BELLVILLE — Looking for a fun activity for the whole family?
Come and watch the Clear Fork High School production of Once Upon a Mattress, a hilarious, good-natured spin on the classic princess and the pea fairytale.
In this medieval storyline Prince Dauntless is looking for a true princess to marry, but there are many complications along the way. This includes an unfair royalty test set up by his mother, Queen Aggravain, to ensure that all of the princesses are deemed unfit to marry her son.
Dauntless’s father, the King, unfortunately cannot speak due to an evil curse but tries to help Dauntless in any way that he can. Thankfully, most of the royal court is on Dauntless’s side as they cannot get married until he does.
Sir Harry, one of the knights of the court, sets out to find a princess fit for Dauntless so that he can finally marry his true love, Lady Larken. Sir Harry finally finds the perfect candidate in Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, who is not quite the delicate and dainty princess that everyone had pictured.
Other characters include: the King’s mischievous best friends the Minstrel and the Jester, who are determined to figure out what the royalty test is and help Winnifred pass. Queen Aggravain’s assistant Cardamon the Wizard, Ladies in Waiting Rowena, Merrill, and Lucille want nothing more than for Winnifred to pass the test. The Knights of the court who do all they can to help Winnifred and Dauntless.
Clear Fork students and directors have been working on this musical for several months, and are excited to present this show to the public.
“The dedication of the cast, orchestra, tech team, and directors has helped us make this show great,” said Senior Addy Haring, who plays the role of Queen Aggravain. “We have received amazing support from our community, which is greatly appreciated. This show is full of humor, music, and fun.
“I cannot wait for people to see it.”
The quality of this show is due to the hours upon hours that the actors spent at musical rehearsals, dance rehearsals, and at practice blocking scenes and memorizing lines.
“The cast of Once Upon a Mattress has worked extremely hard to make this show great,” said choreographer and senior Caitlyn Drockton, who plays the role of Lady Merrill. “Getting to dance, sing, and act with this group of people has absolutely been so much fun, and I am going to miss everyone once this musical is over.”
The showtimes for this musical are at 7 p.m. on Friday March 25 and Saturday March 26, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday March 27.
Tickets are available at the Clear Fork High School office Monday-Friday this week, and will be available at the doors before the show.
Tickets to the show include admission, a photo booth opportunity, and treat bags for any young princes and princesses who come to watch. Any questions can be directed to the Clear Fork High School office at 419-886-2601.
Make sure you watch out for any princesses that need saving or dragons that need slaying, and enjoy the show.
