Hear ye, hear ye! Students from Lancaster Bible College’s Music, Worship & Performing Arts Department will present their winter musical, “Once Upon a Mattress,” beginning Jan. 31!
A hilarious adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s 1835 fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea,” this fun-for-the-whole-family musical has endured on stages of all kinds for 65 years. The frolicking comedy first opened off-Broadway in 1959 and moved to Broadway the following year starring Carol Burnett as Princess Winnifred, played at LBC by Musical Theatre major Faith Willis (’28).
With quirky characters, catchy songs and a dose of royal intrigue, “Once Upon a Mattress” spins a tale of a kingdom where finding a true princess proves to be more challenging than expected.
Set for Good Shepherd Chapel on LBC’s campus at 901 Eden Road, “Once Upon a Mattress” tickets, priced at $10 for students of all ages and $15 for adults, are on sale now at lbc.edu/events. Showtimes include the following:
- 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31
- 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
- 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7
- 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Willis has thoroughly enjoyed her first theatre experience as an LBC student and looks forward to bringing “Once Upon a Mattress” and Princess Winnifred to life.
“Princess Fred is not your typical pretty, pink princess,” Willis said. “She’s strong, bold and eccentric. I think people will love Fred because she has a big heart and is unapologetically herself. ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ is a hilarious show, but it also has a beautiful message of being true to yourself.”
Lancaster Bible College’s Music, Worship & Performing Arts Department exists to prepare highly skilled artists to influence the culture with grace and truth. Students hone their craft in a community of dedicated artist-teacher mentors and passionate peers. LBC’s caring, student-centered environment nurtures the mind, soul and heart of each person with a view to promote creative competency and Christ-like character. Visit lbc.edu/mwpa.