An Old Tale with A New Star at the Ahmanson

The Ahmanson Theatre’s production of Once Upon a Mattress brings a new take on the classic 1959 musical, with a mix of comedy and standout performances directed by Lear deBossonet.

The musical is a comedic spin on the classic fairy tale of The Princess and the Pea. Sutton Foster takes on the role of Princess Winnifred, the same role that made a star out of Carol Burnett. She is a joy to watch singing, tap dancing and performing double jointed seemingly impossible dexterity.

Michael Urie joins Foster in the role of the innocent and awkward Prince Dauntless, who is looking for a wife and a promotion to be King. Ana Gasteyer takes on the role of his mother, Queen Aggravain, who rejects and shows disdain to all princesses who vie for the role of wife and future queen. Urie also performs his share of physical comedy, crawling up stairs and taking on childlike poses throughout the performance.

Daniel Breaker takes on the roll of narrator with a strong voice and stage presence. David Patrick Kelly is King Sextimus, who is silenced for most of the performance due to a witch’s curse. Oyoyo Joi plays Lady Larken and Ben Davis is Sir Harry, whose out of wedlock pregnancy provides the foundation for the plot – no one in the kingdom can marry until the prince ties the knot.

A few numbers shine including Foster’s “Shy,” and “Happily Ever After,” but the musical ends up running a bit long. The seasoned cast make it worth a trip downtown to catch the latest version of this old favorite.

Now playing at the Ahmanson Theatre through January 5. Tuesday – Friday, 8pm, 2pm and 8pm on Saturday and 6:30pm on Sunday. Tickets start at $51.75. Tickets at centertheatregroup.org.