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 | |
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1960 | Best Musical | |
1997 | Best Revival of a Musical |
Videos
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MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
The Mahaffey Theater (4/18 - 4/18) | |
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2024-2025 Bank of America Broadway at The Straz Season
Straz Center for the Performing Arts (10/1 - 6/8) | |
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St Petersburg Jazz Festival
The Palladium (3/31 - 4/3) | |
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Shucked
Straz Center [Carol Morsani Hall] (6/3 - 6/8) | |
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Pretty Woman - The Musical
Ruth Eckerd Hall (4/18 - 4/19) | |
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Best of Rod - A Tribute to Rod Stewart by Barry Britton
Richey Suncoast Theatre (4/12 - 4/12) | |
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The Bridges of Madison County
The Jaeb Theatre at the Straz Center (4/17 - 4/27) | |
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The Lion King
David A. Straz Center - Carol Morsani Hall (4/13 - 4/13) | |
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The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Bilheimer Capitol Theatre (4/4 - 4/4) | |
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