November 8, 2004


WHS Drama Department presents Once Upon A Mattress

The story takes place many moons ago in a kingdom far away. The Queen has made a decree that no one will marry until her precious son, Dauntless, finds a wife that will meet her expectations. She has tested all eligible girls in the kingdom and no one has passed her impossible tests. A brave knight, Sir Harry, searches the swamps in a rush to protect the honor of his pregnant bride to be, Lady Larken.  During his search, he finds Princess Winnefred who is unlike any other! The Queen’s evil plan to test Winnefred is to place one tiny pea underneath 20 mattresses and if she feels it, then she is worthy enough for Dauntless. The King has been put under a curse that makes him silent, but his good friends, Minstrel and the Jester, help him communicate.

Once Upon A Mattress, a "happily ever after musical comedy," is the first musical in 6 years to be produced by the WHS Theater Department.  Students have been working hard for several months and are sure to provide a show stopping performance each night.

With the success of every great show, comes an even greater cast.  Lead actress and WHS senior, Tiffany Rundell, plays Princess Winnefred.  Rundell comes into this role with several years of experience in performing.  Not only is she the WHS mascot, but has also been involved in several other productions such as Our Town with Theatre Off the Square and Toys Take Over with the WHS advanced acting class.

Lead actor and sophomore, Jon Collins, comes to the production as a rookie with natural talent and wit as he takes on the role as the evil Queen's son, Prince Dauntles.

"Jon brightens up any room that he walks into and his sense of humor has frequently cracked-up the cast during rehearsals," states WHS Drama Teacher Cynthia Cloud.

Once Upon A Mattress begins Thursday, November 11 through Saturday, November 13. Tickets are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.  For more information, call 817-598-2858, ext.5148.