Once Upon a Mattress 1959 - Articles Page 5

Opened: May 11, 1959

Once Upon a Mattress - 1959 - Broadway History , Info & More

Phoenix Theatre
189 Second Avenue New York, NY 10009

If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and the Pea", you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that it may not have been the pea at all that caused the Princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of beguiling songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are, you will never look at fairy tales in quite the same way again.

Once Upon a Mattress - 1959 - Broadway Cast

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Once Upon a Mattress - 1959 - Broadway Articles Page 5

PBS to Air Kennedy Center's Carol Burnett Celebration, 11/24; Julie Andrews, Tina Fey & More to Appear
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 4, 2013


A lineup of top entertainers including, Julie Andrews, Lucie Arnaz, Tony Bennett, Tim Conway, Tina Fey, Rashida Jones, Vicki Lawrence, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Martin Short, Rosemary Watson and others will salute Carol Burnett at the 16th Annual Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. The evening will pay tribute the humor and accomplishments of Carol Burnett, and will be taped by WETA Washington, D.C. as Carol Burnett: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize. The program will air on PBS stations nationwide November 24, 2013 (check local listings). Artists are subject to change.

Foothill Music Theatre Presents DAMN YANKEES, Now thru 8/18
by BWW News Desk - Jul 26, 2013


The award winning Foothill Music Theatre swings for the fences this summer with the Tony Award-winning musical DAMN YANKEES. With book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop, DAMN YANKEES, the musical story of a baseball fanatic who makes a deal with the devil to get his team a chance at the pennant, features a memorable Richard Adler and Jerry Ross score including 'Whatever Lola Want, Lola Gets,' and (You've Gotta Have) 'Heart.' This production will be helmed by Tom Gough with music direction by Catherine Snider, and choreography by Katie O'Bryon and plays today, July 26 - August 18 in the Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills

TV: Watch Highlights of Jackie Hoffman & More in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 25, 2013


Transport Group, the Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and OBIE award-winning theatre company, just presented a one-night-only, all-star concert of the acclaimed 1959 Broadway classic musical Once Upon A Mattress at the The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre in The Pershing Square Signature Center. Leading the company were Jackie Hoffman as Princess Winnifred and John 'Lypsinka' Epperson as Queen Aggravain with Danny Burstein (Follies) as King Sextimus, Tony nominee John Cariani (Fiddler on the Roof) as The Jester, Jill Paice (Curtains) as Lady Larken, Drama Desk nominee Lewis Cleale (The Book of Mormon) as Sir Harry, OBIE winner Jonathan Hammond (The Boys in the Band) as The Wizard, Stanley Bahorek (Queen of the Mist) as The Minstrel, and Drama Desk nominee David Rossmer (Peter and the Starcatcher) as Prince Dauntless. BroadwayWorld brings you highlights from the special concert below!

THIS WEEK IN PICTURES: June 15-21
by BWW Special Coverage - Jun 21, 2013


HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: Equity Celebrates 100 years, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Opens at the Delacorte, WICKED celebrates 4000, and so much more!

Photo Flash: Jackie Hoffman, Danny Burstein & More in Transport Group's ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Benefit
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 20, 2013


Transport Group, the Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and OBIE award-winning theatre company, just presented a one-night-only, all-star concert of the acclaimed 1959 Broadway classic musical Once Upon A Mattress at the The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre in The Pershing Square Signature Center. Leading the company were Jackie Hoffman as Princess Winnifred and John 'Lypsinka' Epperson as Queen Aggravain with Danny Burstein (Follies) as King Sextimus, Tony nominee John Cariani (Fiddler on the Roof) as The Jester, Jill Paice (Curtains) as Lady Larken, Drama Desk nominee Lewis Cleale (The Book of Mormon) as Sir Harry, OBIE winner Jonathan Hammond (The Boys in the Band) as The Wizard, Stanley Bahorek (Queen of the Mist) as The Minstrel, and Drama Desk nominee David Rossmer (Peter and the Starcatcher) as Prince Dauntless. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the special concert below!

Danny Burstein, Jackie Hoffman and More Lead ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Benefit Concert Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jun 17, 2013


Transport Group, the Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and OBIE award-winning theatre company, presents the one-night-only, all-star concert of the acclaimed 1959 Broadway classic musical Once Upon A Mattress tonight, June 17 at 7pmat the The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre in The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42nd Street.

Foothill Music Theatre to Present DAMN YANKEES, 7/26-8/18
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 14, 2013


The award winning Foothill Music Theatre swings for the fences this summer with the Tony Award-winning musical DAMN YANKEES. This production will be helmed by Tom Gough with music direction by Catherine Snider, and choreography by Katie O'Bryon and plays July 26 - August 18 in the Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills.

