Cool and Comfy Mattress
Summer’s here, and the time is right for beating the heat, and that means Summer Musicals!
By Paul Atreides
Author, playwright, and Theatre critic at EatMoreArtVegas.com
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for a musical, except, of course, for a few worn-out, done-over-and-over-to-death ones. Thankfully, Las Vegas Little Theatre (LVLT) chose Once Upon a Mattress, the 1959 Tony Award nominee for Best Musical.
It's a fun, family show with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. This is just the kind of thing to take you way back to simpler times and a retelling of the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. You can load the kids into the car and enjoy air-conditioned entertainment.
Co-directors Walter Niejadlik and Gillen Brey have imbued the production with a few pop culture references that will have you laughing. Add delivery by the likes of April Sauline as Princess Winnifred and Michael Blair as Prince Dauntless, who have wonderful timing both verbally and physically, and you’ve got a sure-fire hit.
Lindsay Wray's performance as Queen Aggravain gives Blair and Sauline a run for their money. Wray is fast on her feet, plays the role to the hilt without going overboard, and has impeccable timing.
A trio of silliness comes from David Ament as the mute King Sextimus, Trenton Klinkefus as the Jester, and Coy Romo, who also has a lovely tenor voice, as the Minstrel. He and Klinkefus's voices blend beautifully in duets. The three have scenes together scattered throughout the play and are a delight. Toss in Richard Coop as Sir Harry, and things remain lively.
Matthew Fisher as the Wizard and Waverly Jade as Lady Larken both turn in decent performances but, at times, deliver lines at such a rapid pace the dialogue gets jumbled and lost. Jade also has difficulty in hitting her higher vocal range, particularly “In a Little While.”
An ensemble of eleven filled with great voices completes the cast, adding great background to scenes.
The music overwhelms in places. Sauline knows how to belt out a song and it’s important to the character. Still, the music overpowers her on “I’m Shy,” arguably the funniest–and maybe the most well-known–song in the score.
Other production values are excellent. Ron Linblom’s set is glorious as it transports the scenes from place to place within the castle, and the bed Winnifred must sleep on to prove she’s a true princess is appropriately high. Julie Horton and The Theatre Company have outdone themselves with the costumes. The bright colors in blocked patterns connote the right amount of comic-strip essence to the show. Choreographers Hallie Lyons and April Sauline have kept dance movements humorous and within the proper period when needed.
Overall, you’ll find this mattress to be quite comfy yet lively enough to keep you awake and fully entertained. Go. Travel back in time to castles and damsels in air-conditioned comfort.
Important Note: LVLT is permanently changing its evening performance curtain time to 7 p.m.
What: Once Upon a Mattress
When: 7 p.m. Friday - Saturday; 2 p.m. Sundays through July 28
2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 20, & 27
Where: Las Vegas Little Theatre – Fischer Black Box, 3920 Schiff Drive
Tickets: $35 and $20 for students
702-362-7992
Grade: **** Scrumptious
Producer: Las Vegas Little Theatre; Directors: Walter Niejadlik, Gillen Brey; Musical Director: Toby McEvoy; Choreographers: Hallie Lyons, April Sauline; Set Design: Ron Lindblom; Lighting Design: Ginny Adams; Sound Design: Mike Olsen, Lisa Tollefson, Ernest Medina; Costume Design: Julie Horton, The Theatre Company; Stage Manager: Jim Brau
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