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Antlers, helmets, garden rakes, and a cactus...
What do they all have in common?
Well for one thing none of those things would be comfortable to sleep on. You’ve heard the story of the princess and the pea before. A prince wants to marry a princess, but is thwarted by his mother as she comes up with a test only a princess could pass. Here at Theo Ubique, we’re in for a modern retelling of that fairy tale with Once Upon A Mattress.
Characters Come to Life at Theo Ubique
The audience is laughing out of their chairs at each moment in this lively comedy. The cast makes sure to milk every moment they’re onstage for maximum laughs with over the top caricatures.
Prince Dauntless (August Forman) spends their time trying to look and act more manly. After joshing around with Sir Harry, they could simply walk offstage. But this time, they stop their usual walk of slumped shoulders and downcast eyes. They pause. Then they remember to straighten up with shoulders back trying to dignify their exit.
Princess Winnifred (Sonia Goldberg) runs to every corner of the stage with bursts of energy and keeps our eyes drawn to her. She rolls her eyes and throws meaningful glances at the other royal subjects on the stage as she deals with the prince’s overbearing mother.
The Wizard (played by J Alan) dotes on the queen but also longs for her moment in the spotlight. When the queen calls for a lullaby, the Wizard steps in for the missing nightingale. She pops up in the back corner donned in an elegant feathered turban and sings hesitantly at first before giving it her all during this, her moment in the spotlight
And Queen Agravain (Anne Sheridan Smith) commands the stage sitting high on her throne regaled in a sparkling tiara and red brocade gown. She has us laughing each time she is overly dramatic, complaining of her ailments. She even steals a poor audience member’s seat!
And it’s not just these main characters who create these over the top characterizations. The entire ensemble takes each available moment to be overly dramatic and keep the energy up!
Toe Tapping Tunes
As the audience comes back to our tables and seats after intermission, everybody’s toes are tapping along to the entr'acte. These showtunes of Once Upon A Mattress have everyone in high spirits.
There’s plenty of different styles of music. Winnifred belts and shimmies during Happily Ever After. She croons like the best of them singing about just wanting to find love and happiness. Sir Harry (Michael Metcalf) and Lady Larken (Parker Guidry) have us all misty eyed and lovesick during their two duets In A Little While and Yesterday I Loved You. And the jester reminisces of his famous father and delivers a lively tap dance number during Very Soft Shoes.
Medieval, But Make It Modern
An embroidered bustier, floor length peasant skirt, and a wide-brimmed boho hat…
Thigh high boots, lace tights, and a puffy sleeved shirt…
Cowboy boots, leather vests, and petticoats…
The costumes are a fun take on a modern medieval style, in this writer’s view They’re almost fully modern, but costumer Uriel Gómez found ways to nod to the medieval era. Even the regular theater seating in the space feels like it works with the time period. With the cabaret tables that circle the stage and a raised level with a bannister in front feels like we’re observing the royal court. Though some may agree with this reviewer that there were moments when the staging didn’t play well, leaving the audience to stare at a character’s back while she sang. Otherwise the cast makes the most of the cabaret style and interacts with the audience at every given chance.
Once Upon A Mattress is a fun and light-hearted show filled to the brim with comedy and silly bits. It you’re a fan of musicals and are looking for a fun night out filled with laughs, this would be a good fit for you.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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WHEN:
Through May 1, 2022
WHERE:
Theo Ubique
721 W Howard St.
Evanston, IL 60202
TICKETS:
$37+
Tickets can be purchased through the Theo Ubique website
Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago.
Photos by Liz Lauren
CAST:
Sonia Goldberg
August Forman
Michael Metcalf
Parker Guidry
Anne Sheridan Smith
Andrew Fortman
Jasmine Lacy Young
Michael M. Ashford
J Alan
Laura Sportiello
Sarah J. Patin
Nathe Rowbotham
Peter Ruger
Freyja Goldstein
Thomas Tong
CREATIVE TEAM:
Landree Fleming
Jeremy Ramey
Jenna Schoppe
Mara Ishihara Zinky
Uriel Gómez
Piper Kirchhofer
Rick Sims
Rowan Doe
Evan Tyrone Martin
J Alan
Nicholas Reinhart
Macy Kloville
Isaac Mandel
Jayce Lewis
Amy Rappa
Alan Weusthoff
Liz Hassen
Devin Sullivan
Josephine Kearns
Christopher Pazdernik
Fred Anzevino
About the Author: Alexis Bugajski
Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.
Editor's Note: Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski
