For the next two months, about thirty Bridgeport High School students will be perfecting what life in a medieval kingdom of 15^th-Century Europe would be like for their production of the 2016 All-School musical “Once Upon a Mattress.”

 

In this musical version of The Princess and the Pea, Queen Aggravian has taken over control of the kingdom because her husband King Sextimus is mute due to a curse that can only be reversed “when the mouse devours the hawk.” In an attempt to keep Prince Dauntless the Drab single, the Queen has declared that only a princess that can pass her test may marry her son.

 

Further, no one else in the kingdom may marry until Prince Dauntless does. Along with the other knights and ladies in waiting, Lady Larken and Sir Harry are extremely disturbed by this fact since Lady Larken is now pregnant with Sir Harry's baby. Sir Harry journeys to find a princess that may be able to pass the Queen’s test and brings Princess Winnifred the Woebegone back to the kingdom. She instantly catches the eye of Prince Dauntless and he tries to help her prepare for his mother’s test, while the Queen and Wizard conspire to create a “sensitivity test” to see if she is a “true” princess.

 

Returning to direct the production is Gregg Brown who thinks the show has a wonderful cast with many fine voices.

 

Brown began the rehearsal process by asking students to answer questions about their characters. He expressed a desire for the actors to better understand the characters’ motivations and personalities so that work during blocking and choreography would run more smoothly and present a stronger show. He said that the development thus far was “wonderful” and he was “excited to see how the characters fare.”  

 

While students were enthusiastic about many areas of the show from rehearsals to costumes, several said they are most looking forward to the performance.

 

“I love the adrenaline rush I get when it comes time for the performances. Performing for friends and family makes me feel joyful,” said Hudson Harris.

 

Megan Rinker explained why she is so fond of the opening night of shows and why they are rewarding for her. “I’m excited for the point in the process when the show really sets into motion, and I’ll be getting ready backstage for the first performance. Everything feels so exciting and electric, and it’s great to see all the hard work pay off.”

 

For Douglas Soule, he enjoys how the stage offers the chance to spend time as someone else. He said, “On stage, you can be anyone or anything. I love that.”

 

Several students said they are excited to get to know new people. Tori Bonafield explained this when she said, “I hope to create more long-lasting relationships with my cast mates.

Heather Bokey said that she auditioned for the show “hoping to break away from my shyness. With all of the amazing people involved, it hasn’t taken long.”

Students are also looking forward to growing as actors and gaining new knowledge about the operation of the theatre.

 

Jordan Rae explained, “I love my role and this play. I hope to improve my ability to develop a character’s personality and my ability to memorize lines. I am very excited to see everyone’s progress throughout the rehearsal process.”

 

While some students have previous familiarity with acting, others, including Izzy Hawkinberry, will be experiencing “Once Upon a Mattress” through a new lens. She said, “I hope to gain more insight on what actors go through, since I am usually backstage on the tech crew.”

 

Sierra Shreves explained she was grateful for the opportunity for another show experience because she “intend[s] to pursue theatre in college.”

 

After the senior class presented the somewhat darker production of “The Addams Family” in October, some twelfth grade students are enthusiastic about being involved in a production of a different genre.

 

Hannah Cottrill said that she was excited to be cast in a role in “Once Upon a Mattress” that is so opposite of the character of Wednesday Addams that she played in the fall.

 

Many of the senior cast members are eager for another opportunity to take the stage before graduation. Sam Biafore said, “My first play this year was a great experience and definitely the highlight of my senior year. It’s something I won’t forget, and I feel I will say the same of ‘Once Upon a Mattress.’ I hope to gain more confidence through performing and singing in front of an audience.”

 

The production, to be held March 18-20, is a show that “hold a special place” in Brown’s heart. “It’s so funny and that is what we need in these difficult times,” he added. “We forget all of our problems when we are in the theatre and able to melt into the fairytale of The Princess and the Pea.”

 

Shows will take place at BHS on March 18 and 19 at 7:30 and on March 20 at 2:00 and 7:30. All tickets will be $10. 

