Once upon a time, not so long ago, 20 kids from Vashon, ages eight to thirteen, started rehearsing a Broadway musical theater classic, “Once Upon A Mattress,” and are now ready to bring their rambunctious show to life at 7 p.m. Friday, April 1, and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA).
The show, suitable for all ages, is the latest production to blossom from the partnership of VCA and the Drama Dock musical theater education program.
A fairytale spin-off of The Princess and the Pea, “Once Upon a Mattress” boasts music by Mary Rogers (daughter of Richard Rogers of Rogers and Hammerstein fame), lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer.
The story is narrated by an observant minstrel and his jaunty Jester sidekick, while company song-and-dance numbers bring the whole cast together in merry-making shenanigans. The antagonist, Queen Aggravain, interferes in the love life and potential marriage prospects of her son, Prince Dauntless the Drab, who is desperate to marry the strong and very ‘un-shy’ Princess Winnifred of Wobegone — a role originated on Broadway by the legendary Carol Burnett.
On Vashon, theater newcomer Ruby Johnson will fill Burnett’s comedic shoes in this Broadway Junior production.
The show is the latest production to blossom from a partnership between VCA and Drama Dock’s musical theater education program.
Even in the depth of a gloomy COVID winter, the partnership flourished with a youth production of “The Addams Family,” cast with older teens. The upcoming joint production of “Once Upon a Mattress,” however, is a chance for a younger cast to shine — with some of the thespians in their first foray onto the stage.
“Like most theatre, rehearsals are equally as important as the performance, if not more important, as friendships are forged, talent uncovered and shaped, trust is built, and most importantly, students discovering gifts of expression and courage within the framework of a supportive team,” said Lisa Peretti, the artistic director of Drama Dock.
Peretti said she was proud to be working on the show as stage director and set designer, alongside the “infectious energy” of Marita Ericksen as musical director, and Elise Ericksen as stage manager and assistant director, and Joy Ghigleri as director of the younger elementary-age actors.
“Of course, the creative team couldn’t do this kind of work without many faithful friends and parents who volunteer,” Peretti said.
She urged all islanders to do their part in the production, too, by attending the show.
“Theatre is about community and growing together,” she said. “Vashon Center for the Arts and Drama Dock share a proud partnership to create opportunities that help kids and families experience theatre together, on and offstage. Come along and support a cast of vibrant Vashon kids as they tell the musical story of how a princess won her prince with the help of a preposterous pea.”
She promised audience members would leave the theater with a smile on their faces and a song in their hearts.
Tickets for the show are on sale now at vashontheatreforthearts.org.
