Once Upon a Mattress rehearsals are upon us, beginning in October. It’s our first play of the school year after previously putting on Seussical the Musical. The Once Upon a Mattress musical comedy originally opened off-broadway in 1959. It’s a written adaptation of the fairy tale The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Andersen.
Megan James ‘19 said that they start rehearsals getting “set to run whatever we’re running that night, it could be pretty much anything in any order. Rehearsals are going really well so far, everything’s coming together smoothly and having so many performers is part of the fun. At Redwood we really go by ‘the more the merrier” phrase, more performers just means more talent and more friends. Most of our dance routines can be pretty hard to master at first but once you get the hang of it we’re looking like professionals. I can honestly say that so far the show is really coming together and I’m excited to see how much we improve in the weeks leading up to our shows. I have a really strong feeling this show is gonna be one for the books.”
Cade Gann ‘21 told us that they start the rehearsal with vocals, then blocking, and lastly choreography. I believe that as of right now we will be ready for are performance in February. I think it can enhances the show if done right which it is being done. I always believe in my choreographer and think the routines are going amazing and is going be ready for opening night. I’m very excited for what we have so far and I’m excited to see where it goes.”
Jada Griffith ‘19 gave us a rundown on how the rehearsal process goes: dance routines, singing and vocal warm ups. “It’s going really well, I love working and hanging out with everyone. It’s a lot of fun. [With there being a very large cast] it’s a great way to meet new people, I love it. Personally, I am not the best dancer but I think I’m doing pretty well. [The rehearsals] are turning out really well. I think it’s going to be a really good show and everyone should see it.”
Blocking is a theater and film term that means telling the actors where they should move for the proper dramatic effect, ensure sight lines for the audience and work with the lighting design of the scene.
Kylen Gray ‘22 said that they set up the scene and add the lines in for the right effect, blocking essentially. “Vocals and singing is at a seperate time. It’s going pretty well. It’s intimidating [with there being so many people], scary performing in front of older people. I’m not very confident about the dance routines. I think we’re a bit behind but with all shows, it comes together in the end.”
Once Upon a Mattress is our upcoming musical and the future is looking very bright for the turn out. Support your friends, family, and fellow classmates by going to see the show when it debuts February 21st!