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.
Year | Category | |
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1960 | Best Musical | |
1997 | Best Revival of a Musical |
Videos
Wish You Were Here
South Coast Repertory's Julianne Argyros Stage (1/12 - 2/2) | ||
Kelli O'Hara in Concert
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (2/1 - 2/1) | ||
RACHMANINOFF AND THE TSAR
South Coast Repertory (2/19 - 3/2) | ||
FARM HALL by Katherine Moar
Promenade Playhouse (1/10 - 1/26) NEW PLAY | ||
Tchaikovsky & The Mermaid
Walt Disney Concert Hall (2/7 - 2/9) | ||
FARM HALL by Katherine Moar
Promenade Playhouse (1/10 - 1/26) NEW PLAY
PHOTOS
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Celebrating MTT
Walt Disney Concert Hall (2/1 - 2/1) | ||
Cody Fry with Orchestra
Walt Disney Concert Hall (1/10 - 1/10) | ||
New Voices from Korea
Walt Disney Concert Hall (6/3 - 6/3) | ||
West Side Story
Canyon Theatre Guild (1/18 - 2/23) | ||
Tutti Frutti The Musical Tribute of Little Richard
Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge (3/21 - 3/22) | ||
SOLOFEST 2025
Whitefire Theatre (1/13 - 4/20) | ||
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
The Canyon – Agoura Hills (4/4 - 4/4) | ||
VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW |
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