If you have the urge to smile, as you must in these days of political woe, then head on down to the intensely fun antics of Once Upon A Mattress. This revival has been born as part of the Encores! series. As such the sets are minimalistic but enough. The performers here are the reason for the joy.
First of all, Will Chase (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, High Fidelity) perfectly embodies Sir Harry, the noble knight of this 15th century kingdom. His two duets with glorious voiced Nikki Renée Daniels (The Book of Mormon) are utterly transporting back sixty years in the theater. Romantic duets still exist but this style is past. So remarkable then to bask in this truly exceptional display. Mr. Chase gives a memorable nod to Robert Goulet realness and, somehow, the spur jokes never failed to land.
The plot here is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Queen Aggravain (Ana Gasteyer) is quite the royal pain, to put it mildly. She screeches as she dismantles any hope of her son Prince Dauntless finding a suitable mate. When Princess Winifred arrives – a mess – the courtly proceedings take on a decidedly different and far sillier turn.
Of course Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie, the Drowsy Chaperone) is delightfully goofy and supremely athletic as Fred, her preferred name. Fun fact: Carol Burnett made her Broadway debut in this role. Michael Urie (Buyer & Cellar, Torch Song) portrays the childlike Prince who becomes instantly smitten with the bedraggled Fred. Both of them exude charm and nicely balance the old school ridiculousness and sheer charm of this show. Fans of both will be rewarded here.
The performers are really very good with the unusual exception of Brooks Ashmanskas (Something Rotten) as the Wizard. I’m a big fan and he is usually an outsized presence on stage. This outing was oddly back burner. Step in David Patrick Kelly as King Sextimus the Silent for all the required clowning and then some. Daniel Breaker’s Jester number “Very Soft Shoes” was a highlight as well.
Overheard leaving the theater: “that was fun and I liked the colors of the costumes”. Indeed. And that is why this little musical has been produced by high schools and community theaters everywhere. The parts are great, it’s old school musical comedy and the audience leaves both entertained and in a great mood. We can’t ask and shouldn’t expect this revival to wipe the political television ads from our minds or the incessant money begging texts from both parties. At least I forgot that for a couple hours and time traveled back to an idealized Broadway from days gone by.
Mr. Chase also slayed, as any good knight should, in delivering the night’s most fabulous ad lib. He ran onstage in response to a question and blurted out “the Yanks are down 3-1 in the bottom of the eighth!”. We all howled and this very talented, very experienced cast absorbed the moment brilliantly. Yes it’s very old school. But this production is also a reminder of the intoxicating draw of live theater where moments like that become unique memories that keep this entertainment form vital, exciting and surprising.
Shows like Once Upon a Mattress don’t come around very often. With this high octane cast, now is the time to see if the bed is lumpy or to your liking. The worse thing that could happen is you laugh. A lot.
Once Upon a Mattress is running at the beautiful and comfortable Hudson Theatre through November 30, 2024.