marshlands, swims to the castle to win the hand of Prince Dauntless (Zackary Devoll). Twelve princesses who had tried before her all failed the queen’s impossible tests.
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Debuting in 1959, the show was composed by Mary Rodgers who would later write the novel Freaky Friday. The lyrics were written by Marshall Barer who also penned the theme song to Mighty Mouse.
“This show has something for everyone!” said director Ethan Mauger. “Once Upon a Mattress is hilarious, sincere and family-friendly.”
The musical marks the directorial debut for Mauger, who has been a regular on the MCT stage, playing a range of memorable characters including Shrek’s Lord Farquaad and Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar.
“I can confidently say that this experience is one of the most challenging jobs in my theatrical career thus far,” Mauger said. “Directing has been one of the most humbling, yet rewarding adventures and I could not have done it without my incredible cast and crew and their incredible dedication.”
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MCT is the true definition of “community theater”.
“We have people from so many different backgrounds and from all over central Ohio, who have come together to make this show into something really special,” Mauger said. “Millersport Community Theatre has been around for almost 50 years bringing quality live entertainment to the surrounding area.”
Performances of Once Upon a Mattress will take place in the Millersport Elementary Auditorium (11850 Lancaster Street, Millersport) on April 14th and 15th at 7:30 p.m. and April 16th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets cost $15.00 and may be purchased online.
MCT’s Summer production will be Chicago.
Please also consider supporting MCT by purchasing bed sheets through the group’s new online fundraiser.
Per MCT’s Facebook page, “The sheets are super soft, microfiber and include a fitted sheet, top sheet, and two pillowcases! They come in all sorts of colors. All you have to do is go to the link and scroll through our selection of sheets and buy online! Once purchased, the sheets will be shipped directly to your house. Easy PEAsy (Get it?)”
Click the arrows to see more images from Amy Lynn Photography.
