Composer

:

Mary Rodgers

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

'Once Upon a Mattress' is a musical comedy with music composed by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The musical is based on the fairy tale 'The Princess and the Pea' and tells the story of Princess Winnifred, who arrives at Prince Dauntless's castle to compete for his hand in marriage. However, the Queen, who has been controlling the kingdom and the Prince's love life, sets up impossible tests for the Princess to pass. The musical is a hilarious take on the classic fairy tale, with a modern twist. The musical was first composed in 1958 and premiered on Broadway in 1959. The original production was directed by George Abbott and choreographed by Joe Layton. The musical starred Carol Burnett as Princess Winnifred and was a huge success, running for 244 performances. The musical was later revived on Broadway in 1970, 1996, and 2005. The musical is composed of two acts and features several memorable songs, including 'Shy', 'Sensitivity', and 'Happily Ever After'. The music is upbeat and catchy, with a mix of ballads and comedic numbers. The lyrics are witty and clever, adding to the humor of the show. The musical is known for its colorful characters, including the overbearing Queen, the bumbling Prince, and the feisty Princess Winnifred. The characters are exaggerated and larger than life, adding to the comedic tone of the show. The musical also features a large ensemble cast, including knights, ladies-in-waiting, and a jester, who add to the overall spectacle of the production. The musical is divided into several movements, including the opening number 'Many Moons Ago', which sets the scene for the story. The first act features several comedic numbers, including 'The Minstrel, the Jester, and I' and 'Sensitivity'. The second act features the iconic song 'Shy', where Princess Winnifred reveals her vulnerability and insecurities. The musical culminates in the final number 'Happily Ever After', where the characters finally find their happy endings. Overall, 'Once Upon a Mattress' is a hilarious and entertaining musical that has become a classic in the musical theater canon. With its catchy music, witty lyrics, and colorful characters, the musical continues to delight audiences to this day.

More....