North Hills students rise to the occasion to bring ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ to the stage
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Tired of the same old song-and-dance? Check out “Once Upon a Mattress,” the North Hills High School Drama Club’s spring musical.
The lighthearted comedy, which is set in medieval times, puts a twist on “The Princess and the Pea” fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson.
When the domineering Queen Aggravain decrees that no one in her kingdom can marry until her son finds a bride, Princess Winnifred — portrayed by sophomore Emma Hopf in a role originated by Carol Burnett in her Broadway debut — shows up to compete for the prince’s hand.
Senior Quinn Peters, 18, plays the hard-headed ruler.
“Something I find really interesting about ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ is how seamlessly the humor is sprinkled throughout,” Peters said. “It’s a very in-your-face musical, but in a way that’s not too much and doesn’t annoy the audience with pointless farces.”
Director and choreographer Lauren Sarazen said after 2021’s dramatic production of “Songs for a New World,” she wanted students to work for some laughs.
“I aim to provide a variety of show types for the students that occur in different time periods,” said the North Hills alumna. “This helps the educational process not only for the performers but for the scenic builders and costume crew.”
When the district premiered the musical during her freshman year in 2003, she watched it multiple times.
Nearly two decades later, she’s thrilled to make “Once Upon a Mattress” a sleeper hit. She even watched a DVD of the school’s original interpretation and will incorporate some elements from it into this year’s show.
“However,” she said, “I love tapping into my own creative interpretations and hearing ideas from the kids. I don’t ask them to watch or copy anything. I love the collaborative rehearsal process where we can play with comedic delivery ideas, props, musicality choices and staging to see what works best to tell the story.”
Since September, 104 students have been working to bring “Once Upon A Mattress” to the stage. They partnered with industry professionals on audience preparation, vocal health, characterization and dance technique, while the adult staff created plans for the set, costumes and audition material.
Connor Redman, a 17-year-old junior, is excited to show off his comedic chops as Sir Harry.
“I think I really excel in making people have a laugh,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how large or small, or even if it’s audible. As long as someone chuckles, then I’m happy. This musical is a perfect representation of that wish for me.”
Because of the pandemic, there are understudies for all major roles, and the cast has been spending more time than usual on preparing these students, who are also members of the ensemble. There are understudies for the technical crew as well, with Sarazen doubling up on the operating boards and scene change assignment in case there is an absence. Zoom meetings help kids in quarantine stay on top of their game.
Other pupils who aren’t part of the cast but have learned the ensemble tracks are referred to as “swings.”
They are ready to fill in for group numbers if an ensemble member needs to cover a leading role.
Senior Beth Satariano, 17, who plays Lady Larken, said being involved in drama club has taught her how to be flexible in the moment.
“So much of acting is reactive to what’s going on,” she explained, “and being able to bring this energy into other areas of my schooling, like in class debates or discussions, is an ability that drama club specifically has given me.”
Senior Everett Harrington, 18, the production’s Prince Dauntless, joined the drama club in 10th grade and believes it’s a great way to meet new friends.
For younger students who are interested in getting involved in the organization, the cast suggests broadening their horizons. Being part of the Drama Club is more than acting. There are many leadership roles for students, including stage managers, social media liaisons and dance captains.
“Appreciate all aspects of theatre, not just performing on stage and ‘getting the fame,’ ” Peters said. “The directors, adult staff, stage managers, tech crews, costume crews, etc., work so hard behind the scenes to make the performers look the best they can while onstage, but they barely get any thanks or recognition for it because they’re not the ones that the audience sees. If you plan to be a part of one of the crews, work hard and make us proud! If you’re a performer, thank your crews often and sincerely!”
Hail to the Queen!
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 18-19 and March 25-26. Tickets, which go on sale on March 1, are reserved seating and there are approximately 400 spots available for each show. A matinee will be held on March 20 at 1:30 p.m., with local senior citizens getting first dibs on tickets. The remaining seats will be sold to the general public.
Since all ticketing is done through ShowClix, audience members can show their ticket QR codes on their phone or print out the tickets and they will be scanned by the ushers. In keeping with covid-safe singing safety protocols, all performers and technical crew members will be masked. As such, masking is strongly encouraged for audience members.
For tickets or more information, visit nhsd.net.