Florida State University’s School of Theatre presents a family-friendly, Tony Award-winning tale as its first show in the 2024-2025 season.
Set in a kingdom ruled by a queen with a penchant for the absurd, “Once Upon a Mattress” follows the endearing Princess Winnifred on her journey to find true love. The show will run Friday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 27 at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre.
“‘Once Upon a Mattress’ is one of the most beloved Golden Age musicals of all time and for good reason,” said Christine Hansen, show director. “It is a farce in musical form, piled high with physical humor, silliness and love. Filled with witty dialogue, catchy songs and plenty of comedic moments, this production will take audiences on a joyful romp brimming with music, dance and laughter.”
The production features School of Theatre students Emma Kate Farlow (Princess Winnifred), Vincente Tomé (Prince Dauntless), Cat Ostrowski (Queen Aggravain) and Angelo Zizza (King Sextimus). “Once Upon a Mattress” features choreography by Trevor Michael Schmidt, scenic design by Erica Zaffarano, costume design by Makenzie Vaughan, lighting design by Todd Wren and sound design by Zach Cramer.
The show is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Baker.
Additional upcoming shows for the 2024-2025 season include:
“The Wolves”
Nov. 1-10 at the Lab Theatre
On the pitch, a suburban girls’ soccer team wages war against its rivals as well as life’s uncertainties. Through group warm-ups, peer take-downs, on-field wins, and life’s losses, a sisterhood forms. But just as the Wolves work out their place in the pack, they must confront the final match of the season, where they’ll learn not to take any victory for granted. Sarah DeLappe’s Pulitzer-nominated coming-of-age, tour-de-force shoots and scores with this funny, unflinching portrait of American adolescence.
“Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience”
Nov. 21-24 at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre
Wilbur and all his fellow naked mole rats in the Tunnel have always been, well… naked. Wondering what other possibilities are out there, Wilbur discovers a love for clothing and style. When word of his new passion for fashion turns the Tunnel upside down, he proves to everyone that there’s no need to be just like everyone else. Based on the hit children’s book by Mo Willems, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed has high-energy fun, quirky characters, and “songs that Rock!”
Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein”
Feb. 21-Mar 2 at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre
“IT’S ALIVE”… the musical?! Yes! This cheeky, monster-musical-comedy spoofs the literary classic and promises wickedly funny mayhem. When Frederick Frankenstein inherits his grandfather’s famed castle and lab, he can’t resist reanimating a monster with the help of his hunchbacked sidekick Igor. But abnormal brains mean chaotic merriment and jokes that will have you dying of laughter. With electrifying songs, dazzling production numbers and plenty of zany antics adapted from the Mel Brooks comedy classic, Young Frankenstein will leave you in stitches!
“The Sins of Sor Juana”
April 11-19
Under the eye of the Mexican Inquisition, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz is a faithful postulate. But as a poet, Sor Juana preaches passion and defiance. When her feminist philosophies influence the wives of the elite, powerful men recruit a well-known rogue to tame Sor Juana once and for all. Their ensuing battle crackles with wit, fury and romance… but in the end, who will surrender? Inspired by the real life of Latinidad’s pioneering 17th-century poet, Karen Zacarias’ award-winning play proves that well-behaved women rarely make history.
For more information, visit theatre.fsu.edu.