SLHS puts a comedic twist on a classic tale

by Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer

South Lakes Theatre performed "Once Upon a Mattress" the weekend of May 3. Photo by Jennifer Heffner & East 27 Creative

South Lakes High School's drama department delivered a royally entertaining run of "Once Upon a Mattress" May 1-3. The classic fairytale, turned on its head, left audiences laughing, cheering, and perhaps seeing underdogs in a whole new light.

Directed by Theatre Arts Director Michael Viola, the quirky 1959 musical comedy—a humorous retelling of "The Princess and the Pea"—was the perfect shift after years of emotionally heavy productions like "Bright Star" and "Radium Girls."

“After everything we’ve done these past few years, we needed something lighter,” Viola said before the show’s opening. “Honestly, it’s what we all needed right now.”

Underdogs Who Stole the Show

For Viola, "Once Upon a Mattress" was a personal journey. He first played Prince Dauntless in high school, which made revisiting the show with his students all the more meaningful. “It was the first time I got to play a leading man,” he said. “And I love Dauntless because he’s an underdog, something I’ve always related to.”

But this production wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was about showcasing a group of students, especially the Class of 2025, who, as Viola shared, “defied expectations all year long.”

Leading Roles, Lasting Lessons

Senior Eliana Redford dazzled audiences as Queen Aggravain, bringing wit and flair to the

show’s larger-than-life villain. “To perform in a show as fun as ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ was a privilege,” she said. “It was so exciting to perform alongside my peers in a musical filled with joy and laughter.”

Redford’s dedication to developing the queen’s sharp voice, physicality, and even a deeper backstory paid off on stage. “She taught me to never let anyone get in the way of what I want to achieve,” Redford said, “and to always appreciate the family I have.”

Senior Clara Neag took center stage as the bold and unconventional Princess Winnifred. Having previously contributed to South Lakes productions both onstage and behind the scenes, Neag embraced the physical demands of her role with enthusiasm.

“I thought a lot about Winnifred’s backstory and worked on building stamina since she’s such a physical character,” Neag explained. She described her character as “bold, lovable, and unique”—qualities she connects with personally. “Winnifred has taught me the value of sticking out,” she said. “Life is so boring if you try to be like everyone else. Everyone has something unique to offer, and we should all share our gifts.”

Reflecting on the experience, Neag said the show gave her the chance to develop both her comedic timing and her bond with her castmates. “The best part was joking around with my best friends on stage while still getting to explore meaningful acting.”

Characters, Comedy, and Community

Senior Isaac Garcia charmed the audience as the Minstrel, complete with ukulele in hand, adding a musical twist to his storytelling role. “As a musician, I relate to the Minstrel’s desire to tell stories,” he said. “Everyone in the cast was so committed to making sure the audience, and each other, had fun.”

Junior Liam Birch, who brought humor and heart to Sir Harry, loved hearing the audience’s laughter throughout the show. “It felt thrilling to perform something lighthearted,” he said. “Sir Harry taught me to stay true to your heart.”

Senior Itsuko Scoville embraced the chance to explore a more comedic side as Lady Larken. Typically drawn to dramatic roles, she found joy in letting loose. “It was super fun to explore a lighter, more playful character,” said Scoville, who will pursue musical theatre at Ithaca College in the fall.

Trust, Training, and Teamwork

Acting coach Brigitte Thieme-Burdette helped students bring depth to their characters while building confidence along the way. “My approach starts with trust,” she said. “I want them to fail gloriously and realize they’re okay afterward. That builds confidence.”

She emphasized that every cast member played an essential role in bringing the world of "Once Upon a Mattress" to life. “The more I can empower each person to have a point of view, the better chance we have of suspending the audience’s disbelief.”

A Collaborative Production

Viola, who assembled a new production team this year, expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit that helped make the show a success. “I was nervous not knowing who the team would be,” he said, “but these folks were great at what they do and incredible collaborators.”

The team included Music Director James McNamara, Choreography Mentor Grace Yakubisin, Technical Director Matt Torres, and Backstage Supervisor Diane Cooper-Gould. Together, they guided students in creating a production full of laughter, heart, and unforgettable moments.

While the curtains have closed on "Once Upon a Mattress," the memories and lessons from the production will stick with the cast and crew long after their final bows.

“The more kids have to play, the more they discover,” Viola said. “And the more they discover, the more they grow.”

And what did audiences experience? “Besides the fact that our students are funny?” Viola said with a smile. “A whole lot of joy.”