Pacifica High School brings to life the classic fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” through the musically delightful “Once Upon a Mattress.”
A gothic minstrel enters carrying a black electric guitar. Played by Tressa Bair, she thoughtfully paces the stage, recalling the tale as she narrates the story’s course of events.
Jordan Small plays the controlling Queen Aggravain with yelled commands and ear-piercing shrieks. Small brings out the Queen’s prideful power as she creates impossibly difficult tests for her son’s many possible wives.
Andrew Case plays the not-so-brave Prince Dauntless, who desperately gets on his knees as he begs his mother to let him marry.
As the goofy mute King Sextimus, Minjae Kim is no help in the situation as tries to communicate without words. Kim’s over-the-top actions and sassy reactions bring humor to this silent character as the Queen rules over him.
Kayla Wandelt portrays the delightful Winnifred, strutting and giggling, much to the Queen’s dismay. Wandelt’s extroverted energy is ironically shown through the song “Shy” as she addresses the shocked royal court, loudly claiming to be quiet and soft-spoken. The true princess that she is, Winnifred groggily stumbles from her bed chamber and complains about her lumpy mattress. Wandelt’s expressive actions make the situation even more comical.
The costumes, designed by Sarah White and Hope Miller, add a steampunk feel to this medieval story. Adventurous characters wear dark, gothic outfits with metallic goggles around their necks. A contrast can be seen between the common folk and the King and Queen, who are dressed in dark purple, reflecting their royalty.
The entire cast comes together with constant commitment to deliver this tale of courage, character and love in a quirky world.
Micah Weightman is a junior Brethren Christian High School.