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Benefit Concert Adds Danny Burstein and John Carian, 6/17
by Christina Mancuso - Jun 5, 2013


Transport Group, the Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and OBIE award-winning theatre company, has announced additional casting for the one-night-only, all-star concert of the acclaimed 1959 Broadway classic musical Once Upon A Mattress on Monday, June 17 at 7pmat the The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre in The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42nd Street. Joining previously announced Jackie Hoffman as Princess Winnifred and John 'Lypsinka' Epperson as Queen Aggravain are Tony nominee Danny Burstein (Follies) as King Sextimus, Tony nominee John Cariani (Fiddler on the Roof) as The Jester, Jill Paice (Curtains) as Lady Larken, Drama Desk nominee Lewis Cleale (The Book of Mormon) as Sir Harry, OBIE winner Jonathan Hammond (The Boys in the Band) as The Wizard, Stanley Bahorek (Queen of the Mist) as The Minstrel, and Drama Desk nominee David Rossmer (Peter and the Starcatcher) as Prince Dauntless.

Jackie Hoffman & John Epperson Set to Lead ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Benefit for Transport Group, 6/17
by Nicole Rosky - May 22, 2013


Transport Group, the Drama Desk, Outer Critics' Circle, and OBIE award-winning theatre company, has announced that it will present a one-night-only, all-star concert of the acclaimed 1959 classic Broadway musical Once Upon A Mattress on Monday, June 17 at 7pm at the Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre in the Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42 Street. Jackie Hoffman will star as Princess Winnifred with John 'Lypsinka' Epperson as The Queen Aggravain, and the evening will be directed by five-time Drama Desk nominee, Jack Cummings III. Composer Mary Rodgers will take part in a post-show discussion with the audience. Further casting will be announced at a later date. The benefit concert for Transport Group is co-produced by John Epperson.

STAGE TUBE: First Trailer - Rick McKay's BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE Film!
by Stage Tube - Feb 28, 2013


The first trailer for BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE, the anxiously awaited sequel to Rick McKay's 2004 film 'Broadway: The Golden Age' has just been released. Watch it below!

BWW Reviews: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Gets the Royal Treatment at The Hamilton Academy of Music
by Shari Barrett - Feb 14, 2013


'Once Upon a Mattress' marked the 1959 Broadway debut of later stage and TV legend Carol Burnett, who originated the role of Princess Winnifred. In the performance I attended, the role was played by spunky Hannah-Michelle Provisor who charmingly displayed sass, vulnerability, strength of character, and the great comedic timing needed to carry her songs 'Shy' and 'Happily Ever After' as well as the physical comedy needed for 'Song of Love.' Accomplished in dance and musical harmony, Provisor is one to watch as a future Broadway musical comedy star.

Rick McKay's BROADWAY: BEYOND THE GOLDEN AGE Goes to Kickstarter for Funding
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 21, 2012


Finally there's news on the anxiously awaited sequel to Rick McKay's award-winning film, Broadway: The Golden Age, with 100 new stars and new rare footage. A sequel is in the works, and though it's 95% complete, some extra funding is needed to finish the film, and you can contribute via the project's official Kickstarter campaign.

Mary Rodgers Guettel Plans to Release Memoir in 2013
by Kelsey Denette - Aug 17, 2012


Composer and writer Mary Rodgers Guettel is at work on her memoirs, according to the New York Post.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day 5/11- ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2012


Today in 1959, Once Upon a Mattress opened at the Phoenix Theatre, where it ran for 244 performances. Once Upon a Mattress is a musical comedy with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The play was written as an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. Once Upon A Mattress marked the Broadway debut of later stage and TV legend Carol Burnett, who originated the role of Princess Winnifred. Also featured were Joseph Bova, Allen Case, Jack Gilford and Matt Mattox. Jane White played the role of Queen Aggravain, becoming the first African-American actress to portray a white character on the Broadway stage.

Paper Mill Playhouse's DAMN YANKEES Plays The 5th Avenue Theatre, Now thru 5/20
by BWW News Desk - Apr 21, 2012


Damn Yankees is headed to The 5th Avenue Theatre! This musical comedy is the story of an aging baseball fan who makes a deal with the Devil so his beloved hometown team can beat the Yankees in the race for the pennant. From the songwriting team of The Pajama Game, Damn Yankees is filled with hit songs including "Two Lost Souls" and the sultry favorite, "Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets." The Paper Mill Playhouse production will slide into Seattle this April. The creative team includes direction by Mark S. Hoebee (Paper Mill's Producing Artistic Director), music direction by Ben Whiteley, and choreography by Denis Michael Jones.

