Princess Winnifred (Erin Wilson) demonstrates her strength during ‘Song of Love’ from ‘Once Upon A Mattress.’ Also pictured in this Elm Street production are Stephen Hardin, Hannah Schug, Brian Gamel, Scott Simmons, Caleb Bouchard, Darrell Meek, Ross Ruda and Casey Hofmann.
Special to the Cherokee Tribune
Special to the Cherokee Tribune
The Jester (Brian Gamel), the Minstrel (Scott Simmons) and the King (Stephen Hardin) hide in plain site as they avoid Queen Aggravain.
Sir Harry (Matthew Luce) argues with Lady Larken (Casey Hofmann) when she mistakes Princess Winnifred for a scullery maid.
The Queen (Hannah Schug) holds back Prince Dauntless (Darrell Meek) from meeting Princess Winnifred of the Swamplands (Erin Wilson) in the Elm Street Production of ‘Once Upon a Mattress.’
For those who would like a little humor on Valentine’s Day, the answer might be as close as the Elm Street City Center Theatre in Woodstock.
The wildly funny “Once Upon a Mattress” opens 7:30 p.m Thursday at the theater and continues through Feb. 24.
The show is loosely based on the old fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” and offers a healthy dose of romantic comedy.
Starring Erin Wilson as Princess Winnifred, a role created on Broadway in the ’60s by Carol Burnett, the plot revolves around her attempts to pass Queen Aggravain’s extremely difficult test so Prince Dauntless can get married. Hannah Schug plays the role of the queen and Darrell Meek is Prince Dauntless.
The King who is mute but finds other ways to communicate is played by Steve Hardin, the jester is played by Brian Gamel, the wizard is played by Caleb Bouchard and a wandering minstrel is played by Scott Simmons.
The story also includes the overly noble Sir Harry, played by Matthew Luce, and his favorite girl Lady Larken, played by Casey Hofmann.
Music is under the direction of Amy Noel Welch and dazzling choreography is by Taryn Chidebelu-Eze.
Stage direction was handled by G. Lora Grooms, costumes by Julie Sokol and Britt Flanders, sets and properties by Cindy and Jim Flanders, Harry Heinisch, Shannon Sokol and Shawn McLeod with Frances Brown and Britt Flanders running lights and sound.
The local cast also includes Ross Ruda, Erin Obrock, Samantha Kuzian, Careylin North, Adalee Wiseman, Laura Crawford, Kristina Welch, Brett Leverette, David Lindsey, Robert Crawford and Allie Hendrix.
The show continues on Friday, Saturday, Feb. 22, 23 and a matinee at 2 p.m. on Feb. 24.
“We hope this attending will make plans to have dinner at one of Woodstock’s great restaurants and then walk on over to see the show,” Grooms said.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $10 for ages 12 and younger in advance online or $15, $13, and $12 at the door.
All prices include sales tax and tickets are usually available the day of the show.
City Center Auditorium is located at 8534 Main St. in Woodstock. For information, visit elmstreetarts.org or call (678) 494-4251.
Those who bring canned goods to donate to Papa’s Pantry — chili, chunky soup, stew or peanut butter — receive a free beverage at intermission.
Elm Street Arts is continually raising the bar with its productions and is delivering incredible value by having great admission offers and delivering a Show that will
KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF !