Once Upon A Mattress
Off-Broadway at Abrons Arts Center
The Transport Group Theater Company has brought a new Once Upon A Mattress to the stage with no lumps or bumps and it’s simply divine. With a cast led by Broadway funny lady Jackie Hoffman, and lip-synching legend John “Lypsinka” Epperson, this one will keep you in a dreamy world of wonder and fun.
Most of us are no stranger to the story on which this was based. In this wacky, satiric-like spinoff of The Princess And The Pea the Prince is looking for a real Princess, but the Queen is determined that no one is good enough for her son. She concocts a test of sensitivity by placing a pea beneath 20 downy mattresses which by all accounts would destine the princess for failure.
There are so many things that make this production special, and here are a few. Jackie Hoffman as Winnifred is no doubt a leading lady, and it’s hard to believe this is her first lead role, because the theatre community idolizes her. This is because her roles are always stand outs and memorable. Just like her role as Grandmama in the Addams Family or her multiple roles in On The Town, You will never forget her rendition of “Shy” in this production. John “Lypsinka” Epperson as the queen, is a show all of his own. The facial expressions, and inflection of the words is shear brilliance, and with one look or hand gesture you will lose all self-control. Hunter Ryan Herdlicka as the Minstrel has the flawless voice of an angel, and a smile that could light up a small town, and Sidekick Cory Lingner as the Jester will dazzle you with a solo dance straight out of the finest school of ballet. I must go on...Sir Harry is played by the dashing Zak Resnick, and his Lady in Waiting is the beautiful Jessica Fontana, who ironically is akin to a princess in this production was actually cast as Ella in Cinderella on Broadway in it's last production. These two sing "Yesterday I Loved You", and the only thing I was thinking was please record a cast album…Pretty Please! Jay Rodgers as the wizard is; not to be punny; magical and David Greenspan delivers every punchline perfectly as the mute King. Finally, Jason Sweet Tooth Williams as Prince Dauntless is a most loveable, and unpretentious Prince that plays so well off the overbearing Queen Aggravain. Everyone plays their part like a finely fit piece in a puzzle right down to the lively and spry ensemble cast.
Jack Cummings III directs this masterwork. The score is a cut above with Music by Mary Rogers and Lyrics by Marshall Barer and will have you singing "In A little While" all the way home. While the set by Sandra Goldmark was somewhat sparse, Katheryn Rohe filled it with her bold and colorful costume designs. There is a boost of creativity in the casting of Broadway Picasso and art aficionado Ken Fallin who inserts the backgrounds with the use of a projector and finishing touches are done live from a booth at the rear of the theatre. As the scenes change a hand appears and a fountain spouts water, candles grow flames and flowers grow color. The whole show is glued together by these illustrations and live drawings that are skillfully provided by Ken. His work in caricature is unmatched, and as his celebrity grows so do the rumors of a best supporting hand category addition at awards season.
I was lucky enough to see this show twice and I’d gladly see it again. My first visit was on opening night, where the after party was held where else but at the Hästens Mattress Store in Flatiron? These are the clever kinds of minds that are behind this mattress story. Whatever your age, rank or shoe size, this one promises to please. Get your tickets today, as this is a limited run through January 3rd only. For tickets and more information visit Abrons Arts Center and check for available discounts here -Thisbroadsway 11/13/15
The Transport Group Theater Company has brought a new Once Upon A Mattress to the stage with no lumps or bumps and it’s simply divine. With a cast led by Broadway funny lady Jackie Hoffman, and lip-synching legend John “Lypsinka” Epperson, this one will keep you in a dreamy world of wonder and fun.
Most of us are no stranger to the story on which this was based. In this wacky, satiric-like spinoff of The Princess And The Pea the Prince is looking for a real Princess, but the Queen is determined that no one is good enough for her son. She concocts a test of sensitivity by placing a pea beneath 20 downy mattresses which by all accounts would destine the princess for failure.
There are so many things that make this production special, and here are a few. Jackie Hoffman as Winnifred is no doubt a leading lady, and it’s hard to believe this is her first lead role, because the theatre community idolizes her. This is because her roles are always stand outs and memorable. Just like her role as Grandmama in the Addams Family or her multiple roles in On The Town, You will never forget her rendition of “Shy” in this production. John “Lypsinka” Epperson as the queen, is a show all of his own. The facial expressions, and inflection of the words is shear brilliance, and with one look or hand gesture you will lose all self-control. Hunter Ryan Herdlicka as the Minstrel has the flawless voice of an angel, and a smile that could light up a small town, and Sidekick Cory Lingner as the Jester will dazzle you with a solo dance straight out of the finest school of ballet. I must go on...Sir Harry is played by the dashing Zak Resnick, and his Lady in Waiting is the beautiful Jessica Fontana, who ironically is akin to a princess in this production was actually cast as Ella in Cinderella on Broadway in it's last production. These two sing "Yesterday I Loved You", and the only thing I was thinking was please record a cast album…Pretty Please! Jay Rodgers as the wizard is; not to be punny; magical and David Greenspan delivers every punchline perfectly as the mute King. Finally, Jason Sweet Tooth Williams as Prince Dauntless is a most loveable, and unpretentious Prince that plays so well off the overbearing Queen Aggravain. Everyone plays their part like a finely fit piece in a puzzle right down to the lively and spry ensemble cast.
Jack Cummings III directs this masterwork. The score is a cut above with Music by Mary Rogers and Lyrics by Marshall Barer and will have you singing "In A little While" all the way home. While the set by Sandra Goldmark was somewhat sparse, Katheryn Rohe filled it with her bold and colorful costume designs. There is a boost of creativity in the casting of Broadway Picasso and art aficionado Ken Fallin who inserts the backgrounds with the use of a projector and finishing touches are done live from a booth at the rear of the theatre. As the scenes change a hand appears and a fountain spouts water, candles grow flames and flowers grow color. The whole show is glued together by these illustrations and live drawings that are skillfully provided by Ken. His work in caricature is unmatched, and as his celebrity grows so do the rumors of a best supporting hand category addition at awards season.
I was lucky enough to see this show twice and I’d gladly see it again. My first visit was on opening night, where the after party was held where else but at the Hästens Mattress Store in Flatiron? These are the clever kinds of minds that are behind this mattress story. Whatever your age, rank or shoe size, this one promises to please. Get your tickets today, as this is a limited run through January 3rd only. For tickets and more information visit Abrons Arts Center and check for available discounts here -Thisbroadsway 11/13/15