"Once Upon a Mattress"

Coming up next weekend is a show I've been looking forward to ever since First Stage decided to present it - Once Upon a Mattress.

I'm anxious to see it because I've never seen it live on stage before - and because I loved the original production on television with Carol Burnett playing the part of the princess. It's one of the roles - on Broadway and on TV - that made her famous before the TV show named after her made her an icon.

I'm also looking forward to seeing First Stage's young performers - there's a lot of amazing talent in this cast, and there are lots of great songs (and comedic scenes) for them to tackle.

I'll have more about the show in the days ahead, but just remember: it starts this Friday at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School), and if you miss it, you'll kick yourself.

In case you've never seen the show, here's a recap: If you thought you knew the story of The Princess and the Pea, you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken's love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar posthaste? Or that, in fact, it wasn't the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some sidesplitting shenanigans. Chances are you will never look at fairy tales quite the same way again.

Here are the details: Once Upon a Mattress
November 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8:00 p.m.
and
Sunday November 21 at 2:30 p.m.

Special school performance November 18 at 9:30 am

Renaissance Art Center
900 8th Street Huntington, WV

Tickets are available at the door or by calling the ticket line 304-416-KIDS (5437)

Tickets $14.00 for adults and $12.00 for children 12 and under

Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more info www.firststagetheatre.org