Once Upon a Musical

November 11, 2009  
Filed under Entertainment

Do you know the story of the princess and the pea? If not, here is a little refresher.

The story begins in a far away kingdom where a poor prince is in search of a true princess to marry. He has had little luck when, during a stormy night, there is a knock at the castle door. The visitor is a princess who has come from her own kingdom to see if she will be found suitable for the prince. She insists that she is a real princess, but the queen puts together a secret test to make sure she is fit for her son. The queen puts a pea underneath 20 downy mattresses on which the princess is to sleep. If she feels the pea, she must be a princess. The next morning, the princess reveals that she did not slept all night. The royals, the court, and all the residents rejoiced and the prince married the princess. They lived happily ever after…

At least that is how the polished tale of the story goes. The true story is not quite as sweet. In the actual version, it was a small kingdom ruled by a talkative queen and a mute king. The princess was not even the only one put to a test– she was one of 13 girls who had to endure one of the queen’s quizzes.

The musical being put on by Ottawa High School this weekend will be the not-so-sweet version.

“It is the story of a prince wanting to get married, but his overbearing mother is sabotaging every prospect,” said director Tara Gray.

This is Gray’s first year directing the OHS musical, as it is her first year teaching choir here at the high school.

“I’ve had a lot of fun,” said Gray. “It certainly takes a lot of energy for the late night rehearsals, but we are keeping it positive and having a great time.”

They may have a new director, but there is no shortage of experienced actors in this cast. Seniors Dylan Moore and Lauren Wiseman said they are happy with how this production is faring.

“I like the way this one is being instructed better,” Moore said. “We have a lot more people that we don’t normally have in the show. The vast diversity of people within the musical has added originality and benefitted the production.”

Wiseman loves being on stage, but her energy for this production has mostly been focused towards her role behind the scenes.

“I love making the sets. I want to be a set designer,” Wiseman said, “If I don’t get to ‘shine on the stage,’ that is what I want to do with my life.”

The many set pieces for this musical include a large wooden bed, stone walls and arched doorways. Wiseman said she looked at the blueprints for the sets but used many of her own ideas as well.

“I decided that simple and detailed would be better than complex and not detailed,” Wiseman said. “It’s the concept of illusion.”

Of course, no musical is complete without the music. Courtney Williams, band teacher and pit conductor for the performance, said her favorite part about the show’s music is that it is fun to play and listen to.

“The music is a vital part of the story,” Williams said. “Many times you learn about the plot, and the characters’ personalities and motives through the songs they sing. Loud and exciting for Winnifred’s Shy; cunning and calculating for Queen Aggravain. That’s the great part about musicals– the music isn’t just in the background, it tells the story!”

The orchestra for the show will be composed of not only students, but of musicians from the community too. Williams said that it is great to know that it is more than just students who take part in the orchestra.

“I’m glad we have people in the Ottawa community who not only support the arts, but also graciously donate their time and talent,” Williams said.

What should audiences expect when going to see this performance? According to Gray, this musical is both medieval and comedy.

“I think the audiences will enjoy the quick humor and the great performances that the kids are giving,” Gray said. “Watch the students’ expressions. Watch the choreography; it was almost entirely choreographed by students.”

The musical Once Upon a Mattress will be performed at the Ottawa Municipal Auditorium on Nov. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.

What is your favorite thing about the musical?

Lauren Wiseman, senior: “The sets, because I made them.”

Dylan Moore, senior: “Cast parties.”

Chelsea Jamison, sophomore: “Being able to act and put facials into the songs and scenes.”

Kali Hinman, sophomore: “Being on stage, and just performing.”

Mrs. Gray, director: “The mute king’s role, he is so funny and expressive even though he cannot talk.”

Ms. Williams, conductor: “Seeing it all come together!”

—–
Jaime Birzer

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