A Princess, a Pea, and Plenty of Laughter!
by Molly Wells
BOONE, NC - The Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance and the Hayes School of Music proudly present “Once Upon a Mattress,” a musical based on the classic fairytale, “The Princess and the Pea” by Hans Christian Anderson, with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The cast is composed of 20 Appalachian State students spanning all grade levels. In addition to the cast, multiple undergraduates are working on the technical and design teams under the mentorship of Theatre and Dance faculty and staff members, as well as over 50 students playing in the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra (ASO) under the direction of Hayes School of Music faculty members.
The production takes place in the state-of-the-art Valborg Theatre from April 15 – 19, 2026. Evening performances begin at 7 p.m. on the 15 – 18, and there is a matinee showing at 2 p.m. on the 19th. Student tickets are $10, Faculty/Staff tickets are $15, and adult tickets are $17. Tickets are available online through the Theatre and Dance Department website at theatreanddance.appstate.edu, by phone at (828) 262-4046, and in person or online through the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts box office.
Lindsey Bolster (Princess Winnifred)
“Once Upon a Mattress” is a vivacious musical comedy that follows the story of Prince Dauntless, who desperately wants to marry, but is prevented from doing so by his overbearing mother, Queen Aggravain. The Queen is insistent that any potential suitor pass a ridiculously difficult test. As a result, no princess has ever succeeded, and the entire kingdom is stuck in a state of marital limbo - no one may marry until the prince does. Everything changes when the unconventional and bold Princess Winnifred arrives at the castle. Determined to prove herself, Winnifred agrees to take the Queen’s most tedious test yet, sleeping on a towering stack of mattresses with a tiny pea hidden beneath them. Through humor, music, and heartfelt moments, “Once Upon a Mattress” brings a new life to a classic fairytale.
Theatre Performance major Ralph Phillips, a sophomore from Fuquay Varina, NC, states, “Once Upon a Mattress” is a classic Broadway favorite that is going to bring tons of laughter to High Country audiences. It's timeless, the musical is sure to make people smile. ‘Mattress’ is funny, bold, and royally awesome.”
left to right: Brogen Justice (King Sextimus) & Andrew Lopez (Prince Dauntless)
The cast of “Once Upon a Mattress” includes the following individuals, in alphabetical order: Baylee Allen, Noah Bashaw, Lindsey Bolster, Cassidy Bowen, Annie Clark, Isaac Clarke, Alexander Cox, Max Crum, Knox Hutchinson, Brogen Justice, Pryor Justis, Ian Kirchbaum, Andrew Lopez, Sabrina Lorca Lozano, Ralph Philips, Kenzie Schmitt, Dior Scott, Kirin Smith, Sophie Tucker, and Mac Wiggs.
Professor Kevin S. Warner, a seasoned musical theatre professional, is directing the production and mentoring student assistant directors Gianna Giglio and Alex Pekatos. Music direction is by Dr. Joby Bell and Dr. Tyler Young, with choreography by Warner and Appalachian Symphony Orchestra direction by Dr. Alexandra Dee. The lighting design is by Professor John Marty and student Hadley Brickman, costume design by Professor Martha Marking and student Ayla Altman, and set design is by Professor Michael Helms, department chair. The show is stage-managed by senior Echo McArthur.
Professor Kevin Warner, Director/ Choreographer
Assistant Director Alex Pekatos, a senior from Wilmington, NC, reflects on Winnifred’s legacy, saying, “It is fascinating to see how Princess Winnifred has come to be portrayed with such a bold and lively presence. Her exaggerated physicality and strong comedic spirit have been shaped by many iconic actresses who have previously taken on the role including Carol Burnett, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Sutton Foster.”
The Appalachian Symphony Orchestra is comprised of the following individuals, in alphabetical order: Marie Albritton, Emerson Barat, Madelyne Brenseke, Layla Bouis, Anabella Carter, Kaitlyn Carpenter, Carson Case, Aiden Chacon, Matthew Claudio, Tyler Domangue, Liam Dumaine, Molly Gibson, Alex Hayes, Willson Hooks, Michael Incorvaia, Benjamin Kipps, Wayne Landers, Mia Lederer, Chris Levantis, Sean Maccaroni, Gabriela Magallan Aguilar, Tyler McCarty, Zander Meshaw, Presley Mettler, Peyton Messler, Kaylee Money, Evan Moser, Joshua Newman, Violet Nicholl, Richard Nuckolls, Cooper Parsons, Isabella Pietrosemoli Salazar, Dylan Quinn, Chase Raynor, Nicholas Reid, Will Rivers, Porter Robinson, Adrick Rosales, Shelby Rochez, Alexis Rubianes, Isaac Rutledge, Issy Saavedra, Graham Schoonover, Roman Seifert, Ava Short, Daniel Snipes, Will Sorrell, Justice Stiff, Eli Westbrook, Owen Woker, and Blakely Woods.
left to right: Max Crum (Jester), Brogen Justice (King Sextimus), Alexander Cox (Minstrel)
In total, there are over 100 students working on the production under faculty and staff leadership in positions spanning performance, music, costume crafts, lighting design, and set construction.
Directions and parking information may be found here. A full listing of the current and upcoming Department of Theatre and Dance seasons is available at theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
“Once Upon a Mattress” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals, www.concordtheatricals.com.
left to right: Noah Bashaw (Sir Harry) & Sophie Tucker (Lady Larken)
Poster artwork design by Brad Parquette. Photography by Kyla Willoughby.
Media Contacts
P.J. Wirchansky
828-262-7249
wirchanskypj@appstate.edu
Lisl Kuutti
828-262-4091
kuuttila@appstate.edu
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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 Department of Theatre and Dance's mission 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. theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
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.
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