The original production of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS opened on Broadway in 1959. Although the critical response was mixed, it has gone on to be a well loved, often produced golden age musical. I believe this is due mostly to the popularity of its heroine, Princess Winnifred the Woebegone. Although, officially, Fred is “of royal blood”, she does not otherwise conform to the idealized image of a princess; whether in medieval times, traditional fairy tales, or even to our more modern sensibilities. Fred is loud, brash, messy, funny, not very “book smart”, is not afraid of physical activity (particularly swimming), and shows no interest in being anything other than herself. There is so much about this musical that is dreadfully outdated and problematic in our modern times (some of which we’ve adjusted, some we haven’t) but the thing that has kept me from pulling my hair out is always remembering that at the heart of this rather silly romp is a wonderfully strong woman who never wavers from who she is and in the end that is what wins the day.
I was grateful to be surrounded by my fierce and brilliant collaborators Michelle Potterf, Emily Croome, and Emily Howe. All strong women who kept me honest, rolled with punches and reminded me everyday how lucky I am that I get to do what I love in a safe space with wonderful, talented students thirsty to grow and learn and where we get to bring art to life onstage. Enjoy the silliness with a dose of fairy tale female empowerment. Bravissimo!
Johanna Pinzler, Director
