"Once Upon a Mattress" is a musical retelling of the classic fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea", and will be presented at Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church on March 9, 10, 16, 17, 18.
Auditions will be held for actors 14 and older on December 14 & 16 at 7:00pm. Callbacks will be December 18 at 7:00pm.
Please prepare two contrasting pieces in the style of the show, 16-32 bars. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to dance.
A synopsis is at http://www.wakefieldrep.org/default.asp?con=ouam_info and you see the musical numbers at http://www.rnh.com/show/66/Once-Upon-a-Mattress. More information about Wakefield Repertory Theatre is at www.wakefieldrep.org.
Director: Adam Schuler
Music Director: Brian Nickerson
Stage Manager: Monica Bruno
Tech Director: Brian Dion
Producer: Denise DiTonno
Choreographer: Jamie Horban
Characters:
Queen Aggravain – The queen is a loud and abrasive ruler who has commanded at the forefront while her husband stands idly (and silently by) and her son bows to her every command. She is an overbearing mother who decrees no one is good enough to wed her son; especially not Winnifred…(Mezzo/Alto)
King Sextimus – A kind, expressive, and playful man who is mute; he likes to chase girls through the corridors of the castle. He allows his wife to take the reins of the kingdom and of parenting their son. He is a jovial man who is more about the perks of being a king rather than the responsibilities.
Prince Dauntless – A young prince who has been restrained by his mother’s orders. He is a rather meek fellow who does not rebel against the status quo until he meets Winnifred. Through the course of the story, Dauntless grows from being very much a boy to being a man ready to become a king. (Baritone)
Princess Winnifred – Picture your typical Disney princess. This ain’t her. Winnifred is a strong, assertive woman who comes from the swamplands. She is free willed and is unrestrained by conventions of how to behave. Winnifred is also more than just a wild woman; she is fiercely loyal, excitable, full of personality and a determined nature. (Mezzo/ Alto)
Lady Larken – Picture your typical Disney princess. This is her! Only Larken is in trouble... she finds herself unmarried, but carrying a child. She’s forbidden from getting married and her journey is one of rediscovering who she is and what she wants. (Soprano)
Sir Harry – Harry is a man with a torn heart. Does he stay true his duties, or does he protect his growing family? His world is thrown into conflict by Larken’s “situation” and he must make choices that will change him forever. (Tenor/ Baritone)
Jester – The court clown: an energetic and peppy man who is the King's right-hand man and assists him with every endeavor. A kindred sprit to the king, the jester does not like the queen but does have a soft spot for his family legacy. This role could possibly be played by a woman. (Tenor/ Baritone)
Minstrel – The Mistrel has dual roles of being the narrator but also being part of the story. He is an interesting character who is close enough to the story to know all the versions of it, yet distant enough from the main action to remain bias in his telling. This role could possibly be played by a woman. (Tenor)
Wizard – The queen’s henchman. He is an annoying, sniveling swine. He is the perfect mirror for the queen to stroke her ego in. He has a flare for the dramatic and the over-the-top which he hones in his days gone by as a performer. (Baritone)
Knights of the realm and Ladies in waiting- For this production we aren’t looking for your average ensemble. We are looking for a small but vital ensemble. There will be 4-6 men and 4-6 women of various vocal parts who will be extensively used to help create the world of the story. The ensemble will be featured as Knights, Ladies in waiting, Servants, as well as taking on small roles such as princess #12, the nightingale, and various knights and ladies with lines and small solos. There are also quite a few “production specific” moments such as dream sequences, etc. where the ensemble will be featured. This is an awesome opportunity to really be a part of the central action of the story and to have a strong character who is featured in all groups numbers and more!
