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OPEN AUDITIONS:
Once Upon A Mattress
Music by Mary Rodgers, Lyrics by Marshall Barer
Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer
Director: Chandler Spradling
Musical Director: Derick Featherston
Performance Dates: Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Auditions, by appointment: SEPTEMBER 9 & 10.
Audition Sign-up: SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION
Callbacks, by invitation only: September 11.
Read-Through for those cast: September 12.
Synopsis
Once Upon A Mattress is a whimsical and entertaining musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. The story revolves around a kingdom where the Queen’s oppressive rule and a peculiar curse create a backdrop for a humorous and heartwarming tale.
In this unhappy kingdom, King Sextimus has been rendered mute by a witch’s curse, unable to speak until “the mouse devours the hawk.” Meanwhile, Queen Aggravain has taken control, her domineering presence felt throughout the Royal household. She decrees that no one may marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, weds a true princess of royal blood. To ensure this, the Queen has devised nearly impossible tests for the eleven princesses who have so far attempted to win the prince’s hand, all of whom have failed.
The kingdom’s inhabitants, especially the Knights and Ladies of the Court, are distressed by this situation. Among them are Lady Larken and her lover, Sir Harry. With Lady Larken expecting a child, the need to find a suitable princess for Prince Dauntless becomes urgent. Determined, Sir Harry embarks on a quest to find a true princess and returns with Princess Winnifred, who arrives dripping wet after swimming the moat. Winnifred’s unorthodox behavior and vivacious personality captivate Prince Dauntless, much to the chagrin of Queen Aggravain.
Desperate to thwart Winnifred, the Queen consults the Wizard and they concoct a sensitivity test involving a pea placed beneath twenty mattresses. The Queen declares that if Winnifred is truly of royal blood, she will be unable to sleep. To ensure she fails, the Queen hosts a ball with vigorous dancing, encourages Winnifred to drink heavily, gives her a sleeping draught, and even provides a singing bird to lull her to sleep.
However, despite these efforts, Winnifred remains sleepless, spending the night counting sheep. Furious, the Queen demands that Princess Winnifred leave the kingdom. But Prince Dauntless, now in love with Winnifred, stands up to his mother. In a twist, the Jester reveals that the true reason Winnifred couldn’t sleep was due to his mischievous placement of uncomfortable items under the top mattress, including his lute, a helmet, a large spiked ball, some livestock, and old armor.
Ultimately, the Queen’s plans are foiled, the curse on King Sextimus is lifted, and the kingdom rejoices as Prince Dauntless and Princess Winnifred find their happily ever after, with the Queen finally receiving her comeuppance.
This delightful musical combines humor, romance, and a touch of magic to create an enchanting theatrical experience.
ALL ROLES ARE OPEN AND AVAILABLE.
AUDITION Dates: September 9 & 10
Callbacks, by invitation: September 11.
Read-Through for those cast only: September 12.
Auditions will be held on dates listed above and only one (1) slot is needed per individual. All roles are available. Audition Sign-up: SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND PREPARATION HINTS:
– Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check-in and prepare.
– Please bring your AUDITION FORM; filled out in advance (including scheduling conflicts).
– Prepare 32 bars of music in the style of the show, or from the show, at your choice. Accompanist will be provided (no recorded music or a capella). Bring a copy of sheet music; if from a book, please bring a copy that can be laid flat to minimize page turns.
– Additional cold reading from script may be requested; sides will be provided at auditions and/or callbacks. No monologues.
CALLBACKS: September 11 from 5:30pm-9pm (By invitation only): Will include dance/movement combination and cold readings from script. For some singing roles, you may be asked to sing from the show.
Rehearsal and General Date Format: (All times are approximate, not all actors are called for every rehearsal, principal role actors may be called for special times, scene work, etc.) Rehearsals are held Sunday afternoons from Noon-4pm+-, and Monday through Thursday evenings from 6pm-10pm, beginning with the required read-through rehearsal on Thursday, September 12. Set build occurs on October 12, 19 & 26 and all actors are required to actively participate. Tech week begins on Sunday, October 27, (or as early as Saturday, October 26 depending on set build completion), and the evenings of October 28, 29, & 30. Performance Dates are October 31, November 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 & 10. Evening shows begin at 7:30pm. Sunday Matinees begin at 2pm. Actor call is up to 2 hours before show time. Brush-up rehearsal is the evening of November 6.
Character Descriptions: ALL ages are “stage ages” only and fluid, as are all references to gender:
PRINCESS WINNIFRED: Lead – F(20’s – 30’s). Vocal Range – Belt (A3 to D♭ 5), Dance Requirements: Light. Character Description: She is not the “classical” princess in any sense of the word. She can swim moats, lift weights and she prefers the swamps of home to a fancy castle. She is energetic, adventurous, independent and optimistic.
