Step into the medieval kingdom that is over the mountains, across the badlands, through a moat, and far from the swamps. Forget the quiet, meek princesses and join the loud, strong, and unapologetic heroine, Princess Winnifred, as she swims the moat and takes the stage. Purebred Productions’ “Once Upon a Mattress,” which runs from April 9-11, reimagines the classic fairytale of “The Princess and the Pea” into a whimsical and comical fairytale musical that is fun for all ages.
An overbearing Queen Aggravain, played by senior Samantha Orne, prevents anyone from marrying until her son Prince Dauntless, freshman Matthew Collozo, shares his marital bed with a “true” princess. Initially, 12 princesses fail before finally, her reign of impossible tests is finally broken by Princess Winnifred The Woebegone, who proves she is a genuine, certified princess by sleeping on 20 mattresses, feeling one, singular pea.
Sophomore Sloane Hockman, who portrays Winnifred, says the role is a chance to break away from traditional beauty standards. No more frilly dresses, uptight hair, bowing down to authority, gentle manners or fitting the mold. Instead Winnifred chooses to be herself as much as possible.
“Usually [princesses] have to be pretty, petite, [and] meek,” said Hockman. “You need a princess who gets the guy, [but] who’s really strong and just herself.”
To prepare for the role, Hockman analyzed various other performances, including the portrayal by Sutton Foster and the original Broadway production, before adding her own “spice” to the character. Taking original traits and combining them with new, unique mannerisms, Hockman made the character truly hers.
Senior Isabel Breitsprecher is the stage manager for this show, and, like many, it is her final show in school theater.
“My favorite part of this show is getting to do it with everyone and all of the seniors that I’ve worked with for four years,” said Breitsprecher. “I get this opportunity to work with them one last time.”
Beyond the choreography and script, both Hockman and Breitsprecher credited the production’s community, including cast, crew, and theater teacher and director, Jamaal K. Solomon, for the show’s energy.
“I actually really enjoy the people that I share the stage with,” Hockman said. “Sabria Sego, Matthew Collazzo, Sophia McLaughlin, William Lange — I love sharing the stage with them. They’re so fun. We have so much fun together, and that really helps me bring out my character.”
Tickets start at $11 on TeachTix. com.
