MCT’s spring production of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, opens on Friday April 29 at Shannondell Performing Arts Theater, 10000 Shannondell Blvd, Audubon PA. This zany musical, full of memorable characters, is based on the classic fairytale “The Princess and the Pea”. With music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer, the show tells the story of Winnifred, an unlikely princess from the swamp, who is chosen by Prince Harry to come to the castle as a potential bride for Prince Dauntless. Unbeknownst to Winnifred, Harry has his own reasons to pick her as a perfect mate for Dauntless, but Queen Aggravain isn’t so easily convinced. As the story unfolds, you’ll meet a mute King, a group of anxious Ladies In Waiting, and a silly court jester who dances a mean soft shoe.
The cast is lead by Lisa Hendricks (Pottstown) as spunky Princess Winnifred, and James Corkum (Spring City) as the smitten Prince Dauntless. Clementine Harvey (Downingtown) plays the overbearing Queen Aggravain, and Steve Kuerschner (Collegeville) is cast as her quiet husband, King Sextimus the Silent. Gary Bullock (Havertown) plays the scheming Wizard, who assists the queen with inventing difficult tests for the would-be princesses. Sir Harry is portrayed by Justin Damm (Plymouth Meeting) and his lovely Lady Larken is played by Lindsay Zimmerman (Philadelphia). Jeff McQuillen (Eagleville) is the storytelling Minstrel, along with Evan McElhiney,(Phoenixville) who plays the dancing Jester. The cast is rounded out by a spirited group of Ladies in Waiting and Knights.
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS is under the direction of Lindsey Root (Spring City) and assistant director Brett Kahn (Philadelphia). Erin Toscani (Berwyn) provides both the musical and orchestral direction. The show’s choreographer is Sally Rothschild (Wayne). Alisa Ambrose (Philadelphia) and Barb Cross (Collegeville) are the show’s producers. The set was designed by Jimm Scannell (Philadelphia) and built by John Corkum (Skippack) and Don Thomas (Collegeville). Emily Tarkington (Honey Brook) is the show’s scenic artist. Lighting design is provided by Tom Dinnella (Collegeville) and Dean Soltes (Collegeville). Mike Addice (Harleysville) provides the show’s sound design. The show’s costumes are by Sue Carney (Pottstown). Heather Bernard (Phoenixville) is the stage manager and prop master.
Evening shows are April 29, 30, May 5, 6, & 7 at 7:30 PM. A matinee will be performed on May 1 at 2:00 PM. All shows take place at Shannondell Performing Arts Theater, 10000 Shannondell Blvd. Audubon, PA. Tickets for the Once Upon A Mattress are priced at $17.50 for ages 12-61 and $14.25 for seniors 62+ and children under 12. For tickets and information, please call (610)489-6449 or visit www.methactoncommunitytheater.org. All parking for patrons is at the Giant parking lot across from the Shannondell entrance. A FREE shuttle is provided to bring patrons to the theater. The theater is handicapped accessible.
Theater/Organization MCT
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.methactoncommunitytheater.org/
Theater/Organization Address: PO Box 26144 Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (610) 489-6449
