Once Upon a Mattress
at Monarch High School

Reviewed on March 16, 2019

Bella Ramirez
American Heritage School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

With heads racing over the constant stresses of current events and the state of the world, it's easy to feel restless. In fact, approximately one in four Americans develop insomnia every year. So, most can relate to Princess Winnifred's struggle when she simply cannot fall asleep in "Once Upon a Mattress."

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Princess and the Pea," this Tony nominated Best Musical started out as a short play in the Tamiment adult summer camp resort. After expanding into a Broadway-ready musical, the show kept its popularity throughout the years. In fact, it has spent time throughout the country, in a television adaptation and in a Broadway revival. Now, it remains a popular show for communities and high schools like Monarch High School. The musical tries to hold its own against the original tale by making Winnifred one of thirteen princesses coveting after Prince Dauntless' hand and making Princess Winnifred someone a little less than "Shy."

Monarch High School's production of "Once Upon a Mattress" carried a hardworking ensemble who executed group numbers with fair precision. Although some of the blackouts were too long, the actors were able to keep the pacing smooth and on time. King Sextimus (Jason May) especially mastered this with his pantomime.

As the evident star of the show, Mia Prokop (Princess Winnifred), truly carried the production with her pleasing vocals and stunning stage presence. Prokop is clearly born for the stage. She made clear choices in her acting and committed to her character in a natural way. Her solos were some of the most enjoyable portions of the production. In scenes where she was not the center of attention, Prokop still managed to draw attention to her by reacting to the scene accurately.

Entering act one, some of the actors revealed low-energy and apathy on stage. Most of the movements were clear in scenes, however, they looked directed rather than decided. Even some of the chemistry on stage between couples and friends felt forced. Continuing further into the show, the energy began to pick up and both the leads and ensemble seemed more engaged in the show. While some of the vocalists fell a little flat, their effort in directions and committing to their characters helped make up for any missed notes.

Beyond the hiccups of the show, marketing and choreography excelled behind the curtain. Faith Joyce and Carlie Nussbaum created an Instagram with 112 followers, planned a flash mob for publicity and earned an article in the Coconut Creek News. Choreographer Pooja Singh also showed clear understanding of lyrics and properly showed motivations of characters while keeping the stage layout pleasing to the eye.

Monarch had some difficulty in mastering this medieval comedy, however, their tech and favorite Princess "Fred" carried them through the show and made for an interesting watch.

Susanna Ninomiya
Somerset Academy
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Take an age-old fairy tale, a bench-pressing princess, an immature prince, a mute king, a plotting queen, and a pea and you will have Monarch High School's laudable production of Once Upon A Mattress.

Bringing a modern twist to Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, Once Upon A Mattress tells the tale of the moat-swimming and outspoken Princess Winnifred as she is put to one of Queen Aggravain's impossible tests that must be passed before any princess is able to marry her son, Prince Dauntless. No one in the kingdom is allowed to marry until Prince Dauntless finds a bride, which makes a successful courtship a matter of urgency for all. Marshall Barer, Dean Fuller, and Jay Thompson wrote the show collaboratively with music by Mary Rodgers and lyrics by Marshall Barer.

Mia Prokop fronted the show wonderfully as the genuine but unrefined Princess Winnifred. With a powerful voice and an equally powerful stage presence, Prokop maintained an impressive amount of energy, physicality, strong characterization and comedic timing, instantly grabbing the audience's attention in her song "Shy". Allison Fowner turned in a commendable performance in the role of Queen Aggravain with sharp facial expressions and a devious personality as she made up antics to purposefully sabotage Winnifred. Playing the immature Prince Dauntless, Logan Draluck displayed believable child-like innocence and amusement as he feverishly awaited marriage and tried to help Winnifred pass the princess test. Draluck's expressions were vibrant with wide-eyed expressions throughout the show and he had good chemistry and energy when interacting with Provok and Fowner, creating a good relationship with each.

King Sexitmus the Silent (Jason May) shone with his effortless physicality and clear, witty pantomimes: specifically during "Man to Man Talk". The ensemble was actively engaged and dedicated in their roles, with several noticeable and entertaining individual moments from the Ladies of the Kingdom. Although they sometimes lacked energy, had staggered comedic timing, and missed some notes, the ensemble and cast were very successful in conveying their characters and made good use of body language. A noteworthy moment in the show was the number, "Song of Love", with the energy, excitement, and comedy from the cast being at its highest.

Student-choreographed by Pooja Singh, the choreography was well designed, time-appropriate, and interesting, nicely complementing the show. The lighting helped set the mood of the musical and portray the emotions of the characters, with few issues.

All in all, Monarch High School's production of Once Upon A Mattress, proved that anyone could have a happy ending, no fairy godmothers needed.

Rylee Berger
Cooper City High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Once upon a time, in a far-off kingdom called Monarch High School, knights and ladies combined physical comedy, strong stage pictures, and powerful vocals to create an enjoyable rendition of "Once Upon a Mattress."

With lyrics by Mary Rodgers, music by Marshall Barer, and a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer, "Once Upon a Mattress" opened off-Broadway in 1959 before moving to Broadway later that year. Earning a 1996 revival, a West End production, and multiple adaptations for television, the musical comedy is based off Hans Christian Andersen's "The Princess and the Pea." The timeless tale concerns a young prince named Dauntless and his potential bride-to-be, Princess Winnifred. Complicated by a controlling mother infatuated with her son, the many ladies of the kingdom try to win her approval. Enter the brash and unrefined Princess Winnifred, who steals the hearts of all but the one whose opinion matters most, the Queen. Ultimately, Winnifred and Dauntless triumph and, in classic fairy tale fashion, live happily ever after.

Leading lady Mia Prokop was energetic and genuine in her depiction of the feisty and outspoken Princess Winnifred. Her natural abilities and powerful stage presence, complemented by stellar vocals, were evident. These talents shone during numbers such as "Shy" and "Happily Ever After." Prokop's comedic timing was exceptional. Her facial expressions and physicality brought the young princess to life. Her relationship with Prince Dauntless (Logan Draluck) was both innocent and lovable. As the prince, Draluck was entertaining and had the energy of a young boy. His relationships with his parents (Allison Fowner and Jason May) showed a good understanding of his character and the show as a whole.

As Queen Aggravain, Fowner demanded attention while onstage and was poised in her delivery of both dialogue and lyrics. Playing the mute but expressive King, May brought hilarious comedy to the stage. His physicality and stage presence compensated for his character's inability to speak, bringing about several hilarious moments, such as when he pantomimes the birds and the bees talk in "Man to Man." May's energy, facial expressions, and commitment to his character contributed to his stand-out performance.

The company as a whole did a commendable job of staying in character and helped to create storybook-like stage pictures. The energy and vocals of the ensemble, though often fluctuating and lacking diction, stood out in the show-stopping number "Song of Love." Though the actions and reactions of some characters seemed forced or were anticipated, many actors did an admirable job of maintaining their focus.

The technical aspects of the show were well-executed. The lighting design contributed to the overall mood of many scenes, such as when a pink wash was used in romantic moments. The spotlights were used with precision and the stage lights helped to create different locations within the castle. Though the timing of cues was inconsistent and there were a few microphone issues, many scene changes were done swiftly. The costumes and makeup were cohesive and added depth to the production.

Filled with romance, comedy, and politics, Monarch High School's production of "Once Upon a Mattress" proves that anyone can live "Happily Ever After," and won the hearts of princes, queens, and audience members alike.

Jade Russian
Somerset Academy
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

"I'll put twenty downy mattresses upon her bed, and beneath those twenty mattresses I'll place one tiny pea. If that pea disturbs her slumber, then a true princess is she." Monarch High School shows us what it takes to be a true princess in their most recent production, "Once Upon a Mattress".

With the book penned by Marshall Barer, Dean Fuller, Jay Thompson; music written by Mary Rodgers and lyrics by Marshall Barer, Once Upon a Mattress opened off Broadway in 1959. Based on classic, "The Princess and the Pea", Once Upon a Mattress later on moved to Broadway and gained rising popularity. Once Upon a Mattress centers around a young prince who desires to get married, but the queen doesn't seem to find a princess suitable enough for the position. The only concern is that while the prince is not married, no one else can marry, leading to the search for the perfect princess and the test that determines her validation.

