Review: Repertory Company Theatre's ONCE UPON A MATTRESS is delightfully enchanting!

Photo by Deedra Scherm

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

Music by Mary Rodgers
Lyrics by Marshall Barer
Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer
Directed by Laura Alley
Musical Direction by Devon Harper

Produced by Repertory Company Theatre

Audience Rating: PG
Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes including 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
ASL Performances: N/A
Sensory Friendly Performances: Yes
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: N/A

If you’ve heard of the musical Once Upon A Mattress you probably know that the lead role of Princess Winnifred the Woebegone was the breakthrough role that made comedian Carol Burnett a star. If you’ve never hear of it, you probably still know the story since it is a revised version of The Princess and the Pea. There is nothing woebegone about RCT Kylea Ingram’s Princess Winnifred. From the moment she swims the moat and storms the castle until her final bow she is adored by the audience, Prince Dauntless and most of the citizens of the kingdom.

Ruled with an iron fist by the very vocal Queen Aggravain (Sherry Etzel), who controls the non-vocal King Sextimus the Silent (Shawn Patrello), the kingdom is very invested in finding a bride for Prince Dauntless the Drab. The law of the land requires that the prince marry before any of the lords and ladies of the court wed. That is especially a problem for Sir Harry (Lorenzo Gapud) and Lady Larken (Katie Moyes Williams). The young lovers are expecting a baby, so time is of the essence. The Queen has rejected all the princesses from neighboring kingdoms as unsuitable for her son, so Sir Harry heads out on a quest to find a bride for the prince.

Sherry Etzel is vivaciously villainous as the domineering mother who knows that there really is no girl good enough for her baby boy. She brings considerable vocal chops and comedic timing to the role, especially when she is interacting with the audience. Shawn Patrello takes pantomime to new levels as King Sextimus the Silent, finding lots of ways to communicate without saying a word. The Wizard (Michael Hammer) collaborates with the queen until he is thwarted by the Minstrel (Christian Black) and the Jester (Elijah Ponce). Black’s minstrel is smoothly entertaining. Ponce delivers an energetic and enjoyable Jester.

The musical numbers are the heart of Once Upon A Mattress. Ingram’s "Shy" is powerful and
captivating, with back up from the Knights and Ladies (Megan A. Liles, Kelsey McFarland, Don Miller, Skylar Navratil, and Jacob Waters.) Etzell and Hammer deliver "Sensitivity." Molly Grace Robinson (Nightingale of Samarkand) sings the "Nightingale Lullaby" that mostly keeps Princess Winnifred awake. The ensemble absolutely rocks "Spanish Panic." Music Director Devon Harper and Choreographer Michelle Levall blend their arts to the benefit of the production.

Director Laura Alley assembled a cast of almost 50 people in a venue with limited stage space so much of the action takes place in the aisles and among the audience, as well as out in the foyer before the show. It works, but with tradeoffs. From the second row the onstage action was in my lap, but I think I missed things happening behind me. Overall this delightful evening of theatrical escape is exactly what I needed. 

Don’t miss it.
Once Upon a Mattress continues through March 30th at the Repertory Company Theatre, 770 N. Coit, Richardson. Tickets are available online at: www.rcttheatre.com or through the box office at 972.690.5029.

Experience Live Theater!
Glynda Welch