University of North Alabama - Diorama Yearbook

“re upon a mattresJSi twist *??1WJ!! nee upon a March evening the kingdom called Department of Communications and Theatre joined forces with another kingdom called Department of Music to stage a musical tale with an adult twist called Once upon a Mattress. The play is a loose retelling of the fairy tale story of the Princess and the Pea. I Originally written for Carol Burnett, the show was performed on Broadway in 1959 and then again in 1997 with Sarah Jessica Parker in the lead role. Once upon a Mattress tells of a faraway kingdom where no one can wed until the prince finds himself a bride. All the citizens had learned to cope with this circumstance except one of the e]ueen ' s knights, an expec- tant father who needs to hurry things along. Directed by Dr. David Ruebhausen, the play ' s company had more than 60 members including cast, crew and orchestra. Cast members put in long hours on the play beginning in January, practicing during class and every weeknight from 7 to 11, and were excited about the results of their work. According to the students, Ruebhausen was not the only faculty member dedicated to the hard work that comes with a musical. " The dance choreographer, Angela Green, did a fabulous job, " said cast member Daryl Crittenden. " Not everyone had the same dance experience, and she did a fantastic job of bringing everyone up to the same level. " Assistant Professor of Music Tom Ed Moore was musical director. " Dr. Moore did a wonderful job of coach- ing us through, " Crittenden said, " and we had a good, rich sound. " Ouce upon a Mattress held the stage from March 13-16 at Norton Auditorium. ”