by Rachel Hunter
Gouverneur High School students took the spotlight March 27–28 with their production of Once Upon a Mattress, performing the musical’s classic book by Jay Thompson, Marshall Barer, and Dean Fuller, with music by Mary Rodgers and lyrics by Barer, presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. The show came together under the guidance of Director Emily Bason, Music Director Olivia Dearbeck, and Choreographer Danielle Valenzuela, whose leadership supported the students’ work onstage and behind the scenes.
Once Upon a Mattress reimagines Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea with humor, heart, and a decidedly modern twist. In the original story, a single pea hidden beneath layers of bedding reveals a young woman’s true royal sensitivity. The musical takes that simple premise and expands it into a full kingdom in chaos: no one in the realm may marry until Prince Dauntless finds a “true” princess, a task made nearly impossible by Queen Aggravain’s outrageous tests and iron‑fisted control. Everything changes when Princess Winnifred the Woebegone arrives—not delicate, not demure, and certainly not what the Queen expects. Her determination, honesty, and unconventional charm turn the court upside down as she faces the ultimate test: twenty mattresses stacked high and one tiny pea. The result is a playful, spirited retelling that celebrates individuality, resilience, and the courage to be unmistakably yourself.
During her welcoming remarks, Director Emily Bason invited the audience to visit the Gleason Gallery in the GHS Auditorium and noted a meaningful milestone: 2026 marks thirty years since Once Upon a Mattress last appeared on the Gouverneur stage in 1996. Members of the original 1996 cast returned to cheer on this year’s performers, adding a special anniversary resonance to the production.
The heart of any musical lies in its cast, and Gouverneur High School’s Once Upon a Mattress assembled an ensemble that embraced the show’s whimsy, wit, and controlled chaos. At the center of the production was Jaylynn Dalton as Princess Winnifred, delivering a performance that balanced broad physical comedy with a surprising emotional sincerity. Dalton’s Winnifred was not merely the “shy violet” the court expected but a force of nature—earnest, unfiltered, and irresistibly human. Her presence anchored the show’s humor while giving the audience someone to root for from her very first entrance.
Opposite her, Avian Burt’s Prince Dauntless offered a charming blend of innocence and bewildered optimism. Burt leaned into Dauntless’s sheltered upbringing without turning him into caricature, allowing the prince’s gradual awakening to feel both humorous and genuinely sweet. Together, Dalton and Burt created a dynamic that felt fresh, youthful, and delightfully off‑kilter—exactly the chemistry the musical demands.
Every fairy tale needs an obstacle, and Abriana Casey’s Queen Aggravain delivered one with regal ferocity. Casey commanded the stage with sharp comedic timing and a vocal presence that made the Queen’s every decree feel both absurd and absolute. Her interplay with Owen Perry’s King Sextimus—silent but never sidelined—added a layer of visual comedy that consistently landed. Perry’s expressive reactions and physical storytelling gave the King a voice even without spoken lines, a testament to his discipline and creativity.
The kingdom’s romantic subplot found its footing in Jackson Ritchie’s Sir Harry and Brianna Scott’s Lady Larken. Ritchie brought a polished confidence to Sir Harry, while Scott infused Lady Larken with warmth and emotional clarity. Their scenes together offered a welcome contrast to the broader comedic moments, grounding the production in genuine stakes.
The show’s narrative momentum was carried forward by the trio of storytellers: Laina Kurdziel as the Minstrel, Sadie Jackson as the Jester, and Reigna Belcher as the Wizard. Kurdziel’s narration provided a steady throughline, her voice guiding the audience with ease. Jackson’s Jester radiated energy, weaving humor and movement into every scene. Belcher’s Wizard added a touch of theatrical flourish, leaning into the character’s eccentricities with confidence.
Surrounding the principals was a robust and committed ensemble that brought the medieval court to life with color and personality. Joseph Caplinger (Sir Studley, Knight), Celia Weekes (Lady Rowena), Rose Cox (Lady Lucille), Olivia McDougall (Lady Merrill), Kaelyn Bishop (Lady Mabelle), Emma Riutta (Princess No. 12, Lady of the Court), Sophie Gemmill (Lady of the Court, Ballet Queen), Emma Thomson (Lady of the Court, Ballet Princess), Madison Sibley (Lady of the Court), Arianna Brown (Lady of the Court, Nightingale), and Alexis Biribauer (Knight, Battle Princess) each contributed distinct character moments that enriched the world of the show. Whether executing choreography, reacting in the background, or stepping forward for featured moments, the ensemble demonstrated a unified commitment to storytelling.
Together, this cast shaped Once Upon a Mattress into a vibrant, student‑driven showcase of theatrical imagination—one that honored the musical’s classic roots while reflecting the hard work, discipline, and growing artistry of Gouverneur’s young performers.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated and highly coordinated crew ensured that Once Upon a Mattress unfolded with the polish and precision of a fully realized theatrical event. Stage Manager Cassidy Chambers led the operation with steady oversight, supported by Stage Crew members Alexis Jade Melocotones, Liam Gallagher, Logan DeVito, and Lilly Moore, whose quiet efficiency kept each transition seamless.
