ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
ARVADA CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES: NOV 22 -DEC 29
Main Stage Theatre
With music by Mary Rogers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer, “Once Upon A Mattress” was nominated for two Tonys in 1960: Best Musical and Best Leading Actress for Carol Burnett.
The show is a comic adaptation of the fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.”
This production is remarkable for several reasons. The cast includes musical theatre actors who have become famous over the last few decades not only for their work at Arvada Center, but also for becoming favorites working in many other local venues such as the recently shuttered BDT Stage. Joanie Brosseau-Rubald is one of Colorado’s premier actors who has stunned audiences for decades at BDT Stage.
Megan Van De Hey performed what many have called the best dramatic performance ever in this town, as Maria Callas in Town Hall Arts Center’s production of MASTER CLASS. Van De Hey’s singing of Mother in Arvada Center’s unforgettable production of RAGTIME was stunning and unforgettable!
Colin Alexander has won accolades for many performances at Arvada Center and elsewhere.
I was fortunate to see Mathenee Treco when he appeared in Arvada Center’s production of MEMPHIS. It was clear from that debut that this actor was to become a great star. Shortly thereafter he appeared in the first touring company of HAMILTON.
“Once Upon a Mattress” is superbly directed by Colorado favorite Kenny Moten. His casting and pacing make the evening fly by.
The show is choreographed with a tongue-in-cheek eye to the silliness inherent in the show, by the esteemed Christopher Page-Sanders.
The very fine music direction is thanks to Jordan Ortman.
Alena Watters is splendid as Princess Winnifred, girl of the swamps. This actor is at her vocal best with her soaring “Happily Ever After.” Her comic numbers, “Shy,” and “The Swamps of Home” are hilarious.
Joanie Brosseau-Rubald is magnificent as Queen Aggravain. Her studied performance is, as always, a joy to see and hear. It is a gift to have her performing onstage in this wonderful holiday production. Her performance of “Sensitivity” is hilarious!
EJ Dohring is appropriately goofy and klutzy as Prince Dauntless.
Colin Alexander mimes his way through the journey of the timid King Sextimus with superb acting skill.
Mathenee Treco is a superbly sung Sir Harry.
Elizabeth Harlen is an enchanting Lady Larkin.
David Otto opens the show with a strong version of “Many Moons Ago.”
Megan Van De Hey is pure mischievous magic as the Wizard.
Brian Watson’s Jester is smashing in his rendition of “Very Soft Shoes.”
Brian Mallgrave's scenic design for this fairy tale castle is, as always, a wonder to behold.
Madison Booth’s costumes are spot on.
The ensemble includes such Denver favorites as Alejandro Roldan, Bob Hoppe, Randy Chalmers and Adriane Leigh Robinson.
This is a production that the whole family will love!!!
Run to get tickets!
For tickets call the box office at 303-431-3939 or go online at arvadacenter.org
OUpon
