Some fairy tales heard in childhood accompany us into adult life. Personally, I recall The Princess and the Pea every time I wake up to find that I’ve slept all night on a pen or other foreign object without noticing. Clearly, I’m the direct opposite of the princess.
I didn’t know what to expect from the musical Once Upon a Mattress, apart from the fact that Encore! stages high-quality productions. The play not only exceeded my expectations: It leapfrogged over them in a jester hat and ran off laughing!
This romp first appeared as a Broadway musical in 1959. Comedian Carol Burnett famously played Princess Winnifred, and later reprised the role in several television adaptations. In the 2005 Disney film, Burnett returned, this time as Queen Aggravain. The film was the initial inspiration for Encore! Director Aviella Trapido (see box).
“Zany” and “wacky” are words that come to mind to describe this musical spoof. This is pure entertainment, of the laugh-out-loud variety, and there were also moments when many of us in the audience uttered a “whooaaah,” so engaged were we in the story. The plot zips along, the sequins-studded costumes dazzle, and the sets add wonderfully to the sense of being back in 1428 when princesses were princesses (or were they?).
The real story finally revealed
In a premise of competing narratives, the classic Princess and the Pea got it wrong, and the true story is now being revealed. Queen Aggravain (Sandy Cash) is testing out royal candidates to marry her son Dauntless (Jordan Zell), but it is all a sham because she wants to keep her beloved boy close by.
No princess can answer the impossible questions posed by the Wizard (Howard Metz). Therefore, lovestruck Sir Harry (Israel Gordan) – who needs Dauntless to marry before he can tie the knot with his pregnant paramour, Lady Larken (Zoey Tabak) – sets off to find one.
Harry returns with Winnifred “Fred” the Woebegone, a marsh-born princess who scandalously swims the moat and plops into the scene. Much mayhem ensues until the final test is given: The princess will sleep on 20 mattresses, with one solitary pea under them all.
Will she sleep – or will her princessly sensitivity mean that she will toss and turn all night, bruised by said pea? Go see the show to find out.
The acting was superb. Sandy Cash’s Aggravain was indeed aggravating and hilariously over the top, and Jordan Zell was perfect as Dauntless. Scott Anastasi, playing mute King Sextimus, moved on stage with graceful fluidity and wonderful pantomime. Zoey Tabak as Lady Larken delighted us with her beautiful voice and histrionics, and Israel Gordan had a chivalrous and charming presence as Sir Harry.
Actors played characters with joy
Minstrel Idan Marcus and Jester Anat Eilam carried their roles with confidence and joy. Wizard Howard Metz did a fine job, his manic laughter accentuated by his big hat. Sarah King, playing the Nightingale of Samarkand, was another gorgeous voice on the stage.
Winnifred, the star, is double cast. Attending on opening night, I got to see the marvelous Miri Fraenkel in action. Her outstanding stage presence and athletic ease in a physically demanding role were impressive. Doubtless, Sarit Brown, who alternates with Fraenkel and is blessed with talent in spades, also does a first-rate job when it is her turn in the role.
Having a 12-piece orchestra, conducted by Paul Salter, accompany the show was a real treat. I sat near the drummer and saw him carry off various complex rhythmic moves. Hebrew surtitles help non-native English speakers follow the dialogue (well done on translating a challenging text), and children will also love it, the few adult references going right over their heads, as they should. It’s delightful to see children among the performers, too.
Those interested in topics such as men’s and women’s roles, domineering mothers, what makes for a “real” princess, what is true sensitivity, and the challenges of marriage can find serious food for thought in the show. As a Jerusalem single, I smiled to hear that Winnie calls her homeland “The Swamp” – our local nickname for the singles scene. May our swamp’s residents also pass their tests and find their own happy endings.