Stratford High School Drama Society is looking for a Princess

SHS Drama Society is looking for a Princess.

The Stratford High School Drama Society is presenting the classic musical Once Upon a Mattress as its 2023 Spring musical on Friday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 1, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All seats are $14. To order tickets, visit https://www.stratfordk12.org/o/shs or https://sites.google.com/stratk12.org/stratforddrama/home or purchase them at the door.

For SHS Drama Society President and senior Mackenzie Snyder (Queen Aggravain), this will be her final show on the SHS Stage. “It’s kind of a bittersweet feeling,” Mackenzie said. ”Sometimes it feels like I’m not ready to leave but other times I feel satisfied with what I’ve done. I’m definitely going to miss doing this and being with all of the people that make up the Drama Society.”

“I have enjoyed being Drama Society president” she added. “I honestly think it was a really great experience and it makes me feel ten times more proud of what we have done and what I am doing.”

Nicholas Ferrari, also a Senior, (Sir Harry) said that this show with its “happily ever after” message is a good show to go out on as his time with the SHS Drama Society draws to an end.

"The Drama Society has, for the last 4 years of my life, given me something to look forward to after each long day of school” Nick said. “I know that without it I would probably be locked up in my room mindlessly scrolling social media. Instead, I was able to bring my talent to its highest potential and more importantly, make lifelong friends from every group imaginable; people who I would never have connected with otherwise. I thank the Drama Society deeply for doing what it does and for making these opportunities available to everyone."

Once Upon A Mattress, based on the fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, takes place in a kingdom that has issues. King Sextimus (Kate Miller) has been struck speechless by a witch's curse. The domineering Queen Aggravain (Snyder) has assumed power and has decreed that no one in the Kingdom may wed until her son, Prince Dauntless (Alex Bilan), has married to a "true princess" of Royal blood. Enter Princess Winnifred (Tiana Golding) a brash girl competing for the hand of Prince Dauntless. To find out whether she passes the royalty test, you will need to come see the show.

The book is by Dean Fuller, Jay Thompson, Marshall Barer, with lyrics by Marshall Barer. Music was composed by Mary Rodgers.

Alex Bilan (Prince Dauntless), talked about his experience with the SHS Drama Society: “I like the journey to the performance; it is always satisfying to look back and see all the progress we made as a group, and the hurdles we passed to put on a stellar performance. It's usually in the rehearsals, especially the later ones, that unforgettable memories are created,” he said, adding that he has mixed feeling about this being his final appearance on the SHS stage. “I'm feel very exhilarated, even though there is a hint of sadness. I'm exhilarated because I have a desire to give my last show here everything I’ve got to outdo and one up everything I've done before. I am going to do my best to make this show something special for everyone. Drama Society has always been a fun escape and a great change of pace from the everyday, normal school life through my four years here. Definitely, without a doubt, it has been the highlight of each of my school years.”

“I think this is the perfect last show; I love the fun, wacky, and heartwarming plot,” Bilan continued. “It's everything I love in a show, though I'm a little upset that this is my last show at Stratford High School, I feel as if it's my perfect grand finale and I wouldn't have it any other way.”

Other seniors among the cast also reflected on the show and their time with the SHS Drama Society.

“It's a bittersweet goodbye for me,” said Elijah Figueroa, who plays the Wizard. “I haven't been in many productions but every one of them has been a blast. I loved being able to act my heart out on stage. If it wasn't for the Drama Society, I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't have the job I have now. So it's sad to say goodbye, but looking back, I see how far I've come and the future I have ahead of me because of the chance I took auditioning for the 2020 spring musical that sadly never happened cause of COVID. I am beyond thankful for the Drama Society and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

Olivia Orris (Lady Larken) said “Being a part of the Drama Society is such an amazing experience as you are able to meet so many different types of people from athletes to musicians. Everybody is extremely supportive and we can always count on one another to lift each other up!”

“This is my first and last production at Stratford High!” said newcomer to the SHS stage Tiana Golding (Princess Winnifred). “I would say that this has been a great experience as the cast and crew are welcoming and hard working. Additionally, the show itself is fun and energetic which only adds to the artistic atmosphere of the Drama Society.”

Senior Lanie Clark (Princess No.12/ 3rd Knight) said “The Drama Society is a lot more than just an after-school club. I have been able to learn everything from painting to singing, and have met so many amazing people that have made my high school experience so much brighter.”

The Stage Director and Co-Producer for the show is Kathleen Murphy, while Jeffrey Leinen is the Vocal and Technical Director as well as the other Co-Producer. Mark Ryan is the Orchestra Director, Caitlin Roberts is the Choreographer, and Will Duchon is the Rehearsal and Performance Pianist.

The backstage crew includes Production Stage Manager Kelsey Welch, Stage Manager El Youngquist, and Assistant Stage Manager David Pacheco.

Also appearing in the show are: Varrick Nelson (Minstrel), Lauren Eyerman (Jester), Kate Miller (King Sextimus the Silent), Carlos Lopez (Sir Studley), Billy McKay (Sir Luce), Josephine Mastro (1st Knight), Orchid Tejada (2nd Knight), Genevieve Horne (1st Lady-in-Waiting – Rowena), Julia Allen (2nd Lady-in-Waiting – Merrill), Kaleah Talton (3rd Lady-in-Waiting – Lucille), Maggie LaReau (kitchen wench Emily), Avery Carlo (Lady Beatrice, featured dancer) Amelie McCool (Nightingale of Samarkand), Zoe Baird (Lady and kitchen wench) and Gabriella Camille (Lady Mabelle).

Again, shows are Friday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 1, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All seats are $14. To order tickets, visit https://www.stratfordk12.org/o/shs or https://sites.google.com/stratk12.org/stratforddrama/home or purchase them at the door.