Review: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS: YOUTH EDITION at Red Curtain Theatre
Young Lords and Ladies whisk off to dreamland for two weekends
Once upon a time, in a cozy corner of Conway, a magical kingdom came to life onstage, and it’s exactly why I so love returning to Red Curtain Theatre. There is something truly special about the way this space invites audiences into its stories, creating an atmosphere where imagination flourishes and young performers shine. Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition—proudly sponsored by Laurie and Kirk Netherton, with music by Mary Rodgers, book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer, and lyrics by Marshall Barer, is yet another reminder that some of the most delightful fairy tales are happening right here in our own community.
Under the direction of the delightful Liz Mathis, with Music Direction by Chris Turner and choreography by Rebecca Dillon, this charming musical, which ran from April 10-19, tells the whimsical story of Queen Aggravain, who refuses to let anyone in the kingdom marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a suitable bride. Princesses from across the land attempt to win his hand but fail the Queen’s outrageous tests, until the bold and unconventional Princess Winnifred arrives to shake things up. As romances bloom and schemes unravel, the kingdom learns that love doesn’t always follow the rules.
From the moment the curtain rises, this cast bursts with personality. One of the standout musical moments of the evening is “An Opening For a Princess,” led by Prince Dauntless, Lady Larken, Lucille, Rowena, and the full company. This number is a perfect showcase of the ensemble’s strength, blending humor and storytelling into one lively package. The vocals are bright and well-balanced, with each featured performer holding their own while still contributing to a cohesive group sound. Choreographically, the number is full of movement and personality, giving each character a chance to shine while keeping the stage picture dynamic and engaging.
Another highlight comes with “Shy,” featuring Princess Winnifred, Prince Dauntless, and the ensemble of ladies and knights. This number is a comedic gem, and Aryana Tyler-Hashimi absolutely runs with it. Her fearless delivery and impeccable timing turn the song into a laugh-out-loud moment, as she hilariously insists she is anything but shy. The interplay between Winnifred and Jamin Rothacher’s endearing Prince Dauntless adds an extra layer of charm, with his reactions enhancing every punchline.
In contrast, “Yesterday I Loved You,” performed by Issac Abel as Sir Harry and Violet Riggs as Lady Larken, offers a tender and heartfelt moment that allows the audience to slow down and connect with the emotional core of the story. Both performers bring sincerity and warmth to the duet, with vocals that blend beautifully and convey the uncertainty and longing of young love caught in difficult circumstances. Their connection feels genuine, grounding the show in a moment of honesty that balances the surrounding comedy and adds depth to the overall storytelling.
My starry-heart eyes go straight to Aryana Tyler-Hashimi as Princess Winnifred the Woebegone. She captures that wonderfully unfiltered charm with fearless energy from her very first entrance, balancing bold comedic choices with a sincerity that makes you root for her instantly, and her vocals are amazing! Opposite her, Jamin Rothacher as Prince Dauntless the Drab is endearing and delightfully awkward, bringing a sweetness that plays beautifully against Winnifred’s larger-than-life personality. Their chemistry creates a storybook romance that feels both silly and sincere.
Reagan Kelley as Queen Aggravain fully understands the assignment, delivering a deliciously over-the-top performance with sharp comedic instincts that make every moment land. What makes the character and this performance so enjoyable is that lingering question: is she truly the villain of the story, or simply a mother who loves her son a little too much? While she certainly stands in the way of love and happiness throughout the kingdom, her motivations are rooted in an over-the-top maternal devotion to Prince Dauntless. That balance of control and care adds an extra layer of humor, making her not just a “bad guy,” but a hilariously recognizable figure turned up to theatrical extremes.
Visually, the production leans beautifully into its fairy tale charm. Guided by costumer Jaimie Flora, the gowns are absolutely lovely, adding a regal elegance that contrasts delightfully with the show’s comedic chaos. The costumes, along with the storybook-inspired set pieces, help transport the audience into this whimsical kingdom. Construction, led by Perry Morriss, is especially impressive. The towering stack of mattresses becomes a standout visual centerpiece, both playful and technically well-executed, perfectly capturing one of the show’s most iconic moments.
What makes this production especially rewarding is seeing young artists not just perform, but truly own the stage. There’s a confidence here that speaks to strong direction and a supportive environment, which is exactly what youth theatre should provide. Red Curtain Theatre continues to be a place where young performers can grow, take risks, and shine.
During the summer break, Red Curtain offers a various amounts of classes and workshops for performers of all ages. Check out their website at redcurtaintheatre.com.
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