Juan Diego Catholic High to present 'Once Upon a Mattress'
When Director Steven Pay realized his senior class at Juan Diego Catholic High was devoted to musical theater, he decided to direct a second musical this year instead of producing a spring play.
On Feb. 23-25 and 26, 61 students will produce "Once Upon a Mattress," on the Juan Diego auditorium stage, 300 East 11800 South, Draper. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5for children and seniors and are available at the door.
"'Mattress' was chosen because it showcased several main characters which would allow me to give more seniors one last chance at being featured on stage," Pay said.
Cast as Princess Winnifred is Lauren Rathbun; Prince Dauntless is Matthew Voegeli; Queen Aggravain is played by Gabbi Lemanski; and Cody Thompson is King Sextimus. Other key roles are The Minstrel, performed by Joe Bridgeman; The Jester, played by Guy Todaro; and Sir Harry and Lady Larken, performed by Brent Poppen and Lucy Colosimo, respectively.
Although similar to the story of "The Princess and The Pea," there are differences, such as Princess Winnifred swimming the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab and that Lady Larken's love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reaches the bridal altar post haste. And perhaps, a most surprising, is that it wasn't the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night.
"The music is fun and catchy. The show itself is a musical farce which means it is a comedy show with music thrown in. I wanted to have the audience laughing," Pay said. "Chances are you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again."
Rehearsals began Jan. 4 for the 47 actors and 14 backstage tech students. In this production, Pay said they are not using any backdrops other than a white cyclorama in the back and a set that is used multiple times with several variations.
"It allows the audience to be more involved with the show watching the acting rather than looking at all the drops and scenery," he said.
Joining Pay as the production team is Juan Diego faculty members Shelti Thompson, Brian Manternach and Erika Manternach.