Kathleen Marshall-Helmed DINER Heading to Broadway in Spring 2013!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 20, 2012


BASE Entertainment has just announced that DINER, a new musical based on the critically acclaimed 1982 film with a book by Academy Award winner and original DINER screenwriter Barry Levinson and music & lyrics by 9-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, will have its pre-Broadway world premiere at San Francisco's SHN Curran Theatre (445 Geary Street). Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall, DINER will play a strictly limited four week engagement from Tuesday, October 23, 2012, through Sunday, November 18, 2012, with an opening night of Friday, November 2, 2012. Due to these confirmed San Francisco dates DINER will now bow on Broadway in the spring of 2013, instead of the fall of 2012 as previously announced. Design team and casting will be announced at a later date.

Paper Mill Playhouse's DAMN YANKEES to Play The 5th Avenue Theatre, 4/21-5/20
by Harmony Wheeler - Mar 19, 2012


Damn Yankees is headed to The 5th Avenue Theatre! This musical comedy is the story of an aging baseball fan who makes a deal with the Devil so his beloved hometown team can beat the Yankees in the race for the pennant. From the songwriting team of The Pajama Game, Damn Yankees is filled with hit songs including "Two Lost Souls" and the sultry favorite, "Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets." The Paper Mill Playhouse production will slide into Seattle this April. The creative team includes direction by Mark S. Hoebee (Paper Mill's Producing Artistic Director), music direction by Ben Whiteley, and choreography by Denis Michael Jones.

Kelrik Productions' ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Closes
by BWW News Desk - Mar 11, 2012


Kelrik Productions' presentation of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, closes on March 11 at Unity (1490 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo.)

Kelrik Presents ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Thru 3/11
by BWW News Desk - Mar 11, 2012


Kelrik presents the spoof of a classic fairy tale, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS.

Kelrik Presents ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Thru 3/11
by Jennie Mamary - Feb 26, 2012


Kelrik presents the spoof of a classic fairy tale, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS.

Kelrik Productions Presents ONCE UPON A MATTRESS 2/25-3/11
by BWW News Desk - Feb 25, 2012


Tickets are now on sale for Kelrik Productions' presentation of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, playing February 25 - March 11 at Unity (1490 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo.)

Feb 2012 Late Month Theatre Opportunities on the Central Coast of California
by Curt Miner - Feb 21, 2012


As we move toward the end of February, I hope your entertainment plans include attending a couple of shows at any one of our several theatre and live performance establishments that ply their trade here on the California Central Coast!

Kelrik Productions Presents ONCE UPON A MATTRESS 2/25-3/11
by Gabrielle Sierra - Feb 14, 2012


Tickets are now on sale for Kelrik Productions' presentation of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, playing February 25 - March 11 at Unity (1490 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo.)

Cabrillo Music Theatre's 2012-13 Season to Include LEGALLY BLONDE, 1776 & More
by Kelsey Denette - Feb 13, 2012


Cabrillo Music Theatre today announced its 2012-2013 SEASON, produced exclusively in the Kavli Theatre, at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The 2012-2013 Season will treat audiences to four Cabrillo premieres, with three of them also Civic Arts Plaza premieres.

Sheryl Crow and Barry Levinson to Make Broadway Debuts with New Musical DINER in Fall 2012; Marshall to Direct
by Robert Diamond - Sep 20, 2011


BASE Entertainment (Co-CEO's Scott Zeiger and Brian Becker) announced that DINER, a new musical inspired by the critically acclaimed 1982 film, will come to Broadway in the fall of 2012. With a book by Academy Award and Emmy Award winner Barry Levinson and music & lyrics by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, DINER will be directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall. DINER marks the Broadway debut of both Barry Levinson and Sheryl Crow. Prior to its Broadway bow, DINER will play a limited out of town engagement in a city TBD in the summer of 2012. Design team and casting will be announced at a later date.

Once Upon a Mattress FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Once Upon a Mattress have there been?
Once Upon a Mattress has had 8 productions including Broadway which opened in 1959, Off-Broadway which opened in 1959, Broadway which opened in 1959, West End which opened in 1960, Broadway which opened in 1996, Broadway which opened in 1996, Regional (US) which opened in 2004 and Off-Broadway which opened in 2015.
What Tony Awards has Once Upon a Mattress been nominated for?
Best Musical , , .
What awards has Once Upon a Mattress been nominated for?
Once Upon a Mattress has been nominated for the Performance category at the Theatre World Awards, specifically for Carol Burnett.
What awards has Once Upon a Mattress won?
Once Upon a Mattress has won the Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Carol Burnett.

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