Once Upon a Mattress 1959

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.


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Student Blog: Everybody Loves Shakespeare! (Whether They Know It Or Not)
by Student Blogger: Ellie Weaver - Nov 13, 2023


Shakespeare’s plays have been the inspiration for many beloved movies and musicals. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite movies and musicals that use the plot of various works by William Shakespeare. I encourage you to check out this list and see if you’ve been a secret fan of Shakespeare without even knowing it!

Broadway Books: 10 Books on Set Design to Read While Staying Inside!
by Stephi Wild - Aug 9, 2020


These books, many of which were written by current or former set designers, take a deep dive into what the art is all about, how to get started, what research goes into the craft, and even how to design on a budget!

BWW Exclusive: The 101 Greatest Musical Theatre Characters (1940-2020)
by Peter Nason - Apr 30, 2020


BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the best musical theatre characters from 1940-2020; see if your favorites are on our list of the best characters from Broadway musicals.

Stage Directors & Choreographers Foundation Announces Annual Gala
by Julie Musbach - Sep 19, 2018


Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF), the independent, not-for-profit affiliate of SDC, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, today announced unique plans for its 2019 award evening, which will feature original choreographic pieces resulting from a special commissioning program, with the application period now open. SDCF also announced that Victoria Traube would receive a special 'Mr. Abbott' Award at the event, to be held March 25 at the French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF).

Berkshire Theatre Group's Off-Broadway Transfer of FIORELLO! Opens Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 9, 2016


BTG's exciting revival is the first ever full-scale New York City and Off-Broadway revival of the hit musical. Previews of Fiorello! will began Sunday, September 4, at East 13th Street Theater (136 East 13th Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues), with opening night being held tonihgt, September 9, 2016.

Full Company Set for BTG's Off-Broadway Transfer of FIORELLO!
by BWW News Desk - Aug 18, 2016


Today, BTG is thrilled to announce the complete and final casting of this exciting revival - the first ever full-scale New York City and Off-Broadway revival of the hit musical!

Berkshire Theatre Group's FIORELLO! Will Be Musical's First Full-Scale Off-Broadway Revival
by BWW News Desk - Aug 2, 2016


Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) has just announced its sold-out production of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical Fiorello! will transfer to Off-Broadway's East 13th Street Theater (136 East 13th Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues), home of Classic Stage Company.

Paley Center Celebrates Mary Rodgers with ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and FEATHERTOP Screenings Today
by Movies News Desk - Jul 19, 2014


Paley Presents will host 'A Celebration of Mary Rodgers' today, July 19, 2014, beginning at 2 pm in New York City.

Paley Center to Celebrate Mary Rodgers with ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and FEATHERTOP Screenings, 7/19
by Movies News Desk - Jul 1, 2014


Paley Presents will host 'A Celebration of Mary Rodgers' on Saturday, July 19, 2014, beginning at 2 pm in New York City.

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

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.

Other Productions of Once Upon a Mattress

1959   Broadway Broadway Transfer
Broadway
1959   Off-Broadway Original Off-Broadway Production
Off-Broadway
1960   West End London Production
West End
1996   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2004   Regional (US) 42nd Street Moon Concert
Regional (US)
2015   Off-Broadway Transport Group Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway
2024   Broadway Broadway Revival Production
Broadway

Once Upon a Mattress - 1959 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1960 Theatre World Awards Performance Carol Burnett
1960 Tony Awards Best Musical Mary Rodgers
1960 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Carol Burnett

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