The fall musical Once Upon A Mattress was a comedic twist on the old classic

“The Princess And The Pea”. The storyline followed a contest of potential princesses out to win Prince Dauntless’ heart, played by senior Aaron Lawrence. One lucky gal must pass the tests that Queen Aggrarain, played by senior Tori Walker, set up. Throughout the play, the Queen showed an obvious dominant side in taking control. She knew how to get her way by manipulating both the prince and the king. King Sextimus, played by senior Aaron Homme, is a mute. Struck with a curse, he couldn’t speak but could only express himself through his actions making him severely vulnerable to the queen. The only way to break the curse is for “The mouse to devour the hawk.” Almost impossible, it seems he will be burdened by the curse forever. How does one rehearse and play a part with no words? “Its kinda nice actually,” said Homme. “It was a lot easier to memorize [actions] than actual lines. It allowed me to be really creative and make it my own.” Pretty easy being the only one in the musical who isn’t constantly going over their script, trying to memorize everything, right? Wrong! A lot of work went into preparing for this

role. “There are times where I catch myself about to speak or I want to and I can’t,” he explained. “Even when I’m just in the background I can’t even pretend to have a conversation with someone. I don’t sing at all so that I remain in character, but that makes musical numbers a little difficult because I just stand there with a smile instead of singing.” Throughout the story, the prince prepared his princess contestant Winnifred, played by senior Emily Tencer, for her test arranged by the Queen. It appeared that Winnifred and Dauntless were perfect for each other even though they show major differences. Winnifred, being an outspoken, outgoing, swamp lady, takes an immediate liking to Dauntless, a shy, quiet, mama’s boy. Towards the end of play, Dauntless broke out of his shell and stood up for himself against his mother. He made his decision and chose the Princess that he decided would be best for him, regardless of what the queen thought. With this overcoming of his mother, he broke his father’s curse. Speaking for once and for all, the mouse devours the hawk.

Also pictured left to right:Aaron Lawrence (12th) photo by Caitlin Brisse. Matt Hansen (10th) photo by Nikki Williamson. Caitlin Crowe (11th) photo by Angel Kopp. Emily Tencer (12th) photo by Nikki Williamson.

Caitlin Crowe (11th) and Jared Ott (11th) belt out one of the musical’s many numbers. Crowe was also part of some comedic scenes, such as one where she has to hide from the queen under some mattresses. “I don’t know how they managed to keep the scene together.” Jesse Vrable (12th) said. “They made their characters people and not just protrayals by actors.” photo by Nikki Williamson.

Aaron Homme (12th) acts as King Sextimus

giving his son the ‘birds and the bees’ talk.

Homme was just one of the comedic characters

in the musical. The minstrel, Matt Parker (11th) and the wizard, Graham Brooks (11th) also put on humorous scenes. “That was one

of the funniest scenes,” Parker said. “I’m trying

to decieve him but in reality we are friends. He was just so funny to watch. My laughs were real laughs, not

just acting.” photo by Caitlin Brisse.

Princess Winnifred, portayed by Emily Tencer (12th), passes the queen’s test. “Once Upon a Mattress was so much fun,” Tencer said. “The other characters stuffed jousting equipment under the mattress so I couldn’t sleep.” photo by Caitlin Brisse.

stacking it up

Without Words a mute king makes musical mischief on stage

90 91layout by marissa andersen & story by jessica hackettfall musical

Aaron Lawrence (12th) and Tori Walker (12th) act the parts of Prince Dauntless and Queen Aggrarain. “Aaron was hilarious,” Walker said. “He’s so much taller than me so I had to look up at him. Inside I was laughing, he is so sweet. I hated being mean to him.” photo by Nikki Williamson.

1250

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160

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tickets sold(approximately

mattresses

hours ofrehearsal

cast and crew members

12 musiciansin the pit

photo by Nikki Williamson

dramatic changetori walker: new school, same artform

Q: What school did you go to before South? A: “Visual and Performing Arts School”Q: What are some of the biggest changes that you’ve faced? A: “My performance used to be the difference between being able to graduate or not. I can be more relaxed here, though I still give my best performance. No matter where you go, theater is the same.”