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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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Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Paramount Theatre (4/24 - 6/16) | |
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The Thanksgiving Play
Ensemble Theater In Honor of Helen Zell at Steppenwolf (4/25 - 6/2) | |
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Wells and Welles
City Lit Theater (7/18 - 8/11) | |
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All Shook Up
Summer Place Theatre (6/21 - 6/30) | |
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Romeo and Juliet
Gross Park (7/5 - 7/7) | |
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Ruth Page's The Nutcracker
The Center for Performing Arts (11/23 - 11/24) | |
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JUBALEE! Gala
Jazz Showcase (7/16 - 7/16) | |
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LOVE Happens
The Center for Performing Arts (2/8 - 2/8) | |
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The Hot Wing King
Writers Theatre - Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre (6/20 - 7/21) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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