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Once Upon a Mattress is a hilarious twist on the classic fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea." The story follows Prince Dauntless, who can't marry until he finds a true princess. However, his domineering mother, Queen Agravain, has set the bar impossibly high with a series of ridiculous tests for any potential suitor.
Enter Princess Winnifred, a bold and athletic woman who arrives dripping wet after swimming the moat. Unfazed by the Queen's outlandish challenges, Winnifred tackles them all with a healthy dose of sarcasm and unconventional methods. Through their witty banter and clashing personalities, a spark ignites between Winnifred and Prince Dauntless. The show's highlight is the famous "Sensitive Test," where Winnifred must sleep on a massive pile of mattresses, with a single pea hidden beneath.
This wacky musical is packed with catchy songs, witty dialogue, and slapstick humor. It celebrates individuality, challenges societal expectations of princesses, and reminds us that true love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
Tony Awards and Nominations for Once Upon a Mattress
| Year | Category | |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Best Musical | |
| 1997 | Best Revival of a Musical |
Videos
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DECONSTRUCTING: John Caird
Theatre Raleigh Arts Center (5/23 - 5/23) | |
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“Anne of Green Gables”
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre (5/18 - 5/19) | |
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The Spitfire Grill
Stone Soup Theatre Company (5/31 - 6/9) | |
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Merrily We Roll Along
Burning Coal Theatre Company (4/10 - 4/27) | ||
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The Lion King
Durham Performing Arts Center (5/15 - 6/9) | |
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Lerner & Loewe's Camelot
The North Carolina Theatre (11/16 - 11/24) | |
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Mamma Mia!
Durham Performing Arts Center (7/30 - 8/4) | |
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Wait Til You See This! Second Stage Series
Burning Coal Theatre Company (6/5 - 6/23) | |
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Being Chaka
Burning Coal Theatre Company (3/13 - 3/30) | ||
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& Juliet
DPAC (10/1 - 10/6) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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