South Lakes High School Stages 'Comedically Enchanting' Show 'Once Upon A Mattress'

By Enaya Bokhari
Loudoun Valley High School, Cappies Review

RESTON, VA — "Once Upon a Mattress" premiered on the Broadway stage many moons ago in 1959. Sixty-six years and 816 moons later, South Lakes High School did anything but disappoint with a not-so-shy production of this whimsically-comedic musical based on Hans Christian Anderson's classic: The Princess and the Pea.

This storybook opens in a medieval kingdom where none shall marry until Queen Aggravain's son, Prince Dauntless, weds a mother-approved royal match. The leading lady, Princess Winnifred, finds her way from the swamps to this kingdom. To prove her worth, she must pass a rigged test of sensitivity by noticing a single pea in 20 mattresses. As a story about embracing individuality, Winnifred's wild child spirit quickly enchants Dauntless and the kingdom, ultimately enabling him to stand up to his domineering mother at the end before they marry.

Starting with the princess herself, played by Clara Neag, the performance of Winnifred commanded the stage from her first scene: a hilarious entry as she climbs out of a swamp. Neag's energy underscored her immersion in such a lively character. Her vocal stability during energetic numbers, especially in her opening song "Shy," which included multiple sudden belts paired with animated choreography, was a true testament to her singing prowess.

Queen Aggravain, the show's central antagonist, was a delightfully wicked performance, masterfully delivered by Sitina Tochterman. Her approach to portraying the Queen's domineering yet striking melodrama was evident on many fronts. Whether it was her statuesque body language, impeccable diction, or use of inflections when delivering biting dialogue, the grandiose passion required for this role was clear and consistent throughout.

Itsuko Scoville's portrayal of Lady Larken, a character who loves and feels very deeply, involved rich operatic vocals, attesting to her singing capabilities. Scoville's lyrical presence also brimmed with emotion, especially in her romantic duet "In a Little While."

Bringing a medieval kingdom to life onstage is no simple feat for which credit is due to Scenic Designer Grace Gibbens. She conceived of an elaborate set: a castle with towers on both ends, a platform above, and space below where the orchestra resided subtly. Not only was this intricate set key to a highly immersive show, but the platform in act one showcased formidable power with Queen Aggravain towering above her subjects performing the "Spanish Panic."

Lighting was another fantastical technical feature, designed by Abrianna DeAngelo and operated by technician Eamon O'Learey and the Mattress Lighting Crew. The illuminance added to a scene's whimsical environment. A highlight, though, was in between scenes when the stage never fully went dark, as small torches dimly lit up the orchestra, residing within the citadel set. This not only shined light on the pit, literally and figuratively, but created silhouettes of the student-built towers and arches during seamless transitions.

The magic of South Lakes Theatre Arts' production of "Once Upon a Mattress" was not limited to the show's genre alone. Rather, it manifested in the true craftsmanship of actors and tech alike in this comedically enchanting musical.