Over the past few months, Central’s Performing Arts Department has been working on their production of “Once Upon a Mattress” which shows on Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 in the auditorium at 7:00 p.m. both nights and 2:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
“Once Upon a Mattress” is a parody musical of the popular fairy tale “Princess and the Pea” and is a comedic take on the story the cast and crew have been working with daily.
“The students are having a great time working on putting it all together, so I think seeing them having fun acting and singing and dancing brings joy to me,” said Scott Mead, the director of this musical and a performing arts teacher at Central.
The plot of the musical follows the character Prince Dauntless as he wants to get married, while his mom, Queen Aggravain, attempts to find the perfect princess even though she believes no one is good enough for her son. Princess Winnifred is introduced, and the audience finds that she is not your typical princess. The queen gives the princess a test to prove herself as worthy and acceptable for the prince.
This musical is more on the funny, lighthearted side, so it’s suited for all audiences and families.
“Look forward to seeing the story unfold before their eyes, see and listen to fun songs and dances to go along and help tell the story,” Mead said.
“It’s just a great show and it’s easy to follow along,” said Vivian Dauner, a Central High school senior who is playing the lead, Princess Winnifred.
She has had a great experience throughout the process, despite some challenges coming from playing such a complex and different character. More than anything else, she wants to get the right angle on her role, it being her last in high school.
“It feels very full circle to be able to do my last show here at Central, but I’ve had so much fun with the cast and crew of the show. I’m so grateful for the opportunity,” Dauner said.
Compared to last year’s musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” the process and challenges arising have been very similar. Both shows are set in the same medieval time period, so costuming and sets seem to reflect one another. Despite this, the shows themselves are very different.
“I hope that people will come back and see the show and enjoy it just as much as last year’s,” Mead said.
“The process is coming along. We’ll be ready by the show dates and so we’re excited for people to come and see the show,” Mead said.
Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. They are available online or outside of the auditorium on show dates.
