Logan high's theatre department and a pea

By Kristi Lambert

A mute king, a submissive prince, a crafty queen, a moat swimming princess, 20 downy mattresses and a pea have taken over the Logan High School Theatre Department. LHS has a long time tradition when it comes to theater and will be performing the musical “Once Upon a Mattress” Nov. 18, 19, 21 and 22.

The musical, written by Jay Thompson, Marshall Barer, Dean Fuller and Mary Rodgers, puts a comedic twist to the fairytale “The Princess and the Pea.” In the play, Queen Aggravian has taken over the kingdom after King Sextimus was cursed with muteness. Aggravian has vowed to keep Prince Dauntless single so that she may keep the throne for herself. But after Princess Winnifred the Woebegone catches the prince’s eye, the queen’s plans begin to unravel.

A cast of 50 students, 60 orchestra members and 10 back stage hands will bring the production of “Once Upon A Mattress” to the stage.

“It’s funny, great music and great characters. People will go away smiling. Definitely family entertainment,” said Mitzi Mecham, the theater department's director.

This will be Mecham’s 24^th musical at LHS. She has been working with the cast since auditions. Students tried out last February to get into the class and then again in August for the fall musical. With opening night steadily approaching, the cast practices during school and at night rehearsals totaling approximately four hours a day.

Mecham said that the show is right on track and is not worried about opening night because “it always comes together.”

“There are still things that we need to work on, but we will be ready when time comes around,” said Austin Burgess, a sophomore who plays the part of Sir Harry. “We have an amazing cast, really talented. A great director and a well-rounded crew. It’s going to be great.”

Sarah Gee, a senior who plays Lady Larken, said that the cast meshes well together.

“We all step it up where we need to,” Gee said. “Not just the leads, but everyone does. That way it all looks good for opening night.”

When it comes to vocals, Randy Smith, the choral director is proud of his students and is confident in their abilities.

“The kids are doing extremely well. We really have some talented kids this year,” Smith said as a trio sang “The Minstrel, the Jester and I.”

Many of the cast have had previous experience on stage outside of high school plays, including senior Josh Higham, who plays the part of the Jester. Higham enjoyed participating in Community Theatre so he decided to audition for the high school play his last year.

 “I loved it,” Higham said. “The dominoes sort of fell and I found myself on stage.”

“They’ve made a lot of progress. Now that they have their parts they take on their characters and embrace it and perfect it,” said Mardi Hyer, the stage manager.

Tickets for the musical went on sale Friday. Prices range from $5 to $7 and can be purchased at the door or online at Logan High School’s Web page. All performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Logan High School auditorium.

(T. Alvey)