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DIRECTOR'S NOTES

I first encountered this musical when I was a 12-year-old at my local youth theatre program.  My little brother's age group was doing this show, and I helped out behind-the-scenes, playing the "bed" and rolling it on and off stage.  I loved this show instantly.  I'm also a huge Carol Burnett fan, so when I learned that she had originated the role, an even bigger plus.

Fast forward.  I still love the show, and, this being my third year at Los Al, am still working on growing the Mainstage musical.  Two years ago, we were doing a small-scale musical in the Black Box, and last year made the move to the Mainstage, and felt like Los Al was ready for a bigger show.  Enter Mattress.

With the biggest cast I have EVER directed in a musical, we have an incredibly eager cast of students who are mostly new to the world of high school musical theatre.  With freshmen in leading roles, and many other students making their mainstage debuts, this has been a huge learning experience for all of the students, both on stage and backstage.  They have worked so hard, not only in learning the show, but how to be cast memebers, theatre students, members of the Los Al Drama Department, learning stage left from stage right, and learning how to read a rehearsal schedule, where to buy character shoes, and exactly what the heck a "rehearsal skirt" is, we are in the midst of creating a group of students who will take this experience and continue to grow, ensuring the growth and success of the endevors of the Los Alamitos Drama Department.

We've worked, sweat, been kicked in the face (literally), cried (literally), stressed, laughed, and learned.  And, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Enjoy the show.  We're enjoying performing it for you!

~Stacy Castiglione

Los Alamitos Drama Director