YSU Theater to Present ‘Once Upon a Mattress’
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University Theatre will conclude its 60th anniversary season with “Once Upon a Mattress.”
A two-weekend run of the whimsical musical will open Friday at Ford Theatre, inside Bliss Hall.
The tale is set in the 15th century in a fictitious kingdom ruled by the devious Queen Aggravain. The queen is in search of a princess to marry her son, Dauntless, and has decreed that no one in the kingdom can marry until her son is wed.
However, she has a trick up her sleeve: The princess must pass the Queen’s impossible tests to prove she’s worthy of Dauntless.
The musical features catchy tunes, comic twists and turns and a dash of romance.
“Once Upon a Mattress” is a humorous adaptation of the fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.” It premiered on Broadway in 1959 with a cast that included a young Carol Burnett and has become a staple of theaters.
Adam Howard, a lecturer in the YSU theater department, said the show is also a vital learning exercise for the student actors.
“It is essential for University Theatre students to develop the skills necessary to perform in the Golden Age style,” Howard said.
Cast members include Elise Vargo, Sam Nabring, Mallory Ehrhart, Cyrus Dzikowski, Chloe Downey, Mekhi Dawson, Sam Law, Emalee Chappa, Ben Podnar, Natalie Horvath, Ilse Zijlstra, Grace Beil, Landon Eli, Nathan Franklin and Ryan Bedi.
Katherine Garlick is the costume and makeup designer; KJ Hudson is the stage manager; and Brooke May is assistant stage manager.
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. April 5, 6, 12 and 13; and 2 p.m. April 7 and 14.
Tickets are $16 ($12 for non-YSU students, YSU alumni, faculty and staff, senior citizens, Penguin Club members and groups of eight or more). To purchase in advance, call 330 941 3105 or go to ysu.tix.com.
Pictured at top: The cast of “Once Upon a Mattress” includes Elise Vargo, Sam Nabring, Mallory Ehrhart and Chloe Downey. (Photo by Carrie Yasnowski)
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
