Audience members were transported to medieval times with The Woodlands High School’s latest roaring success of a production, Once Upon A Mattress. Immersing the audience in, not only a show stopping vocal performance, but a spellbinding dancing and acting experience.
Once Upon A Mattress, written by Mary Rodgers, follows Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, a spirited and vibrant princess of the swamp who has been summed to the castle of Queen Aggravain, as she attempts to pass her rigorous test – spot a pea in the mattress – and win not only the Prince’s love, but the kingdoms.
Throughout this journey, many other unfortunate events play out, with recurring characters such as Lady Larken (played by Camila Saucedo), Sir Harry (played by Charley Kaye), King Sextimus (played by Jack Murphy), the Minstrel (played by Corrigan Sadlier), the Jester (played by Josh Colburn), and the Wizard (played by Jamie Schofield) . Each character, so deeply developed and rooted in the nature of fairy tales, left the audience hoping for a third act.
Viewers instantly fell in love with the show.
“I went twice, the first time on opening night was the hardest I’ve laughed this year,” Ethan Geiger said.
It’s clear that this fairy tale rendition was an crowd-pleaser.
With breakthrough performances from Amelia Avedikian, Hadley White, and Otto Lopez, the cast’s range of vocal talent proved to be astonishing. With Avedikian voicing Winnifred, her powerful voice came to life through songs like “Shy” and “Song of Love.” Completely enveloping the character, her performance was a class act, bringing depth and energy to the beloved princess.
Panning over to White, witnesses viewed her dominate the stage as the, very much full of herself, central antagonist. Spending most of her time berating people in an attempt to undermine her son’s chances at finding love, White was successfully able to bring the witty humor that so many audience members loved and adored. As for Lopez, viewers saw him playing the lovestruck prince. With dozens of funny acting bits, and moments that left the audience nearly crying with laughter, his take on the childlike prince was one you certainly wouldn’t have wanted to miss out on.
To pan away from the actors, the amazing performance skills weren’t the only thing of note. Guests were sure to be caught taking time to appreciate the detailed artwork of the castle as they walked in, or the unique features of props that were sure to leave guests questioning: “But how did that happen!”
The vibrant costumes were of the kind that left one fascinated, and in awe of the intricate details and artwork. Paired with the amazing sound and lighting designs, the show was truly brought to life before your very eyes.
“Their performances truly blew me out of the water – [the actors] were out of this world.” audience member, Santiago Kontertoff, said.
The show was full of fun medieval twists, sporting a shocking finale that ended the show beautifully.
“I really enjoyed the character developments in the show, especially the twist with the king at the end – it was very convivial,” Kontertoff added.
Unfortunately, this medieval fairy tale has come to an end, but more is yet to come for the actors and actresses of TWHS theater.
