Mattresses

Susan Edison, 16, as Winifred

A long, long time ago, as a high school sophomore, I played the role of Winnifred in the Stoughton Sr. High School musical production of Once Upon a Mattress, a role made famous by the most wonderful Carol Burnett.

About 30 years later, daughter Annie was the student director for the Maine South High School’s 1998 production of Mattress. Today, sister-friend Laurel Hensel treated Paul and me to an afternoon at the theater, to appreciate Maine South High School’s 2011 production of the musical.

Program cover from Maine South's 2011 production.

Paul and I were able to chat with John Muszynski who has directed the Maine South theater productions for the last 21 years, including the 1998 and 2011 productions of Mattress. “We mixed things up a little this time,” he said,  and explained that the modern insertions were “Shrek-like.” I especially appreciated the introduction of “Thriller” moves into the Spanish Panic. The best, though, was in response to Queen Aggravain’s line to Lady Larken: “And you were running away with a musician?!” All the musicians in the pit stood up in mock offense and together said, “Hey!”

Poster art from the 1998 production.

I have a photo album full of pictures from the 1995-1999 Maine South productions. It’s especially fun to attend a production knowing the backstage back stories. It occurred to me that it might be a little strange to sit in the familiar auditorium and not know anyone in the cast. I shouldn’t have worried. The pit includes an all-star line up from St. Luke’s: Kate Griebler, Britta Hoiland, Lydia Ramsey, Soren Ramsey and Kelly McCurry. I’ve since learned that Noel Konken, who did a fabulous job playing Winnifred, is also a St. Luke’s member. WOW!

Poster art from the 1969 production.

While there are no popular hits from this musical, if you’ve been in a production, it sticks with you. For me it’s “Shy!” in which Winnifred sings (er, belts), “God knows I try, though I’m frighted and shy, and despite the impression I give I confess that I’m living a lie, because I’m actually, terribly and horribly SHY!”

Wishing all casts of “Once Upon a Mattress”–past, present and future–“happily ever after” blessings!
—Sue Edison-Swift (5/1/2011)

Backstage before a 1998 performance. Annie (right) was the student director. Also pictured, John Bang (left).

Jenny Beacraft played Winnifred in Maine South's 1998 production.