Encore Stage & Studio will be presenting “Once Upon A Mattress,” a musical adaptation of the classic tale of the “Princess and the Pea,” from July 18-27 at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. The show is recommended for ages 8 and up.
The plot involved Queen Aggravain who decrees that no one in her kingdom can wed until her precious Prince Dauntless is married. But a prince can’t marry any old dairymaid, the Prince’s wife must be a genuine, certified princess. The queen has concocted a test to prove each candidate’s royal authenticity, which quickly rid the kingdom of the first 12 girls who failed. Then, one stormy night, a princess arrives at the castle gate who is unlike any other. The Prince is immediately smitten, but his mother is harder to convince.
Marji Jepperson, returning as director and sound designer of this production, has directed and choreographed for community theatres, as well as college and professional theatres in the D.C. metropolitan area. Joining her on the production team are Matt Heap as music director, Kelsey Meiklejohn as choreographer, Kristen Jepperson as technical designer and set designer/builder), Debra Leonard as costume designer & build and make-up designer and Gary Hauptman as lighting designer.
Performance dates and show times are Friday, July 18 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, July 20 at 2 p.m.; Thursday, July 24 at 8 p.m.; Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 26 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, July 27 at 2p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at www.encorestage.org or by calling the box office at 703-548-1154. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children, students, military and seniors. Group discounts and birthday party packages are available.