Mia Prokop, playing Princess Winnifred, also known as Fred, did an exceptional job portraying the princess from the swamps adjusting to the new palace lifestyle. Princess Winnifred was looked down upon by the queen, played by Allison Fowner, because she was different from the other ladies of the kingdom. Prokop showed off her talent not only through her acting, but also her singing. Fowner embodied Queen Aggravain through her demanding, strict personality. The Queen's presence was surely felt on stage as her character required much attitude and demeanor.

Other cast members worth mention are Logan Draluck as Prince Dauntless, Jason May playing King Sextimus, Gabriella Almonte as Jester, and Daniel Rueda as Minstrel. Jason May, Daniel Rueda, and Gabriella Almonte had very good chemistry portraying an energetic trio. Logan Draluck did a great job as the young prince desperate to marry. The Ladies of the Kingdom also contributed to the production in a favorable way adding energy to certain scenes and keeping their vocals in tune and blending well with each other.

Although the play kept good energy and had committed cast members, certain aspects of tech could've been better. Blackouts pertaining to some scenes were off in timing and some were widely extended. Sound wasn't consistent; mics would cut off at times and some actor's lack of articulation did not benefit the muffled sound the mics were already projecting. A good part on tech, however, was makeup being very noticeable on stage as they used a variety of color to fit their scheme. Despite the minor technical difficulties, the cast still worked through it bringing on a satisfactory production.

Bringing back the classic essence of "The Princess and the Pea", Monarch High School showed many what it really takes to be a princess. The audience surely left wanting to go to bed to the sound of a nightingale's lullaby, sleeping at peace knowing that the prince and the princess got their happily ever after, and that the mouse finally devoured the hawk.

Angie DeStefano
Calvary Christian Academy
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

She's shy yet confident, strong yet sensitive, a princess from the swamp, she's Princess Winnifred! With many mattresses and only one pea, she must prove herself as a true princess in Monarch High School's whimsical production of Once Upon a Mattress!

The musical parody was written in 1958 with music and lyrics by Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson. Composed as an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Princess and the Pea, it opened off-Broadway in May 1959 and later moved to Broadway where it was nominated for two 1960 Tony Awards. The comedy follows Queen Aggravain's search for a bride for her son, Prince Dauntless. At first sight, the prince falls for Princess Winnifred, an unconventional princess whose androgynous traits clash with the queen's expectations. After much pleading from Dauntless, the queen agrees to allow them to marry if she can pass a simple test; detecting a single pea tucked under twenty mattresses.

Mia Prokop's portrayal of Princess Winnifred was attention-grabbing and downright hilarious. While originally proclaiming herself as "shy," Prokop commanded the stage and drove each scene with jauntiness. In her standout solo "Shy," her use of exaggerated facial expressions and body movement defined her character and conveyed what exactly made her stand out from the others. With mention of exaggerated physicality, Jason May's performance as the mute King Sextimus was enjoyable and farcical. In "Man to Man Talk," the use of charades with Prince Dauntless (played by Logan Draluck) made the adult comedy shine while still keeping the show appropriate for all ages.

With very minimal issues, technical elements were carried out well. Lighting designs by Sophia Cheng, Evelyn Goldstein, and Yesenia Rodriguez suspended belief by creating different rooms of the castle. At many points, the excessive blackouts held on for long periods of time and felt unnecessary, despite this, the variety in colors and areas of focus enlarged the playing space for the actors. The hair and makeup designs were done well, yet the purpose behind many of the choices did not reflect the characters and were found very distracting.

Once Upon a Mattress at Monarch High School delved into the medieval world of knights and ladies while reminding us that not every princess falls into one category.

Rachel Goldberg
Cooper City High School
Submitted for publication to Knights Quarterly

Knights, queens, princesses...peas? In Monarch High School's powerful presentation of "Once Upon a Mattress," what begins as a typical fairytale transforms into a musical comedy that shares the "Song of Love," and the pea that tested everything.

Music and lyrics by Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer, the musical first premiered off-Broadway in 1959 and then moved to Broadway that same year. The show, which won the World Theater Award and is based on Hans Christian Andersen's "Princess and the Pea," follows Prince Dauntless, a young boy looking for a princess to marry. The queen, his mother, has an agenda of her own, however, and a keen liking to "Sensitivity."