QUEEN AGGRAVAIN: Lead – F(40-60’s). Vocal Range – Alto (A3 to B4), Dance Requirements: Light. Character Description: Very protective of her only son, Dauntless. She is a strong character that takes the stage with her presence. She is over-bearing, lively, domineering, but should be played comically.
JESTER: Lead – M/F(20’s – 50’s). Vocal Range – Tenor (D♭ 3 to A♭ 4), Dance Requirements: Experienced. Character Description: Male or Female- Looking for a dancer and special talents- juggling, gymnast, contortionist, etc. Must be flexible, agile and full of energy. Has a hidden passion for show business and the “good old days” His/her loyalties lie with his friends, the King & the Minstrel.
PRINCE DAUNTLESS: Lead – M(20’s – 30’s). Vocal Range – Baritone (A3 to E4), Dance Requirements: Light. Character Description: Still a “mama’s boy,” but it is evident that he is ready to move on. He is child-like, naïve, with a likeable sense of innocence. He adores Winnifred and is in awe of her every step.
LADY LARKEN: Lead – F(20’s – 30’s). Vocal Range – Soprano (D♭ 4 to A♭ 5), Dance Requirements: Light. Character Description: She is graceful, charming and in love with Sir Harry. She is very eager for Dauntless to marry so she can wed Harry before her little bundle arrives. She is eager to please and would never cause embarrassment to her love, Sir Harry.
SIR HARRY: Lead – M(20’s – 30’s). Vocal Range – Tenor (C3 to G4), Dance Requirements: Light. Character Description: He is a handsome and manly knight, but a bit of a “stuffed shirt.” He may one day become the Prime Minister, if he can find a Princess to marry Dauntless, so he can wed Lady Larkin. He is chivalrous, brave, determined and a bit taken with himself.
MINSTREL: Supporting – M(20’s – 40’s). Vocal Range – Tenor (D3 to A♭ 4), Dance Requirements: Light. Character Description: May be cast as male or female. Young, attractive and “worldly”. Has an air of confidence and enjoys telling the real story to the audience. S/he is likable and cunning when need be.
WIZARD: Supporting – M(40’s – 60’s). Vocal Range – Baritone (low: A2), Dance Requirements: Light. Character Description: The Queen’s loyal confidante. He is magical, mysterious and able to do several magic tricks. He possesses a sense of “the dark side” and showmanship.
KING SEXTIMUS, THE SILENT: Supporting – M(40-60’s). Vocal Range – Mute, Dance Requirements: Light. Character Description: An eye for the ladies! He is mute, due to a curse, but you always know what he is thinking. He is expressive, mischievous and playful with strong facial and physical comedy. (strong at pantomime a plus)
ENSEMBLE: 6(m) & 6(w), Multiple featured roles: Sir Studley, Sir Luce, Sir Harry, Kitchen Wench, Emily, Lady Mabelle, Nightingale, Ladies-in-Waiting, Knights, Soldiers, Servants, Musicians, etc. Must Sing and Dance
Downloads/Links:
Audition Sign-up: SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION
Audition Form(Please download and fill out IN ADVANCE and bring to your audition.)
Original Broadway Cast Recording: Listen
Revival Broadway Cast Recording: Listen
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Auditions for ONCE UPON A MATTRESS: Sept. 9 & 10. See above.
Theatre Location for Auditions
St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre
One St. Peters Centre Blvd.
St. Peters, MO 63376
The Performing Arts Theatre is in the City Hall building, Western(far right) most building at the opposite end from the Rec-Plex. Act Two Theatre performs in St. Peters to one of the largest average audiences of local St. Louis area theatre companies. Each show runs for 8 performances with attendance numbers ranging between 1300-1800 per show run. Act Two’s loyal, large and enthusiastic season ticket subscriber base allows many to receive the gift, joy and magic of live theatre that our talented actors, directors, tech crew and volunteers create.
About Act Two Theatre:
2024 marks Act Two Theatre’s 31st Anniversary Season. We are proud to present another year of high-quality theatre in St. Peters, Missouri. We are located in the beautiful 318-seat Performing Arts Theater at the St. Peters City Hall Cultural Arts Centre, adjacent to the Rec-Plex. The theater has comfortable seating and a terrific stage!
Act Two Theatre performs to one of the largest average audiences as compared to other local St. Louis area theatre companies. Except for the Muny and Stages no other professional, regional or community theatre company boasts a larger following. Act Two’s loyal, large and enthusiastic season ticket subscriber base allows many to share in the joy and magic of live theatre that our talented actors, directors, tech crew and volunteers create.
