FCT’s musical comedy Once Upon a Mattress brings much laughter, cheering, and opening night standing ovation!
Congratulations to all! The opening of the musical comedy Once Upon a Mattress on June 2 brought much laughter, cheering, and a standing ovation for the talented cast of 29 local youth! The show continues on Fridays and weekends at Fauquier Community Theatre from June 3 – 11.
This fun and charmingly timeless musical for all ages to enjoy is based on "The Princess and the Pea” by Hans Christian Andersen. The music is composed by renowned Mary Rodgers and along with lyricist/librettists Marshall Barer and Jay Thompson, the musical brings much laughter and bright song and dance numbers.
Carol Burnett made her debut on Broadway in Once Upon a Mattress in 1959 and the musical has been enjoyed by generations of families ever since! Fauquier Community Theatre's production is directed by Jack Tessier, co-produced by Sam Wong and Ryan Balint, and through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
The song and dance numbers are directed by music director Cate Murray and choreographed by Gabrielle Tessier. Assistant director Esther Wells brings her experience of comedic timing to the production.
Costume designer Claire Anderson and Dan Martin's lighting design dress the stage with the enchantment of the story line. The set construction, with the help of Doug Barylski, Morgan Gallagher, Marty Kelly and others, is clever and adds much to the production.
Co-producer Samantha Wong enthusiastically remarks, “This show deserves all the love! It has been so many laughs and smiles-filled time and what a blessing to be able to co-produce this and getting to watch all these young actors carry so much light and joy into the theater every rehearsal, both on and off stage. The future of theatre is nothing but bright with these stellar kids leading the way.”
The cast brings Once Upon a Mattress to stage in a delightful way that has audience members remarking how multi-talented the actors are. Opening night showcased these young actors' talents of singing, dancing, acting, comedic timing, and even some gymnastics on stage. The agility of the cast members and the antics they perform throughout the production bring much laughter to the audience.
Tessier's direction of the musical exhibits his love for the story. Each scene is with the excitement of a first time discovery as to what will happen next. When the "tower of mattresses" is finally revealed the audience is in awe!
A special thank you to the show production business sponsor Dr. Thomas Nicolai of Fauquier Chiropractic for his support of Fauquier Community Theatre and arts education.
Come see why this cast of 29 youth received a cheering standing ovation on opening night from the full audience! Enjoy this musical comedy Once Upon a Mattress at Fauquier Communty Theatre, a show enjoyed by all ages!
Performances continue on Fridays and weekends from June 3 – 11 and take place at the Vint Hill Theater on the Green located at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, Virginia. Friday and Saturday performances take place at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees are at 2 pm. Ticket prices are $12 - $15. All tickets are for reserved seating and may be purchased online at www.FCTstage.org, by emailing Tickets@FCTstage.org, or calling 540-349-8760.
