by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Central High School is preparing to bring a burst of humor, music, and fairy‑tale magic to the stage with its upcoming production of Once Upon a Mattress on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets will be available from cast and crew members as well as at the door, with student admission priced at $6 and adult admission at $8.
Once Upon a Mattress retells the classic story of “The Princess and the Pea” with a bright comedic twist that promises to entertain audiences of all ages. The plot centers on Queen Aggravain, who refuses to allow anyone in the kingdom to marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a “true” princess. Suitors and hopeful brides wait impatiently, but the Queen’s impossible standards have driven away every princess who has attempted to win Dauntless’s hand. The story takes a lively turn when Princess Winnifred the Woebegone arrives in the most unexpected way imaginable. Instead of arriving in a carriage, she swims across the castle moat, immediately capturing the attention of the entire court and the heart of Prince Dauntless. Queen Aggravain, determined to maintain control, devises a final test involving twenty mattresses stacked high and a single pea hidden beneath them. The kingdom watches anxiously as Winnifred faces the challenge, and the musical unfolds with humor, heart, and a joyful spirit that celebrates courage, individuality, and love.
The production, under the direction of GHS Musical Advisor Emily Bason, features a talented cast of students who have embraced their roles with enthusiasm and creativity. Jaylynn Dalton stars as Princess Winnifred, bringing boldness, humor, and charm to the role. Avian Burt portrays Prince Dauntless with sincerity and warmth as he tries to assert himself against his mother’s overbearing rule. Abriana Casey plays Queen Aggravain with commanding presence and sharp comedic timing, while Owen Perry appears as King Sextimus, whose silence becomes one of the show’s most memorable running jokes. Reigna Belcher takes on the role of the Wizard, and Laina Kurdziel serves as the Minstrel, guiding the audience through the story with musical storytelling. Sadie Jackson brings energy and wit to the role of the Jester, adding another layer of humor to the production. Jackson Ritchie and Brianna Scott portray Sir Harry and Lady Larken, whose romantic subplot adds emotional depth and urgency as they wait for the royal marriage ban to be lifted.
The ensemble is filled with students who bring the kingdom to life through their roles as ladies‑in‑waiting, knights, courtiers, and other colorful characters. The full cast includes Jackson Ritchie as Sir Harry, Reigna Belcher as the Wizard, Owen Perry as King Sextimus, Jaylynn Dalton as Princess Winnifred, Laina Kurdziel as the Minstrel, Emma Riutta as Princess No. 12 and a Lady of the Court, Brianna Scott as Lady Larken, Rose Cox as Lady Lucille, Abriana Casey as Queen Aggravain, Avian Burt as Prince Dauntless, Olivia McDougall as Lady Merrill, Celia Weekes as the Nightingale and a Lady of the Court, Sadie Jackson as the Jester, Emma Thomson as Lady of the Kitchen and a Lady of the Court, Kaelyn Bishop as Lady Mabelle, JD (Joseph) Caplinger as Sir Studley, Lily Scott as a Lady of the Court, Arianna Brown as a Lady of the Court and a Nightingale, Alexis Biribauer as a Knight, Sophie Gemmill as Emily and a Lady of the Court, and Madison Sibley as a Lady of the Court. Each student contributes to the lively atmosphere of the production, creating a world filled with music, movement, and laughter.
The show promises an evening of entertainment that blends classic musical theatre with playful storytelling. Audiences can expect memorable songs, clever dialogue, and a cast that clearly enjoys performing together. The students have invested weeks of hard work into learning choreography, developing characters, and building the whimsical world of the show. Their dedication and teamwork shine through in every rehearsal, and they are eager to share the results of their efforts with the community.
Families, friends, and community members are invited to attend and support the students who have poured their time and talent into this production. The performances on March 27 and 28 offer an opportunity to enjoy a lively night of theatre while celebrating the creativity and commitment of local students. The cast and crew look forward to filling the auditorium with laughter, applause, and the shared joy of live performance, and they hope to see a full audience ready to cheer them on.
For more information about the Gouverneur CSD, visit www.gcsk12.org.