Director’s Note
The fractured Fairy Tale. Once Upon a Mattress is a ridiculous twist of “The Princess and the Pea”. It started out in the 1950s at Camp Tamiment resort in the Poconos to entertain the vacationing crowds. Needless to say, it has been a popular musical ever since. Many entertainers have been a member of the cast of Once Upon a Mattress and it’s ensemble such as Danny Kay, Imogene Coca, Jerome Robbins, Jack Gilford, Matt Maddox, Jane White Buster Keaton, and it made a star out of a young singer/comedienne Carol Burnett. Written to amuse an adult vacation crowd, the show arrived on the scene with quite a pedigree: Music by Mary Rodgers (daughter of famed composer, Richard Rogers), and lyrics by Marshall Barer – with a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer. The show was expanded to a two act musical and debuted Off–Broadway at the Phoenix Theatre in May 1959 – and made a star out of a young and up and coming singer/comedienne: Carol Burnett.
Now, in spite of consistent school closings due to snow, delays caused by icy roads, seasonal colds/flues, and numerous other quandaries, this production of Once Upon a Mattress finally makes its debut on the Fauquier High School Stage. As director of this production, I have been amazed at the dedication, energies, talents and determination of the young women and men that make up this cast. There was not a single challenge that was placed in their way that they not only met, but have executed with grace, flair and agility from the complicated dance combinations, the hordes of costumes, and acting methods. I am humbled and honored to be associated with this cast and crew. This company has been very brave, enjoyable, silly and game for the rehearsal process.
So sit back and enjoy the show and Remember that our “true Princess” might be right in front of us…. So, think again before you “judge a book by its cover”.
Enjoy the show.
Emmett Lee Bales
A Special Thank You: from the Director
Mary Jo Sears Kim Connolly
Fernando Maya Mr. & Mrs. Anderson
Rebecca Isaac Ann Alexander
Mark Holmes Jenn Horste
Ms. Elaine Yuille Theatre Arts III Class
Mr. Clarence Burton III Marjorie Carpenter
Mr. Lyndell Palmer The Custodial Staff
Ms. Constance Lyons Bob Rankin
Christy Hamby Doug Sampson
Tom Falkowski
And a big thank you to the Falcon Theatre Boosters for all you do
to support this program; especially those Snack Cart Parents
who provide energy to the kids before every rehearsal.
Thank you to Direct Mail Marketing Group/Morgan Meredith for
their generous donation of the printing of this play bill.
