Students and staff from Comox Valley Schools are proud to present "Once Upon a Mattress," with five shows in early March.
The play is a comedic musical retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea. It is an enchanting evening filled with laughter, romance, and clever twists.
Directed by Isfeld teacher Peter Spencer, in his debut directing a Comox Valley Schools district musical, and featuring musical direction by SD 71鈥檚 fine arts lead teacher Jennifer Riley, this year's production showcases the immense talent and dedication of our students. Countless hours of rehearsal and commitment have gone into bringing this timeless fairy tale to life in a vibrant and entertaining way.
"Once Upon a Mattress" is a comedic journey into a medieval kingdom where Queen Aggravain has declared that no one may marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a bride 鈥� but she sabotages every princess who tries. Enter Princess Winnifred, a spirited and unconventional young woman who must pass the Queen鈥檚 impossible test to prove her worth. With humour, romance, and delightful surprises, the story unfolds in a lively and captivating performance suitable for all ages.
Spencer shared his enthusiasm for the production, saying that he has been "thoroughly impressed with the energy and commitment of the cast and crew throughout this journey. Their passion and creativity bring this story to life in a truly magical way.鈥�
The cast features several Grade 12 students who have participated in previous Comox Valley Schools musical productions.
Jesse Hatch plays the mute King,. He reflected on his unique role, saying, 鈥減laying a character who cannot speak has been an eye-opening experience. It has shown me that so much can be communicated through body language and facial expressions alone. Since my character doesn鈥檛 have a voice, I have to be over the top to ensure the audience understands me.鈥�
"There are still a few tickets left, so be sure to purchase soon to ensure a seat," a release from the school district says. "Don鈥檛 miss this unique opportunity to support the arts in our schools and witness the extraordinary talents of our students here in the Comox Valley. 'Once Upon a Mattress' is guaranteed to bring laughter and joy to all who attend."
The shows will be nightly from March 4 until March 8. They will start at 7 p.m. each night. The performances will be held at the Mark R. Isfeld multipurpose room. Tickets are $20 each at . Some may be availale at the door, depending on pre-sales.
