Maine South presents "Once Upon a Mattress"

Audiences will delight to new twists on a familiar and hilarious tale when Maine South High School presents “Once Upon a Mattress” in five performances on April 29 and 30 and May 1, 6 and 7.

Fine Arts teacher and Director John Muszynski likens South’s stage production to the movie “Shrek,” in which children enjoy the basic story while adults appreciate the more sophisticated humor woven within.

The essential tale is that overbearing Queen Aggravain has decreed that no one in the kingdom will marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds and weds a suitable bride.  But she schemes to sabotage that search because she is sure that no one is good enough for her son.  Unfortunately for all, the king cannot help because he has been struck mute by a curse and cannot speak until “the mouse devours the hawk.”

But with entire kingdom’s love live hanging hanging in the balance, match-making efforts shift into high gear among the populace.  Want ads looking for that special someone for the prince take on a desperate tone, and everyone pitches in to find a way to win approval for Prince Dauntless’ first choice: the improbable and irrepressible Princess Winnifred the Woebegone.

Muszynski ramps up the comedy by "Shrekifying" the production:  dropping modern conveniences and references into a story set in Medieval Times  "We're dropping them in left and right,” Muszynski said. “It's OK for a cell phone to suddenly show up or for Sir Harry to come in on electric scooter.  Those things are fine.  It's really playful and fun. Believable? No., but we're having a great time with it."

Putting it all together are about 160 students in the cast, working backstage and performing in the pit orchestra.  Joel Matter is directing the orchestra, Pat Sanchez is technical director and designer, Lauri McCleneghan is costumer and costume designer. Matthew Hanes is the vocal director; Konnie Kay is the choreographer; and Janet Tiller is working on the set and backdrop.

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29, Saturday, April 30, Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7.  Also scheduled is a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 1.  Tickets are available online at the Maine South Web site at the logo for “SeatYourself.”