Kent Place Middle School Presents Once Upon a Mattress

Seventh- and eighth-grade theater students are thrilled to be presenting their highly anticipated spring musical, Once Upon a Mattress. The show premieres in the Hyde and Watson Theater at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, with another performance at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25. You may purchase tickets here.

A musical retelling of the classic fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea,” Once Upon a Mattress is both humorous and heartwarming. The story unfolds with unexpected twists and promises to deliver plenty of charm. 

“This is an amazing showcase of all of the hard work we’ve put in. It’s also been lovely building a community with my fellow cast members,” says Eva Obalde ’29. “I play the part of the Queen, and it’s been fun to tap into the absurdity of the character. I’m especially excited to perform the song ‘Sensitivity.’ The scene is funny and engaging, as my scene partner and I build off each other’s energy.”

The production is directed by Keri Lesnik P ’27, Middle and Upper School theater teacher, and Cara Scarmack, Primary and Middle School theater teacher, with musical direction by Neil Ginsberg, who teaches Middle and Upper School chorus. The show features music by Mary Rodgers, with lyrics by Marshall Barer. 

The talented cast consists of Camryn Albuquerque ’30, Lia Bagheri ’30, Ava Bracci ’29, Saachi Chadha ’30, Raina Chopra ’30, Harper Corbin ’29, Caroline Halldorson ’29, Dylan Klug ’29, Aadya Kumar ’30, Kairady Johnson ’30, Quinn Kubeck ’29, Emily Loeb ’30, Sophia Marsheh ’29, Naomi McCreary ’29, Sophia McDaniel ’30, Mira Nirula ’29, Ananya Mittal ’29, Eva Obalde ’29, Charlie Poole ’29, Ira Sahay ’30, Sadie Sfarra ’30, Rae Sharma ’29, Ava Shinn ’30, Abbie Slattery ’30, and Isabella Urgilez ’29.

Working behind the scenes are stage managers Kenzie Lubrin ’29, Riley Mancer ’29, and Gabrielle Maria ’29. Ava Shinn ’30 designed the production logo.

Props were designed and built by students from the Behind the Scenes Middle School elective: Abby Cai ’29, Ambika Emany ’29, Rose Ferreiro ’29, Kennedy Franklin ’30, Annabelle Ma ’30, Madeline Magedoff ’29, Izzie Reichman ’30, Ashley Suwankosai ’30, Molly Brugg ’30, Morwen Cano ’30, Fionna Dangler ’30, Chelsea Danso ’30, Gabby Lewis ’30, Gabi Pelzer ’29, Tessa Reali ’29, Ira Sahay ’30, Scarlett Saunders ’29, and Caroline Tracy ’29. Wendy Hall P ’25, Middle and Upper School science teacher, provided direction.