Mrs. Brady
Welcome to the Jaguar Players Spring Musical! We have already had an amazing year so far and we are hoping to continue this success with the classic, Once Upon a Mattress.
Once Upon a Mattress was first written as a shorter play at the Tamiment adult summer camp resort. The play was later expanded and premiered on Broadway on May 11, 1959. It marked the Broadway debut of the legendary Carol Burnett, who originated the role of Princess Winnifred. It was produced for television first in 1964 and again in 1972 with Carol Burnett reprising her role both times. The musical was revived in 1996, starring Sarah Jessica Parker. A third television adaptation aired in 2005, starring Tracey Ullman and Carol Burnett as the Queen. Since its initial run it has ranked consistently among the top five shows licensed from Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals, with over 300 productions annually in the US alone. Over
the past 6 seasons, we have created our own theater community here at Aprende where students learn from each other and support each other. We have gotten out in the community to local schools, bookstores, and news organizations. Local businesses have supported us through sponsorships, ads, and donations. I am so proud of the hard work and dedication every single Jaguar Player and am honored to be a part of it all.
I know that the Jaguar Players could not be where we are, putting on a production this scale, without the help, support, and enthusiasm from the amazing team I am honored to work with. I first have to thank my extremely dedicated and talented Technical Team: Tech Directors, David Holdcraft and Sharon Smith, and Props, Alyssa D’Andrea, for helping to make the Jaguar Players what it is. They have truly put their blood, sweat, and tears into this program and I am forever grateful. Lastly, a special thank you to my creative team, Lies’l Hill and Ari Lucius, for being amazing collaborators and helping me bring out the best in our cast.
I also have to thank our wonderful Jaguar Players Booster Club for supporting us on this journey. Our Board and Members-at-Large have truly devoted their time and energy into making the Jaguar Players a remarkable program that continues to develop and grow. (Spots are available on next year’s Board!!)
Also, I would like to thank my friends and family for their love and support. A special thank you to my wonderful husband, Ryan, and beautiful daughters, Charlotte and Willow, for being patient and understanding during my long work days and tech week schedule.
Last, but not least, I want to thank you for coming to see our show. We can’t perform without an audience so thank you for being here and supporting Arts Education. And if you want to support the Arts even more, please buy refreshments, souvenirs, or make a direct donation at the box office.
Enjoy the show, and we hope to see you back for our 2019-2020 season!
Mrs. D'Andrea
Mrs. D’Andrea is a 7th and 8th grade U.S History teacher at Aprende. She is in charge of the props crew and has been for 3 years. Mrs. D’Andrea is excited to be working with on this play. She’d like to thank her directors, cast, crew, friends, and family for supporting Jaguar Players!
