Mamaroneck High School Stages Musical 'Once Upon a Mattress'

Written by Debbie Manetta

In a break from tradition, MHS has changed its longstanding high school musical from grade 12 seniors only to a new format that includes all grades 9-12 (double the amount of students from previous years) and is being produced and directed by internal faculty members. Once Upon a Mattress -- which will run from Thursday, Feb. 26 through Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 pm each evening in McLain Auditorium – is being presented by the MHS Music Department.

“Opening up our musical to all students, versus just seniors, is a natural outcome of our music department’s growth over the past several years,” said Dina Madden, the District’s Coordinator of Music, K-12. “We’re already finding that it’s a positive in terms of building community and carrying on the thread that is started with musicals first in our elementary schools and then at Hommocks. Students who enjoy being involved with the school musicals during their younger years can continue the momentum uninterrupted when they arrive at the high school.”

Madden says she believes the caliber of the show, a rollicking/modern spin on ‘The Princess and the Pea’, will be enhanced this year by drawing on the expertise and brilliance that exists among staff and departments at the high school. The show is being directed by MHS’s Orchestra Director Elyse Gellert; choreographed by PACE Dance Teacher Allison Parsley; and produced by Music Dept. staff member Mary Orfanos. MHS Band Director Tim Hooker will serve as Pit Director.

“We’re really drawing from all different areas to put this show together. We will have our live orchestra playing as students are singing and dancing, and we’ve even pulled in our notorious MHS tappers/steppers and live cameo appearances by faculty members from across the district, including MHS Principal Elizabeth Clain, Hommocks science teacher and MHS head football coach Anthony Vitti, and more!” Madden said. “Plus, the show is more family-oriented than ever before. It’s a terrific one for all ages.”

More than 100 students and staff members are involved in preparing for Once Upon a Mattress. Students are coming in to the building on Saturdays working on set design/building. Some are working on costumes, and others on lighting or sound.

Tickets (reserved seating) for this musical comedy are now on sale and available by visiting the Music Department at Mamaroneck High School, 1000 West Boston Post Rd. during school hours or at the door on performance nights, pending availability. For further info, contact Mary Orfanos in the MHS Music Dept. at 914 220 3140 or by e-mail: morfanos@mamkschools.org.

Photo: The MHS production of “Once Upon a Mattress.” Photo credit: Contributed

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