A light-hearted and entertaining success
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy: Once Upon a Mattress By Emily Zauzmer Once upon a time, the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Players presented a royally delightful show. With lively tunes, bubbly comedy, and timeless romance, its production of Once Upon a Mattress was Perfect with a capital Pea!
Once upon a time, the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Players presented a royally delightful show. With lively tunes, bubbly comedy, and timeless romance, its production of Once Upon a Mattress was Perfect with a capital Pea!
Debuting on Broadway in 1959, this witty adaptation puts a musical spin on the classic fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea." The year is 1428 and the kingdom is in pandemonium, as the overbearing Queen Aggravain devises impossible tests for her son's would-be brides. Before rough-around-the-edges Princess Winnifred may wed Prince Dauntless, the queen cooks up her most outrageous test yet with twenty mattresses and a single pea.
Anything but soporific, the merry production oozed with effervescent verve. In a kooky castle filled with fools, lovers, and everyone in between, the vocal power of the committed ensemble shined in numbers like "Opening for a Princess," while the entire cast infused the show with oodles of humor.
Sharing playful chemistry, Emily Miller (Winnifred) and Evan Fireman (Dauntless) were two peas in a pod. As the moat-swimming, barbell-hoisting princess, Miller proved she was indeed not "Shy" as songs including "Happily Ever After" showcased her infectious energy and strong voice. Opposite Miller, Fireman gave an endearing performance as the mama's boy prince. Commanding not only the palace but also the stage, Emery Schaffer (Aggravain) truly dazzled with her fabulous theatricality and rich singing.
Commendable supporting actors added to the talent in the palace. As the mute King Sextimus, John Henry impressively conveyed his character through pantomime and comedic facial expressions. Portraying Lady Larken, Allison Smith brought earnest emotion and her sweet soprano to the role. Also notable was Armida Flores, who as a nightingale positively chirped with mellifluous vocals.
The adept student-run stage crew (Callan Goldman, Sanna Johnson, Caroline Henry, and Vanessa Peirce) executed scene transitions seamlessly. Colorful medieval costumes and well-crafted sets appropriately complemented the vitality of the actors.
In their lighthearted production of Once Upon a Mattress, an entertaining cast and crew demonstrated the universal message that true princesses come in all shapes and sizes. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy's memorable show brought to life a tale that can put a (mattress) spring in any step.