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What was the middle name of the daughter-in-law of the best friend of the blacksmith who forged the sword that killed the beast?
If you can answer this question correctly, then you are on your way to passing the royalty test administered by Queen Aggravain and proving that you are qualified to join her royal family.
This is the premise of Mary Rodgers’ musical comedy “Once Upon A Mattress,” which is Theatre Fairfield’s first major production of their 2011-12 season. The musical is a retelling of the fairytale “The Princess and the Pea.”
“Once Upon a Mattress” follows the story of Princess Winnifred, played by Casey Grambo ’12, who is brought over the mountains, across the Badlands, and out of the marshlands to see if she can pass the royalty test being administered by Queen Aggravain, played by Ashley Ruggiero ’14, for the right to marry her son Prince Dauntless, played by Michael Maio ’13.
The lords and ladies of the kingdom are not allowed to get married until Dauntless does, so although Winnifred is not the kind of princess they are expecting, she nevertheless carries their hopes and wishes on her shoulders.
Theatre Fairfield puts on one musical every three years. Not only is “Once Upon a Mattress” the first musical for most of the students involved, but it is also the first classical musical that Theatre Fairfield has performed in a long time, contrasting with past musicals such as “The Rocky Horror Show” and “Cabaret.”
“‘Once Upon a Mattress’ is a fractured fairy tale that maintains a fairytale quality while creating rich, theatrically complex characters,” said Dr. Martha S. LoMonaco, director of the Theatre Program and producer for Theatre Fairfield. “Winnifred doesn’t apologize for her difference–she’s comfortable with who she is and celebrates it. She is a classically ‘unromantic,’ ‘unfeminine’ lead who refuses to bend to convention and still wins in the end.”
Musicals deviate drastically from the straight plays that Theatre Fairfield typically performs, presenting new opportunities as well as challenges for cast and crew members.
In contrast to straight plays, musicals require specific rehearsals devoted to learning music and learning dance steps.
Rehearsals also focus heavily on understanding the particular medium the story is communicated through and the significance of that method. In musicals, words alone are not enough to express the feelings and experiences of the characters, leading them to burst out in song.
“Something that we as actors needed to work on specifically for this production was heightening the scenes to make sure the musical numbers would make sense to audiences,” said Maio. “Because characters sing and dance when words no longer can adequately express what they are feeling, we needed to convey an emotional buildup throughout each scene to set up the musical number.”
Cast members have been enduring a rigorous rehearsal process since the middle of September, rehearsing for more than 15 hours each week. In addition to Grambo, Ruggiero and Maio, the cast includes Nancy Laskowski ’12, Josh Matteo ’13, Luke Paulino ’13, Joe Plouffe ’13, Lauren Sippin ’13, Owen Corey ’14, Kate Hoffman ’14, Maria Mazzaro ’14, Austin Begin ’15, Kathryn Dennen ’15, Brendan Freeman ’15, Maggie Greene ’15, Tom Martorano ’15, Kelan McDonnell ’15, and Katie Premus ’15.
“‘Once Upon a Mattress’ is an upbeat musical that I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to sing, dance, and act in,” said Dennen. “Rehearsals can be challenging, but we are all learning so much and having a great time! Prepare to be dazzled, charmed, and to laugh right off your seat!”
The production team includes director and choreographer Ryan McKinney ’97, musical director Gregory Horton ’68, costume designer Julie Leavitt, lighting designer Lynne Chase, scenic designer Evan Hill, stage manager Grace Janiszewski ’14, and assistant stage manager Katie Gillette ‘15.
Tickets are now on sale and “Once Upon a Mattress” will be running from Oct. 26-29 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 29-30 at 2 p.m. in the Wien Black Box Theatre in the Quick Center.
The show is open to all audiences and tickets are $5 for students, $6 for faculty and seniors and $12 for general admission. Tickets can be bought at Quick Center Box Office or by calling (203) 254-4010.
Hurry up because tickets are going fast! For more information on Theatre Fairfield or their 2011-2012 season, visit http://www.fairfield.edu/cas/th_theat_ffld.html.
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