Once Upon A Musical: The musical “Once Upon A Mattress” will be performed by the Shawnee Mission East theater on Feb. 8-10

The theatre department will perform the musical “Once Upon A Mattress” — a comedic spin on the fairytale “Princess and the Pea” — from Feb. 8-10 at 7 p.m. with an additional matinee on Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. in the auditorium. 

The traditional 1960s musical is directed by English teacher Brian Cappello. This year, the theater department was looking for a musical with a more structured plot in contrast to last year’s production of the erratic musical “SpongeBob,” according to theater teacher and technical director Tom Defeo.

“This is more your golden age kind of musical,” Defeo said. “You can tap your toe to connect, the chorus can dance together, all that stuff. It allows more for us as a company.”

The show follows King Dauntless, played by junior Wyatt Moon, who is searching for a bride, despite his controlling mother, Queen Aggravain played by senior Aurdey Apprill, who disapproves of every potential suitor. 

The mysterious Princess Winifred, played by senior Layla Ledford, comes to the kingdom and charms the Prince, just by being her quirky self. In response, the queen comes up with a series of rigged tests — including sleeping on a single pea covered by 20 mattresses to see if she is fit for the prince.

“It has a little something for everybody,” Moon said. “It’s pretty straightforward, but I feel like it’s still a fun time.”

For the first time, after the matinee show on Feb. 10, audience members will have the opportunity to meet the cast in one of the gyms. This will give the chance for family members and other guests to take pictures with the characters in full costume and ask any questions they might have.

The show started production in November with all the directors holding auditions and selecting the cast. Since then, the cast and crew have been working to learn the whole show, design the sets and put every aspect seamlessly together. 

“It takes a lot to throw these musicals together, which people may not realize,” Moon said. “It’s really hard work and it’s nice to be able to have people see what we did.” 

Attending and supporting the production benefits the theater program, allowing them to continue putting on annual musicals. The musicals give students the chance to showcase their talent for the East community — whether it’s working on stage, playing in the orchestra pit or working backstage, according to Defeo.

“Sometimes you sit next to people every day for months, sometimes years and you don’t know the talent they have,” Cappello said. “You get to see different sides of your friends or people you know.”

Guests can buy tickets for $10 at the door or East students will receive free admission with a student ID.