by Keith Martin
BOONE, N.C. – For only the second time since 2014, the Appalachian State University Department of Theatre & Dance and the Hayes School of Music are collaborating on a co-production of a popular Broadway musical.
"Once Upon a Mattress" is a beloved musical comedy based on Hans Christian Andersen's 1835 fairy tale, "The Princess and the Pea." It tells the story of Princess Winnifred, a princess who must prove her sensitivity by sleeping on twenty mattresses with a pea hidden underneath. The original production debuted in May 1959, with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. It has been popular for decades and is known for its catchy tunes and comedic and family-friendly nature. The show is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals, www.concordtheatricals.com.
Dr. Soo Goh, Interim Director of the Hayes School of Music (HSoM), said, "'Once Upon a Mattress' marks the first joint production in eight years, and this long-awaited reunion will bring together the creative strengths of both programs for a charming tale of life, heart, and humor. This collaboration truly exemplifies the creative synergy between the two programs, highlighting the strengths of our artistic programs. The production will surely be a delight for our students and our community."
Professor Mike Helms, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance (T&D), remarked, "It's great to be teaming up again with the Hayes School of Music. The last time we did something on this scale was 'Sweeney Todd' in 2018, and before that, 'Kiss Me, Kate' in 2014. Those collaborations showed us just how much our students gain — creatively and professionally — when we work side by side."
Over 100 Appalachian students will be involved in the cast, orchestra, and crew. After a seven-week rehearsal and technical production process beginning on February 15, five performances of the musical are scheduled in the Valborg Theatre on the university's Boone campus, located at 480 Howard Street in Boone, with a 7 p.m. curtain from Wednesday through Saturday, April 15 through 18, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 19. Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for faculty/staff, and $17 for adults and are now available by phone, in person, or online at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts.
Goh noted that these joint productions create the kind of experiential opportunities you just can't replicate in a classroom. Helms added, "There's a real spark when our programs come together, and I can't wait to see where this collaboration takes us next semester."
The creative team combines the talents of both entities under the veteran leadership of Dance Studies Professor and former T&D department chair Kevin Warner, who is serving as both director and choreographer for the production. Warner, who has been working on the show for six months, proudly announced his creative team colleagues: music direction is provided by two Hayes School of Music faculty, Dr. Joby Bell and Dr. Tyler Young, with live accompaniment by the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Dr. Alexandra Dee. They are performing for the very first time in the Valborg Theatre's renovated orchestra pit, a capital improvement made possible by a generous gift from an anonymous donor.
The creative team for "Once Upon a Mattress" includes, from left to right, music directors, Dr. Joby Bell and Dr. Tyler Young, orchestra conductor Dr. Alexandra Dee, and director/ choreographer, Kevin Warner. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Maestro Dee remarked about the artistic and educational opportunity for Appalachian students. "Any new experience for the orchestra members broadens their skill set and prepares them for potential career opportunities, so I am thrilled that we will all be working together to bring this production to life!"
Co-Music Directors Dr. Bell and Dr. Young concurred with Dee. "Every detail will be handled by superior experts in every field of production," said Bell, "all of whom I am humbled and honored to call colleagues here at Appalachian." Dr. Young added, "I am certain our students will benefit greatly from this opportunity as we combine musicianship, artistry, movement, and acting into a grand performance, all backed by a faculty with decades of experience. We will learn and grow as a collective - our students will flourish, and the faculty will bond to create the community we know as Appalachian State University."
These esteemed colleagues will be joined on the design and production team by talented T&D faculty, including Professors John Marty (lighting), Mike Helms (settings), and Martha Marking (costumes). Senior theatre major Echo McArthur is serving as stage manager for the show.
Members of the design and production team include, from left to right, set designer, Mike Helms, stage manager, Echo McArthur, costume designer, Martha Marking, and lighting designer, John Marty.
Warner's research has discovered a treasure trove of background details and fun facts about "Once Upon a Mattress" that will inform the App State production. "The musical made a star out of 25 year-old Carol Burnett, who originated the role of Princess Winnifred, first at a summer resort in the Poconos, then Off-Broadway. The reviews were good, and the show moved to Broadway, receiving 1960 Tony Award nominations for Best Musical and for Burnett's leading actress performance, cementing her launch into stardom in a role she would twice recreate on television. Subsequent revivals have featured Sarah Jessica Parker and Sutton Foster in the title role."
Kevin Warner
"Once Upon a Mattress" lost out to Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music" in a category that pitted father Richard against daughter Mary (Rodgers versus Rodgers) for the prestigious award. Warner noted another fun trivia fact: composer, author, and Juilliard chairman Mary Rodgers is the mother of Adam Guettel, who himself is a Tony Award nominee and winner in the same category for "The Light in the Piazza," marking the only time in theatre history that three generations of the same family were so honored.
Warner noted with pride that App State's "Once Upon a Mattress" is already a hit. On Thursday morning, April 16, the company will perform Act I of the show as part of the Schaefer Center's APPlause! K-12 Performing Arts Series, conducted by HSoM graduate student, Marin Kimpton, assistant conductor of the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra. That performance is not open to the public; instead, reduced-rate tickets were made available to educational institutions throughout the region, and tickets sold out quickly after going on sale.
However, excellent seating is available for the remaining five performances by phone, in person, or online at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts.
Photo credit: Chase Reynolds
Logo design: Brad Parquette
Media Contacts:
Lisl Kuutti
kuuttila@appstate.edu
828-262-4091
P.J. Wirchansky
wirchanskypj@appstate.edu
828-262-7249
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About the Department of Theatre and Dance
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the mission of the Department of Theatre and Dance is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative, and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community, and the region.
About the Hayes School of Music
The Hayes School of Music prepares musicians for professional lives as performers, music educators, music therapists, and music industry professionals, ensuring the next generation of musical leadership for the state, region, and nation. Noted for quality instruction offered by nationally and internationally recognized faculty musicians, the school offers four undergraduate and two graduate-level degree programs. Beyond the classroom, the Hayes School of Music engages the wider community through Cannon Music Camp, the Community Music School, and a vibrant calendar of public performances. Explore more at music.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at cfaa.appstate.edu
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,795 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
Valborg Theatre thumbnail
Valborg Theatre thumbnail