Sharon, CT – The Sharon Playhouse proudly presents Once Upon a Mattress as the inaugural production of its brand-new Launchpad Company, a transformative pre-professional program created to launch the careers of emerging local theater artists ages 15–20.
With music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer, this beloved musical comedy will be presented for one weekend only, August 22–24, 2025, at the Qianxun Performing Arts Center at Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, CT.
Directed and choreographed by Will Nash Broyles, assistant directed and choreographed by Kimberly Wilpon, and music directed by Eric Thomas Johnson, Once Upon a Mattress promises to delight audiences of all ages with its whip-smart humor, unforgettable characters, and toe-tapping score.
Set in a kingdom where no one can marry until the highly particular Prince Dauntless finds a bride, this twist on the classic “Princess and the Pea” tale introduces us to the spirited and unconventional Princess Winnifred—whose arrival flips the royal court upside down. Packed with heart, hilarity, and charm, Once Upon a Mattress is a story of love, individuality, and writing your own fairytale ending.
The cast features Mollie Leonard (Warren, CT) as the spirited “Princess Winnifred” and Tyler Rosenblum (Falls Village, CT) as the well-meaning but sheltered “Prince Dauntless.” Emily Burg (Hopewell Junction, NY) brings commanding comedic timing to the role of “Queen Aggravain,” while Richie Crane (Canaan, CT) plays the silent yet expressive “King Sextimus.” Kennadi Mitchell (Lakeville, CT) narrates the story as the quick-witted “Minstrel,” joined by Samuel Kent (New Milford, CT) as the lively “Jester” and Alex Wilbur (Lakeville, CT) as the royal “Wizard.” Callie Audia (Dover Plains, NY) and Carlo Desy (Fairfield, CT)star as “Lady Larken” and “Sir Harry,” the kingdom’s secretly-in-love couple. Oscar Samelson (Sharon, CT) shines as the melodic “Nightingale of Samarkand.” Rounding out the ensemble are Jessica Sonner (Salisbury, CT), Alison Van Riper (Hopewell Junction, NY), Phoebe Amankwah (Avon, CT), Faith Potter (Simsbury, CT), Mia Tonon (Avon, CT), Mira Norbet (Sharon, CT), Maggie Flannery (Amenia, NY), Abigail Salazar (Beacon, NY), Ellis Bell (New Milford, CT), Jakob Kerr-Lucero (Dover Plains, NY), and Olivia Biller (Salisbury, CT), each adding flair and energy to the lively court.
The creative and production team includes Phoebe Singer as Production Stage Manager, David Palmieri as Scenic Designer and Technical Director, Kathleen DeAngelis as Costume Designer, Timothy Nivison as Lighting Designer, Graham Stone as Sound Designer, and Nicole Damico as Props Manager. Karla Woodworth leads scenic artistry, and Bobbie Zlotnik designs wigs. The production is helmed by producers Michael Kevin Baldwin and Sarah Cuoco.
This production is generously sponsored by Stephanie & BJ Colaric, Bob Boyett, Amy Danis, Avele Conlogue & Mike Keating, and Pun Bandhu & Marc Falato, and is dedicated to the memory of Mary Graf, whose generous support helped bring this project to life.
Once Upon a Mattress will be performed on Friday, August 22 at 7PM, with additional performances on Saturday, August 23 at 2PM and 7PM, and a final matinee on Sunday, August 24 at 2PM. All performances will take place at the Qianxun Performing Arts Center at Indian Mountain School, located at 211 Indian Mountain Road in Lakeville, Connecticut.
Tickets are now on sale at https://www.sharonplayhouse.org/mattress. Seating is limited for this exciting premiere—reserve early!
The Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Carl Andress (Artistic Director), Meghan Flanagan (Managing Director), and Michael Kevin Baldwin (Education and Community Director), is a professional, nonprofit regional theater committed to producing high-quality performances and fostering a love of theater in artists and audiences of all ages.
Join us for a royally good time as Sharon Playhouse’s Launchpad Company takes its first bow with Once Upon a Mattress!
