Stratford High School Drama Society
2023 Spring musical on Friday, March 31st at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 1st, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Once Upon A Mattress, based on the fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, takes place in a kingdom that has issues. King Sextimus (Kate Miller) has been struck speechless by a witch’s curse. The domineering Queen Aggravain (Mackenzie Snyder) has assumed power and has decreed that no one in the Kingdom may wed until her son, Prince Dauntless (Alex Bilan), has married to a “true princess” of Royal blood. Enter Princess Winnifred (Tiana Golding) a brash girl competing for the hand of Prince Dauntless. To find out whether she passes the royalty test, you will need to come see the show.
The book is by Dean Fuller, Jay Thompson, Marshall Barer, with lyrics by Marshall Barer. Music was composed by Mary Rodgers.
Senior Lanie Clark (Princess No.12/ 3rd Knight) said “The Drama Society is a lot more than just an after-school club. I have been able to learn everything from painting to singing, and have met so many amazing people that have made my high school experience so much brighter.”
The Stage Director and Co-Producer for the show is Kathleen Murphy, while Jeffrey Leinen is the Vocal and Technical Director as well as the other Co-Producer. Mark Ryan is the Orchestra Director, Caitlin Roberts is the Choreographer, and Will Duchon is the Rehearsal and Performance Pianist.
The backstage crew includes Production Stage Manager Kelsey Welch, Stage Manager El Youngquist, and Assistant Stage Manager David Pacheco.
Also appearing in the show are: Varrick Nelson (Minstrel), Lauren Eyerman (Jester), Kate Miller (King Sextimus the Silent), Carlos Lopez (Sir Studley), Billy McKay (Sir Luce), Josephine Mastro (1st Knight), Orchid Tejada (2nd Knight), Genevieve Horne (1st Lady-in-Waiting – Rowena), Julia Allen (2nd Lady-in-Waiting – Merrill), Kaleah Talton (3rd Lady-in-Waiting – Lucille), Maggie LaReau (kitchen wench Emily), Avery Carlo (Lady Beatrice, featured dancer) Amelie McCool (Nightingale of Samarkand), Zoe Baird (Lady and kitchen wench) and Gabriella Camille (Lady Mabelle).
Shows are Friday, March 31st at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 1st, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
All seats are $14. To order tickets, visit https://www.stratfordk12.org/o/shs or https://sites.google.com/stratk12.org/stratforddrama/home or purchase them at the door.
