On stage In the Hudson Valley October 24 - 26, 2008

This weekend there are a couple of shows on stage. I saw Goldenstone's Once Upon a Mattress last weekend you can read the review here: No theater for me this weekend ... I'll be working a community event instead.

Murder in Green Meadows
October 24, 25 at 8:00 PM

Brewster Theatre Company
Brewster High School
Brewster, NY
Call: (845) 598-1621

Once Upon a Mattress
October 24, 25 at 8:00 PM
Oct 26 at 3:00 PM

Golden Stone Productions
SUNY Ulster
Stone Ridge, NY

Review: Once Upon a Mattress - Goldenstone Productions

I saw Goldenstone Productions Once Upon a Mattress tonight. I'm happy to say that Goldenstone has done it again.

It is a delightful, fun, fast paced show that will make you laugh. Not only laugh, but also smile with all the antics of the memorable characters. Fred (the princess of the swamps pictured right) played by Victoria Howland, was adorable and oh-so-funny. As a perfect foil to her princess, was Rich Hack as Prince Dauntless.

Another favorite was King Sextimus, a (mostly) mute role played mostly in hilarious pantomime by the very talented Doug Hoffman. The beautiful (in looks and sound) Lady Larken was played by Amanda Quigley who is always a delight to watch. I also enjoyed the King's partners in crime, the Minstral (Wendell Scherer) and the Jester (Daniel Farcher). I especially enjoyed the "Soft Shoe" number that the Jester performs. Lisa Lynds made a very wonderful Queen, and the Wizard (Thomas Netter) was a delightful surprise.

The rest of the ensemble was strong vocally and in acting, as per usual with the group. I loved the little characteristics each person brought to the show, in the little funny bits they did and the strong dancing. They were as entertaining to watch as the leading roles.

Kevin Archambault's Direction was wonderful and the choreography was sharp, well thought out and added a whole new level to the piece. It was very entertaining to watch the cast as they flowed though the balanced layouts. Richard Prouse's set was beautiful as usual. His work always impresses. Loved the spinning tower and the wonderful set pieces that worked so beautifully together.

As many of you know I love Liz Gerbi's musical direction, and she did an exceptional job with the cast and band. Kris Flick did an amazing job on costumes, they were beautiful and so very vibrant. Although, I would expect nothing less from her work. The show was well lit, sound levels were very well balanced, given the difficulties in working in that theater, and the lighting design was perfect.

There were some small issues with microphones, but it was a minor distraction. The only other perennial picky complaint is the failure, at times, of certain cast members to cheat out. I was sitting house center, so I shouldn't have seen as much profile and backs of actors as I did. I love to watch all the delightful expressions on the faces of the cast members, so I will always be disappointed when I can't see that.

This delightful show will be running for the remainder of this weekend and all next weekend at SUNY Ulster in Stone Ridge. Shows are Friday & Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm There will also be a 3pm performance on 10/25. Tickets are available online here:

I can recommend highly this charming take on a beloved fairytale that will make you laugh and leave you smiling (and humming) as you walk out the door.

Once Upon a Mattress Opening Soon!

I'm very excited about the upcoming production of Once upon a Mattress a delightful retelling of the princess and the pea. I hope to attend the show opening weekend ... (note to self: put make reservations on my to-do list)

This production will be Goldenstone Productions 4th musical. You can read my reviews of previous productions: Little Shop of Horrors (June 2008), Suessical (October 2007), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (June 2007).

I'm looking forward to this show not only because of the stellar productions I've come to expect from this company, but also because the director is Kevin Archambault who's previous work I've admired. (you can read my review of Evita).

The fall show for Golden Stone Productions will be the musical comedy “Once Upon a Mattress”, with songs by Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer. The play was written as an adaptation of the fairy tale The Princess and the Pea.

No one in Prince Dauntless's kingdom is permitted to marry until the prince exchanges wedding vows -- a problem hindered by the prince's overprotective mother, Queen Aggravain (originally played by Carol Burnett) and his mute father, King Sextimus. The honorable Sir Harry, a man whose heart longs to wed the fair Lady Larkin, sets off on the journey specifically designed to find the prince a bride. Sir Harry returns to his kingdom to present Princess Winnifred of the swamps. Immediately smitten with the swamp princess, Prince Dauntless hopes that “Fred” will pass the royalty test of his scheming mother. This rollicking musical spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again.

The director of “Once Upon a Mattress” is Kevin Archambault. Musical direction is Liz Gerbi. Scenic Artist/Design by Richard Prouse. Set Construction/TD is Nick Avossa.

The cast includes Rich Hack (Rhinebeck) as Prince Dauntless, Victoria Howland (Kingston) as Princess Winnifred, Lisa Lynds (Tivoli)as Queen Aggravain, Doug Hoffman (Stone Ridge) as King Sextimus, Michael Werner (Hurley) as Sir Harry and Amanda Quigley (High Falls) as Lady Larkin with many other highly talented local actors to complete the production.

Performances will be October 17th-26th with Friday and Saturday’s evening shows starting at 8pm and matinees on Saturday (October 25th only) and both Sundays at 3:00pm. All performances are in the Quimby Theater on the SUNY Ulster campus. Tickets are $20 or $15 (seniors/students). For reservations, visit www.goldenstoneproductions.org or phone 845.687.4758. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Photographs by Harry McCarthy.