Once Upon a Mattress by Payson Community Theatre Delights Audiences in Utah County

By Christina Carrick

Once Upon a Mattress, performed by Payson Community Theatre in Payson, Utah, delights audiences with a hilarious twist on a classic story. In the summer of 1958, three young writers combined their creative energies to give a fresh face to Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.” Mary Rodgers composed, while Marshall Barer and Jay Thompson acted as writers and lyricists. The one-act show was an instant success. With the help of writer Dean Fuller, it was adapted for off-Broadway productions within the next year, ultimately launching the career of Carol Burnett.

Once Upon a Mattress tells the tale of a village that is just as invested in finding their young prince a bride as the prince himself. The overbearing queen has declared a moratorium on marriages until her little boy has found a wife. Unfortunately, the queen has a bad case of “needing to cut the apron strings” and actively sabotages any prospective princesses by concocting impossible-to-pass tests. Sir Harry, the queen’s champion-in-arms, is spurred by his own ulterior motives to set out to find the perfect princess from far away. He returns with a princess so eager to be seen that she swims the moat.

Emma Black as Princess Winnifred is the standout star of the show. She plays the part with terrific vocal talent and comedic skill. Her first number, “Shy,” is my personal favorite, and sets the tone of her character. E. Black does double-duty as the show’s star and choreographer. Her every movement, vocal inflection, and mannerism embodies the bold and unique princess. She and Prince Dauntless have excellent chemistry, and it’s no wonder since Prince Dauntless is played by E. Black’s real-life love, Jerry Black. Their scenes together feel authentic and endearing. 

J. Black is perfectly cast as the naïve prince. He plays innocence and sincerity very convincingly without being obnoxious or over-the-top. One of the funniest songs in the second act—“Man to Man Talk”—is between J. Black and Darren Herbert (King Sextimus the Silent). The mute king endeavors to teach his son about the birds and the bees through pure pantomimed metaphors. Herbert spends most of the show as a silent actor, but his actions are heard loud and clear.  

Dana Anquoe as Queen Aggravain is a great contrast to the overly friendly king. She is very regal and imposing. Her stage presence commands attention. She has a beautiful accent, but unfortunately, I had a hard time understanding her and felt that I missed some of her funniest lines. Regardless, she and Tyler Brummett (the wizard) have great on-stage chemistry and their scene in his laboratory is magical and transportive.

Caitlyn Myler (Lady Larken) and Abe Myler (Sir Harry) (real life husband and wife) are the lovers with the bun-in-the-oven secret that act as the catalyst that drives the plot. Because of their predicament, it is imperative that the prince find a bride, and fast! Meyer and Myler sing beautifully together. Their reconciliation scene with the song “Yesterday I Loved You” against the magnificent moon backdrop is very moving. I do feel like there can be more explanation for their fight scene since it left me wondering what they were even fighting about. But even with that little confusion, Meyer and Myler are very engaging and talented actors.

Two standouts in this production are Jonah Young (minstrel) and Ben Dunford (jester). They are charismatic and bring so much energy to the stage. Dunford excels in his charming tap dance number in the second act, and Young was very appropriately cast as the minstrel with the golden vocals. Their performance with Herbert in “The Minstrel, The Jester, and I” is hilarious.

From the moment the curtains part, the sets by Steve Twede and costumes by Miranda Mobbs transport audiences to medieval Europe. The costumes are especially spectacular and magnificently designed and constructed. The lighting by Richard Lindsey works in harmony with the cast and script to direct the audience’s attention appropriately. The moon effect in the second act is simply stunning and very memorable.

Once Upon a Mattress in Payson, Utah is an excellent local production of a very funny and entertaining show. I was honestly blown away by the vocal talent of each individual actor. This is a show the whole family can enjoy. It is clear that a lot of time, energy, and heart have been put into the incredible production. The unique twist on a classic story with catchy music and a talented cast make this a must-see production.

Payson Community Theatre Presents Once Upon a Mattress, Book by Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson, and Dean Fuller; Lyrics by Mary Rodgers.
Payson High School Theater, 1050 S Main St, Payson, UT 84651
August 22-24, 26, 29-31, 2019 7:30 PM, September 2, 2019 3:00 PM
Tickets: $10 online or at the door
Payson Community Theater Facebook Page
Once Upon A Mattress Facebook Event