Once Upon a Mattress is a hilarious twist on the classic fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea." The story follows Prince Dauntless, who can't marry until he finds a true princess. However, his domineering mother, Queen Agravain, has set the bar impossibly high with a series of ridiculous tests for any potential suitor.
Enter Princess Winnifred, a bold and athletic woman who arrives dripping wet after swimming the moat. Unfazed by the Queen's outlandish challenges, Winnifred tackles them all with a healthy dose of sarcasm and unconventional methods. Through their witty banter and clashing personalities, a spark ignites between Winnifred and Prince Dauntless. The show's highlight is the famous "Sensitive Test," where Winnifred must sleep on a massive pile of mattresses, with a single pea hidden beneath.
This wacky musical is packed with catchy songs, witty dialogue, and slapstick humor. It celebrates individuality, challenges societal expectations of princesses, and reminds us that true love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
Year | Category | |
---|---|---|
1960 | Best Musical | |
1997 | Best Revival of a Musical |
Videos
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Waitress
PARAMOUNT THEATRE (2/12 - 3/30) | |
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No Such Thing
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (3/23 - 4/27) | |
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Mauritius by Theresa Rebeck
The Barrington Theater (4/25 - 5/11) | |
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The Book of Grace
Steppenwolf Theatre Company (3/27 - 5/18) | |
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Black Violin: Full Circle Tour 2025
McAninch Arts Center (4/27 - 4/27) | |
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Peter Pan
Chicago Kids Company (3/12 - 8/8) | |
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LA VIE EN ROSE
THEATRE LE COLBERT (4/13 - 4/13) | |
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JUBALEE! Gala
Studebaker Theater (7/18 - 7/18) | |
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it's been ten years since everyone died. a play about final girls
Open Space Arts (3/21 - 4/6) | |
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