As the family's available suitor, Prince Dauntless, Logan Draluck brought energy and humor to the stage. His character development throughout the show allowed Draluck to convincingly portray Dauntless' inner turmoil as a young boy ready for love and yet devoted to his mother. Dauntless' determined and ominous mother Queen Aggravain was brilliantly brought to the stage by Allison Fowner. Fowner stood out in her powerful deliverance of lines as she commanded the stage and the kingdom. Draluck and Fowner forged a believable mother-son chemistry, best showcased in their scenes together. They embody the overbearing mother, and whiny yet obedient son, until "when the mouse devours the hawk."

Princess Winnifred was portrayed by Mia Prokop. Her physicality and lively facial expressions artfully conveyed she was the odd one out in the kingdom. Her energy was undeniable and her vocals were incredible, as she maintained both of these aspects in standout numbers such as "Happily Ever After" and "Song of Love." Prokop clearly distinguished herself from the rest of the kingdom through body language and vocal inclination, and masterfully established the relationship between "Winnifred" and "Dauntless."

The knights and ladies of the kingdom ensured there was never a dull moment in the show. Their individuality and character development allowed them to have great moments onstage that were a fantastic addition to the show. Although at times there was a lack of energy and diction, as well as missing a climax in big emotional moments, overall, the ensemble was able to create characters of their own which added to the believability of the performance. Another notable performer was Jason May in his role as the flirty and mischievous King Sextimus. With all of his acting done through movement,his comedic portrayal of the cursed king was both humorous and extremely entertaining.

The archaic antiquated costumes helped create the show's medieval 15th-century setting. Set pieces were beautifully designed and used. Lighting was timely and although sometimes blackouts were prolonged, creativity was present in their use of lights to create different rooms in the castle. These elements helped the cast achieve the royal atmosphere of the faraway kingdom, furthering the concept that this story takes place "Many Moons Ago."

Whether you are a princess, handmaid, or mute king, the show's message of love above all else touched the heart- as well as caused some laughter. The cast and crew of "Once Upon a Mattress" marvelously illustrated that it is the trials and tribulations of family and love that eventually bring us to our "Happily Ever After."

Kelsey Wells
Calvary Christian Academy
Submitted for publication to Knights Quarterly

On a stormy night, to the Monarch stage came the production of Once Upon a Mattress. This musical puts a new spin on the old Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, The Princess and the Pea. In this adaption, Queen Aggravain is testing princess from all the neighboring kingdoms for their eligibility to marry her son, Prince Dauntless. None have proven worthy enough, until Princess Winnifred literally washes up to the castle and catches the young prince's eye, to the Queen's dismay. The queen then devises the famous test to determine Winnifred's royalty involving twenty towering mattresses and one puny pea. Much like the stack of mattresses, this musical is a tall order and the Monarch High School theatre company tackled this challenge with as much courage as Princess Winnifred had as she swam the moat and entered the castle.

A combination of fantasy and comedy, this musical; by Mary Rodgers, Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson, and Dean Fuller, first premiered Off-Broadway in 1959, before moving to Broadway later that same year. It then began a U.S. tour and a West End run the next year. A few years later, after those productions closed, the musical returned to Broadway as well as aired as a television special on three separate occasions.

Following in the footsteps of Carol Burnett and Sarah Jessica Parker, Mia Prokop took on the role of the boisterous Princess Winnifred, a character which she portrayed with mesmerizing energy. She had fantastic comedic timing and brought a wonderful energy to the stage at all times, even those whilst other characters were lacking that same energy. Another notable cast member was Jason May in the role of the silent King Sextimus. What he couldn't express in words, he made doubly made up for with his hilarious facial expressions and body language.

Many aspects on the technical side of the production were remarkable as well. The costumes were beautifully designed to fit the personality of every character as well as the time period of the show as a whole. Though the set was simplistic, it was still wonderfully constructed and practical for the production. The sound had trouble at times; however, overall, was on point and clear.

As a whole, though the energy could have been amplified in many scenes, the cast worked very well together and produced a highly entertaining and humorous rendition of Once Upon a Mattress.