Appalachian State presents “Once Upon a Mattress,” Act I

Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance collaborate on a production of Act I of this beloved musical comedy. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Princess and the Pea, Once Upon a Mattress tells the story of Princess Winnifred, who must prove her sensitivity by sleeping atop 20 mattresses with a pea hidden underneath. The Broadway production (music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Barer) is a fan favorite thanks to its catchy tunes, comedic elements, and wholesome nature. 

Learn more about the Hayes School of Music at music.appstate.edu/

Learn more about the Department of Theatre and Dance at theatreanddance.appstate.edu/

Run Time: Approx. 60 minutes
Recommended for: Grades K-6
Study Guide: to come

The Synopsis of Once Upon a Mattress

Queen Aggravain, the queen of a kingdom, is determined to keep her son, Prince Dauntless, single by refusing to allow anyone else to marry until he finds a bride. To test potential princesses, the Queen subjects them to the “sensitivity test,” involving sleeping on a bed with a pea hidden beneath 20 mattresses. This test is designed to be impossibly hard for any true princess to pass. Sir Harry and Lady Larken, who are secretly going to have a baby, are desperate for the ban to be lifted so they can marry. Sir Harry seeks out Princess Winnifred, believing she could be the answer. Winnifred, a feisty and unconventional princess, arrives at the castle and challenges the Queen’s rigid rules and expectations. She doesn’t fit the mold of a “proper” princess and is seen as a breath of fresh air. The people of the kingdom begin to defy the Queen’s rules, and Winnifred’s influence leads to a change in the kingdom’s atmosphere. She uses her wits and strength to charm the Prince and challenge the Queen. Ultimately, Winnifred’s actions and the Prince’s own defiance of his mother’s control break a curse on the King, who is finally able to speak again. This leads to the Queen’s reign being overthrown, and the kingdom rejoices in its new freedom. Prince Dauntless and Princess Winnifred marry, and Sir Harry and Lady Larken are finally able to wed, marking a new era of happiness and freedom for the kingdom. 

Educator Workshops

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Questions? Contact chenauskyc@appstate.edu | 828.262.2948