'Mattress' Musical With Madison Stars Coming Soon

Student artists are hard at work rehearsing a "rollicking spin" on the fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea" to be performed next week at , according to Playwrights Theatre.

Performances of the musical "Once Upon a Mattress," geared for audiences ages 12 and up, are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on July 26 and July 27, and 2 p.m. on July 28.

The production is a partnership between the Madison Recreation Department and .

“This partnership with the Borough of Madison Recreation Department is a great example of how non-profit organizations and government can collaborate to keep the cultural quality of life healthy,” John Pietrowski, Playwrights Theatre’s artistic director, said in a news release. “These talented student artists are working really hard to put on a great show. We hope everyone will come out and see it.”

The production is directed by Danielle Constance with musical direction by Jane Keitel, both members of the professional Actors’ Equity Association, and music teacher Karen Romero. The cast features youth and adult performers: Rob Bazaral, Kasey Colligan, Raymond Shinn, Brian Lang, Katharine Brundage, Loren Donnelly, Alex Post, Larry Bissett, Aaron Shinn, Melissa Barry, Nile Marks, Noah Kudman, Andrew Shinn, Lauren Emmerich, Najah Johnson (Actors’ Equity Association member), Suditi Rahematpura, Tianna Butcher.

The music will be played by a live band, including professional drummer Russ DiBona, Madison High School student Andrew Benton playing percussion, and Keitel and Romero on keyboard.

Single tickets are on sale $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. For tickets, call the box office at 973-514-1787 ext. 31.

Seniors can secure free tickets by calling the Senior Center at 973-593-3095.

Here's what to expect:

If you thought you knew the story of The Princess and The Pea, you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken's love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn't the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again.