Once Upon a Mattress

Once Upon a Mattress is a musical comedy based on the Hans Christian Andersen's The Princess and the Pea, with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Jay Thompson, and a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The show premiered on Broadway in 1959, starring Carol Burnett as Princess Winnifred, and was directed by George Abbott, with choreography by Joe Layton. The musical was also performed at the West End in 1964, featuring Dora Bryan as the Queen Aggravain, and has since been produced in the United States, Australia, and Canada, with notable performances by Ellen Greene, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Christine Baranski.

Background

The idea for the musical was conceived by Jay Thompson, who was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen's The Princess and the Pea, and wanted to create a comedic adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Mary Rodgers, daughter of Richard Rodgers, was approached to compose the music, and Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer collaborated on the book. The show was originally titled Once Upon a Mattress (musical), but was later shortened to its current title. The musical was produced by Harold Prince, Robert E. Griffith, and George Abbott, and premiered at the Phoenix Theatre in 1959, starring Carol Burnett, Jack Gilford, and Jane White.

Plot

The story takes place in a medieval kingdom, where King Sextimus is unable to speak due to a curse placed by a witch, and his wife, Queen Aggravain, rules the kingdom with an iron fist. The Queen has decreed that no one in the kingdom can marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a bride. The Prince is presented with a series of princesses, but none of them pass the Queen's tests, until Princess Winnifred arrives, and the Prince falls in love with her. However, the Queen is determined to prevent the marriage, and subjects Princess Winnifred to a series of challenges, including the famous pea test, to prove her royal blood. The musical features a range of characters, including Sir Harry, Lady Larken, and the Wizard, who all play a role in the romantic comedy.

Music

The musical features a range of songs, including Shy, In a Little While, and Happily Ever After, which were composed by Mary Rodgers, with lyrics by Jay Thompson. The music is a mix of comedy, romance, and fantasy, and features a range of musical theatre styles, from ballads to upbeat numbers. The show's orchestration was arranged by Philip J. Lang, and the dance music was composed by Trude Rittmann. The musical has been praised for its catchy and humorous songs, which have become a hallmark of the show.

Productions

The musical has been produced in a range of venues, including the Phoenix Theatre on Broadway, the West End in London, and in regional theatres across the United States, Australia, and Canada. The show has been performed by a range of companies, including the New York City Center, the Paper Mill Playhouse, and the Stratford Festival. Notable productions have featured Carol Burnett, Dora Bryan, Ellen Greene, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Christine Baranski, among others. The musical has also been performed at the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Sydney Opera House.

Adaptations

The musical has been adapted into a range of forms, including a television special in 1964, starring Carol Burnett and Jack Gilford, and a film in 2005, starring Carol Burnett and Tracey Ullman. The show has also been adapted into a stage play, and has been performed by a range of amateur theatre companies. The musical has been translated into several languages, including French, German, and Japanese, and has been performed in a range of countries, including France, Germany, and Japan. The show's music has also been recorded by a range of artists, including Dinah Shore, Peggy Lee, and Barbra Streisand.

Reception

The musical has received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its humorous and satirical take on the classic fairy tale. The show has been praised for its catchy and memorable songs, its colorful and imaginative costumes and sets, and its strong and talented cast. The musical has been nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has won several Drama Desk Awards and Theatre World Awards. The show has also been praised by audiences, who have enjoyed its lighthearted and entertaining take on the classic story. The musical has been performed by a range of theatre companies, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and the American Conservatory Theater.