ASU’s Herberger Mainstage Lyric Opera Theatre presents the musical version of the Princess and the Pea fairytale in Once upon a Mattress

TEMPE, Ariz. – The classic fairytale of the Princess and the Pea comes alive when ASU’s Herberger Mainstage Lyric Opera Theatre presents the popular musical Once Upon a Mattress, Feb. 27-March 7. Mattress first premiered on Broadway in 1959 starring Carol Burnett and has been entertaining audiences with its colorful characters and music ever since.

Mary Rodgers composed the score to this fairytale story where Winifred the Woebegone and several other young maidens must pass a rigorous test to win the hand of Prince Dauntless the Drab. The prince’s mother, Queen Agravain, tests the maidens by putting a pea under 20 mattresses, and the one to notice the pea will win the Prince’s hand. Hilarity ensues as the mute King, played by Lyric Opera Theatre associate director Dale Dreyfoos, chases every maiden in the castle, while the unassuming Winifred finally passes the test. The news is a relief to all of the frustrated lords and ladies in the kingdom who can’t marry until the Prince does!

“This musical is going to be great fun and totally engaging across the board,” says JoAnn Yeoman, School of Music lecturer and choreographer forMattress. “The set design is colorful and reminiscent of medieval mystery plays and Commedia dell’Arte.” Set designer William Symington created sets that look like illustrations from a child’s fairy tale book.

Graham Whitehead will direct Mattress and Christine Riley, a School of Music graduate assistant, is the musical director. Other cast members include faculty member David Britton as the wizard; Lauren Chapman as Princess Winifred; Mike Sample as Prince Dauntless; Amanda Kutchinski as Queen Agravain; Timothy Glemser as the minstrel and Ben Medina as the jester.

WHEN: Feb. 27 and 28; March 3, 5 6 and 7, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 29, 2 p.m.

WHERE: The Evelyn Smith Music Theatre in the ASU Music Building, 40 E. Gammage Pkwy., Tempe

TICKETS: $14 adults; $12 seniors, faculty, staff and ASU alumni; $5 students

INFORMATION: 480-965-6447

Lyric Opera Theatre is part of the ASU Herberger Mainstage Season featuring theatre, dance and music performances. For a complete Mainstage schedule, go to http://herbergercollege.asu.edu/calendar/mainstage.html

Media Contact:
Denise Tanguay 
480.965.7144
denise.tanguay@asu.edu