Once Upon a Mattress is a delightful musical retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, and it has taken New York by storm. The production, currently running at the New York Theater, has been met with rave reviews and packed houses. As a fan of both musicals and fairy tales, I couldn't wait to see if this show lived up to the hype. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the catchy songs to the charming characters, Once Upon a Mattress is a must-see for anyone looking for a fun and enchanting night at the theater.
1. "Once Upon a Mattress" Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
1. "Once Upon a Mattress" Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
The story follows the kingdom of Happily Ever After, where Prince Dauntless is searching for a princess to marry. However, his overbearing mother, Queen Aggravain, has set impossible tests for any potential bride, hoping to keep her son all to herself. That is until the arrival of Princess Winnifred, a feisty and unconventional princess who captures the heart of Prince Dauntless. But will she pass the queen's tests and win the prince's hand in marriage?
2. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
2. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
The standout performance of the night was by Broadway veteran Kelli O'Hara, who played Princess Winnifred. O'Hara's powerful vocals and comedic timing brought the character to life and had the audience rooting for her from the start. Her chemistry with the charming and lovable Prince Dauntless, played by newcomer Derek Klena, was a joy to watch.
3. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
3. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
The rest of the cast was equally talented, with standout performances from Tony winner Harriet Harris as Queen Aggravain and John Tartaglia as the hilarious jester, Jester. The ensemble was also top-notch, with impressive dance numbers and harmonies that added to the overall whimsical and magical atmosphere of the show.
4. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
4. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
The songs, written by Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer, are catchy and memorable, with standout numbers such as "Shy" and "Happily Ever After". The choreography, by Josh Rhodes, adds to the overall charm of the show, with energetic and fun dance routines that perfectly complement the music.
5. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
5. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
The set design, by Tony winner David Rockwell, was stunning and added to the fairy tale feel of the production. From the colorful costumes to the intricate castle set, every detail was meticulously crafted and added to the overall magic of the show.
6. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
6. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
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What sets Once Upon a Mattress apart from other fairy tale adaptations is its clever and witty script, written by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The humor throughout the show had the audience laughing out loud and kept the story from feeling too predictable.
7. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
7. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
One of the highlights of the show was the audience participation during the song "The Swamps of Home". Without giving too much away, let's just say that it involved a lot of audience members hopping around and it was a hilarious and memorable moment.
8. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
8. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
Overall, Once Upon a Mattress is a delightful and heartwarming production that will leave you with a smile on your face. It's a perfect show for families, as well as anyone looking for a fun and feel-good night at the theater. With its talented cast, catchy songs, and charming story, it's no wonder this musical fairy tale has captured the hearts of audiences in New York and beyond.
9. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
9. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
In conclusion, Once Upon a Mattress is a must-see for anyone who loves fairy tales, musicals, or just a good time. It's a fresh and modern take on a classic story, with all the elements that make a great musical. So grab your tickets and get ready to be swept away into the magical world of Once Upon a Mattress – you won't regret it.
10. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
10. 'Once Upon a Mattress' Review: A Musical Fairy Tale - The New York Times
A Royal Review: "Once Upon a Mattress" Takes the New York Times by Storm
Delivering a Fairy Tale Twist to House Design
In a city known for its sleek and modern architecture,
"Once Upon a Mattress"
brings a refreshing and whimsical touch to the world of house design. With its debut at the New York Times, this royal production has captured the hearts and imaginations of design enthusiasts and fairy tale lovers alike.
From the moment the curtains open, the audience is transported into a
magical kingdom
where the traditional rules of house design are turned on their head. The set design, featuring
lavish tapestries
and
ornate furniture
, perfectly captures the essence of a royal castle while also incorporating elements of fantasy and enchantment.
But it's not just the set that steals the show. The
costumes
of "Once Upon a Mattress" are nothing short of spectacular. With
rich fabrics
and
intricate details
, each character's attire tells a story of its own. And who could forget the
iconic pea green dress
worn by the leading lady, Princess Winnifred? It's a fashion statement fit for a princess, with a touch of humor and charm.
But what truly sets "Once Upon a Mattress" apart is its clever and creative use of
props
. From a golden
spinning wheel
to a
magic mirror
, each prop adds an element of wonder and surprise to the production. And let's not forget about the
mattress
itself, which plays a crucial role in the story and is a stunning piece of design in its own right.
In a world where minimalism and simplicity often reign supreme,
"Once Upon a Mattress"
dares to be bold and extravagant. It's a breath of fresh air in the world of house design, reminding us that sometimes it's okay to break the rules and add a little magic to our homes.
So if you're looking for a unique and unforgettable take on house design, look no further than
"Once Upon a Mattress"
. With its stunning set, elaborate costumes, and creative use of props, this production is a must-see for any design enthusiast. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic for yourself.
