Once upon a Mattress the musical after Hans Christian Anderson’s the Princess and the Pea was produced for this week’s performance by Covenant Christian School. This play is a rendition of the old story with a musical twist. Opening in the search for a princess to wed Prince Dauntless, who is over lorded by his mother in an attempt to prevent his marriage. A princess is found in a slightly brash Princess Winnifred who to the angst of Queen Aggravain “swam the moat” to enter the castle. However unassuming or unpolished our heroin may be Prince Dauntless falls fast in love with his newly found Fred.

The production had all the limitations of a high school play; however I found it to be charming and quite enjoyable. There were a few mishaps but in the end tonight’s play was a triumph for the small school. The choral work was beautiful. The dancing simple, but practiced. The Leading roles sympathetic. And the supporting cast most entertaining.

Brittany Sickles burst into the role of Winnifred with gusto and enthusiasm, stealing the stage with her remarkable performance. Miss Sickles was by far the most stunning element of the performance. Her acting was superb her singing most beautiful and had all the poise and talent of a professional actor, and to her I say, “Bravo!”

Queen Aggravain played by Casondra Moeller was quite well cast, to this moment I cannot tell if she is really that aggravating or if she acted the part well. You wanted her to be hit by a suit of armor and thus she filled her part well whether with acting or experience.  King Sextimus played by Neil Jordan, didn’t say much and for that took a very difficult role. He played it and made us laugh with not so much as a word. Rachael Goodnight played Lady Larken and with her sweet quavering voice did justice to the songbird name of her character. Daniel Jordan filled the role of the Minstrel and narrator of the play, her singing was strong, and though she did not quite fulfill her role as one of the troubadours of old her acting and singing were both quite excellent.

The chorus was just that, as it should be but so rarely is. Though their sound was not as strong as it should have been, their control and dynamics were nearly flawless. Their stark harmonies gave chills and so they succeeded.

It would not be just to say that the play was perfect. But this is not the fault of the actors. Some of the direction was very poor, the tech had its problems, the choreography was muddled but the actors shone. The play was a success not for the set or the direction but for the talent that the actors held.  So for the play tonight I congratulate the cast on a job well done.

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