ONCE UPON A MATTRESS is a lively and humorous retelling of the fairytale “The Princess and the Pea.” In the kingdom ruled by the overbearing Queen Aggravain and her silent husband, King Sextimus, no one may marry until Prince Dauntless finds a suitable bride.The Queen deliberately sabotages each potential princess with impossible tests of sensitivity, leaving the kindom's residents deperate for love and marriage. When Princess Winnifred the Woebegone arrives at the castle, she quickly wins over Prince Dauntless and upsets the rigid order of the court.

CHARACTERS

Note on characters: Some characters may be understudied and most of the supporting and ensemble actors will play more than one role.

PRINCESS WINNIFRED: Lead– F presenting (20s– 30s). Vocal Range– Belt (A3 to F5).
She is the antithesis of a storybook princess. She can swim moats, lift weights and prefers her home in the swamp to a fancy castle. She is energetic, adventurous, independent and optimistic.

QUEEN AGGRAVAIN: Lead–F presenting (40s-60s) Vocal Range– Mezzo (A3 to B4).
Overly protective of her only son, Dauntless. When in a room, she dominates the scene. She is overbearing, energetic, domineering. Should be played comedically.

JESTER: Lead– Vocal Range– Tenor (C#4 to Ab5).
Strong vocalist and dancer. Must be energetic. Secretly loves show business and the “good old days”. Especially loyal to the King & the Minstrel.

PRINCE DAUNTLESS: Lead– M presenting (20s–30s). Vocal Range– Baritone/Tenor (A3 to E5).
Still a “mama’s boy,” but clearly ready to move on. He is child-like, naïve, with an affable sense of innocence. He adores Winnifred and is in awe of her every step.

LADY LARKEN: Lead–F presenting (20s–30s). Vocal Range– Soprano (B3 to Aflat 5).
She is graceful, charming and in love with Sir Harry. She is very anxious for Dauntless to marry so she can wed Harry before her little bundle arrives.

SIR HARRY: Lead– M presenting (20s–30s). Vocal Range– Tenor (C4 to F5 opt. G5).
He is a handsome and manly knight, but a bit of a “stuffed shirt.” He is searching for a Princess to marry Dauntless, which will allow him to wed Lady Larken. He is chivalrous, brave, determined and a bit full of himself.

MINSTREL: Supporting– Vocal Range– Tenor (D4 to Aflat 5 opt. B5).
Attractive and “worldly”. Has an air of confidence and enjoys telling the real story to the audience. Likeable and cunning when necessary.

WIZARD: Supporting–  NON-SINGING role.
The Queen’s loyal confidante. They are magical, mysterious and able to do several magic tricks. Possesses a sense of “the dark side” and showmanship.

KING SEXTIMUS, THE SILENT: Supporting– M presenting ( 50s- 60s). NON-SINGING role.
An eye for the ladies! Due to a curse, he is mute, but you always know what he is thinking. He is expressive, mischievous and playful with strong facial and physical comedy. (Strong pantomime skills a plus)

ENSEMBLE: Supporting-  Multiple featured roles:
Sir Studley, Sir Luce, Princess No. 12, Kitchen Wench, Emily, Lady Mabelle, Nightingale, Ladies-in-Waiting: Rowena, Merrill and Lucille, Knights #1, #2, #3, Soldiers, Servants, Musicians, etc.

AUDITION NOTES

• Prepare 16-32 bars of a song from a Broadway show, preferably in a style similar to the character you are auditioning for.

BRING TO THE AUDITION

• Resume / Recent Headshot

• Calendar and list of potential conflicts.

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