 

For the next two months, about 30 Bridgeport High School students will be perfecting what life in a medieval kingdom of 15^th-Century Europe would be like for their production of the 2016 All-School musical “Once Upon a Mattress.”

 

In this musical version of The Princess and the Pea, Queen Aggravian has taken over control of the kingdom because her husband King Sextimus is mute due to a curse that can only be reversed “when the mouse devours the hawk.” In an attempt to keep Prince Dauntless the Drab single, the Queen has declared that only a princess that can pass her test may marry her son.

 

Further, no one else in the kingdom may marry until Prince Dauntless does. Along with the other knights and ladies in waiting, Lady Larken and Sir Harry are extremely disturbed by this fact since Lady Larken is now pregnant with Sir Harry's baby. Sir Harry journeys to find a princess that may be able to pass the Queen’s test and brings Princess Winnifred the Woebegone back to the kingdom. She instantly catches the eye of Prince Dauntless and he tries to help her prepare for his mother’s test, while the Queen and Wizard conspire to create a “sensitivity test” to see if she is a “true” princess.

 

Returning to direct the production is Gregg Brown who thinks the show has a wonderful cast with many fine voices.

 

Brown began the rehearsal process by asking students to answer questions about their characters. He expressed a desire for the actors to better understand the characters’ motivations and personalities so that work during blocking and choreography would run more smoothly and present a stronger show. He said that the development thus far was “wonderful” and he was “excited to see how the characters fare.”  

 

While students were enthusiastic about many areas of the show from rehearsals to costumes, several said they are most looking forward to the performance.

 

“I love the adrenaline rush I get when it comes time for the performances. Performing for friends and family makes me feel joyful,” said Hudson Harris.

 

Megan Rinker explained why she is so fond of the opening night of shows and why they are rewarding for her. “I’m excited for the point in the process when the show really sets into motion, and I’ll be getting ready backstage for the first performance. Everything feels so exciting and electric, and it’s great to see all the hard work pay off.”

 

For Douglas Soule, he enjoys how the stage offers the chance to spend time as someone else. He said, “On stage, you can be anyone or anything. I love that.”

 

Several students said they are excited to get to know new people. Tori Bonafield explained this when she said, “I hope to create more long-lasting relationships with my cast mates.

Heather Bokey said that she auditioned for the show “hoping to break away from my shyness. With all of the amazing people involved, it hasn’t taken long.”

Students are also looking forward to growing as actors and gaining new knowledge about the operation of the theatre.

 

Jordan Rae explained, “I love my role and this play. I hope to improve my ability to develop a character’s personality and my ability to memorize lines. I am very excited to see everyone’s progress throughout the rehearsal process.”

 

While some students have previous familiarity with acting, others, including Izzy Hawkinberry, will be experiencing “Once Upon a Mattress” through a new lens. She said, “I hope to gain more insight on what actors go through, since I am usually backstage on the tech crew.”

 

Sierra Shreves explained she was grateful for the opportunity for another show experience because she “intend[s] to pursue theatre in college.”

 

After the senior class presented the somewhat darker production of “The Addams Family” in October, some twelfth grade students are enthusiastic about being involved in a production of a different genre.

 

Hannah Cottrill said that she was excited to be cast in a role in “Once Upon a Mattress” that is so opposite of the character of Wednesday Addams that she played in the fall.

 

Many of the senior cast members are eager for another opportunity to take the stage before graduation. Sam Biafore said, “My first play this year was a great experience and definitely the highlight of my senior year. It’s something I won’t forget, and I feel I will say the same of ‘Once Upon a Mattress.’ I hope to gain more confidence through performing and singing in front of an audience.”

 

The production, to be held March 18-20, is a show that “hold a special place” in Brown’s heart. “It’s so funny and that is what we need in these difficult times,” he added. “We forget all of our problems when we are in the theatre and able to melt into the fairytale of The Princess and the Pea.”

 

Shows will take place at BHS on March 18 and 19 at 7:30 and on March 20 at 2:00 and 7:30. All tickets will be $10. 

   

Editor's Note: Photo by Noah Hall. Sierra Shreves and Derek Hess rehearsing choreography.