‘Once Upon a Mattress’ to open at Grand Opera House Friday night

Bayou Broadway Productions is journeying out of the woods and into the castle.
After their first production last May, Bayou Broadway Productions is currently in rehearsals for their next adventure, “Once Upon a Mattress.”
This classic musical comedy is a retelling of the classic tale of the Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Anderson. It tells the tale of the Prince Dauntless, the single prince who longs for a wife. His mother, the scrupulous Queen Aggravain, will not allow him to get married until a princess of the royal blood passes her test. The queen tests twelve princesses, all of which fail.
She also has decreed a law stating that no one may get married until Dauntless is wed. This law causes a problem for Sir Harry and Lady Larken, two star-crossed lovers that have hit an unplanned bump in the road. Sir Harry sets out to find a princess to pass the queen’s test and returns with Princess Winnifred.
Winnifred is not like any of the other princesses though, being from the Swamps north of the kingdom. The Queen and her confidant, the Sorceress, devise a test of sensitivity and plan to place a single pea beneath twenty downy mattresses. A traveling Minstrel, the court’s Jester and King Sextimus all decide to help Dauntless’ princess pass her test.
“Once Upon a Mattress” is a comedic and heartwarming journey for all ages.
Many Bayou Broadway alumn return in this musical comedy, including Casey Robichaux as Prince Dauntless, Angelica Menges as Princess Winnifred, Bradley Credeur as King Sextimus, Luke Nettles as the Minstrel and Vanessa Benoit as the Jester.
Newcomers to Bayou Broadway Productions are Jennifer Trahan as Queen Aggravain, Abram Broussard as Sir Harry, Sarah Palmintier as Lady Larken and Olivia Doucet as the Sorceress.
Rounding out the cast is an ensemble of ladies and knights played by Samantha Leger, Elizabeth Kibodeaux, Rebecca Palmintier, Corinne Doucet, Seth Harson, Luke Dupré, Cole Zaunbrecher, Clay Zaunbrecher and Ty Zaunbrecher.
The cast is being lead by Logan Gabriel Frederick as director, Susan Comeaux as Music Director and Desirée Doucet as Choreographer. Costumes, set, and lights are being designed by Claire Doré, Dylan Oster and Maggie Martin respectively.
“Once Upon a Mattress” opens at The Grand Opera House on June 3 and runs until June 12. Performances on June 3-4 and 10-11 are at 7 p.m. Performances on June 5 and 12 are at 2p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students with a valid student i.d. Anyone can purchase tickets at the door or at www.thegrandoperahouse.org.
Bayou Broadway Productions will also be hosting a can food drive to support The Welcome House through the run of the show.