The visual world of the production was shaped by Lighting Directors Laraya Klock and Curtis Terpstra, whose cues and color palettes helped transport the audience from scene to scene with clarity and atmosphere. Sound Technician Dallas Doxtater balanced vocals, effects, and orchestration with care, ensuring every musical and comedic beat landed cleanly.
Costuming added another rich layer of storytelling thanks to Costume Director Meaghan Matthews and Assistant Costume Director Kylie Gallagher, whose thoughtful design choices brought the medieval court to life with texture, color, and character‑specific detail. From royal robes to whimsical court attire, their work helped define personalities before a single line was spoken, giving the cast a visual world that supported every performance.
The physical environment of the show—its castle halls, royal chambers, and the iconic towering mattresses—was crafted under the artistic direction of Set Designer Robert Decker, whose vision shaped the production’s immersive atmosphere. Aden Hubbard, Storm Watson, and Liam Gallagher contributed to the construction of sets and props, building the structural backbone that grounded the audience fully in the world of the musical. Their craftsmanship ensured that each scene change felt fluid and that every setting supported the story’s humor and heart.
The transformation extended beyond costumes and scenery. Hairdressers Kathy Stamper and Heather Greenhill styled the cast with period‑appropriate looks that enhanced character identity, while Make‑Up Artists Melissa Terpstra and Amanda Newvine added finishing touches that read beautifully under stage lights. Their combined efforts helped the students step convincingly into the world of fairy‑tale royalty and courtly chaos.
Front‑of‑house operations were equally essential. Box Office staff Stacy Canell and Lynn Kurdziel welcomed guests with professionalism and warmth, while National Honor Society members served as ushers, guiding audience members and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience from the moment patrons entered the auditorium.
Publicity and printed materials were handled by Emily Bason, the cast and crew of Once Upon A Mattress, and Rose Cox, whose work helped promote the production and provide audiences with clear, engaging programs. And capturing the magic for families, students, and the wider community, photographer Gidget Wainwright documented the production with a keen eye for both performance and behind‑the‑scenes artistry. The production’s presence was strengthened by Social Media Director Laina Kurdziel, whose work helped build anticipation and share the students’ efforts with the wider community.
Together, these behind‑the‑scenes artists transformed the auditorium into a whimsical kingdom, ensuring that every audience member was drawn fully into the story from the moment the lights dimmed.
With the world of the show so vividly established, the musical dimension of the production came to life under the direction of Music Director Olivia Dearbeck, whose work with the cast and pit musicians gave Once Upon a Mattress its rhythmic pulse and emotional lift. One of the evening’s most memorable musical moments came with the cast’s exceptional performance of “In a Little While,” delivered with a warmth and clarity that showcased both the students’ vocal discipline and Dearbeck’s thoughtful guidance.
Choreographer Danielle Valenzuela added another defining layer to the production, crafting movement that matched the show’s playful spirit while giving students choreography that was both achievable and expressive. From lively ensemble sequences to character‑specific flourishes, Valenzuela’s work helped shape the visual storytelling and kept the stage in constant, engaging motion.
The score’s variety allowed the company to shine in multiple styles, from buoyant ensemble numbers to intimate character‑driven moments. Jackson’s Jester brought a standout burst of classic theatrical charm with a crisp and confident performance of “Very Soft Shoe,” blending humor, timing, and old‑school musicality. Another highlight arrived during the Nightingale Lullaby, where Arianna Brown’s Nightingale delivered a beautifully controlled and comedic vocal performance that elevated the entire scene and delighted the audience.
Throughout the show, the ensemble navigated the musical’s playful shifts and stylistic demands with assurance. The production featured the score’s well‑known selections, including “Shy,” “Sensitivity,” “The Swamps of Home,” “Spanish Panic,” “Song of Love,” “Happily Ever After,” “Man to Man Talk,” “Normandy,” and the rousing “Finale.” Together, these songs formed the backbone of a performance that highlighted the students’ hard work, musical growth, and commitment to bringing this classic score to life.
Both performances concluded with well‑earned standing ovations, as audiences on Friday and Saturday rose to their feet in appreciation of the cast and crew’s spectacular efforts in making Once Upon A Mattress a rousing success.
A special word of recognition was given to the graduating seniors involved in the production, including the following: Jackson Ritchie, Owen Perry, Reigna Belcher, Cassidy Chambers, Jaylynn Dalton, and Alexis Jade Melocotones.
Deep appreciation was extended to the many community partners and supporters whose generosity helped bring this production to life, including WWNY‑TV, Emily’s Flower Shop, Kinney Drugs, NNY Custom Printing, Gidget Wainwright Photography, and the Gouverneur Tribune Press. Gratitude was also expressed to the parents of the cast and crew, the Gouverneur Board of Education, Superintendent Jackie Kelly, GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson, Assistant Principal Margeaux Davis, and the dedicated GHS custodial staff. In addition, gratitude was offered to Amy Barr, Michelle Hassett, Michael Bason, the Frenyea family, the Bishop family, the Weekes family, Kiera Matthews, Kelly Ayen, Brett Worden, Iva Walrath, Chelsi Griffith, Katrina Cook, and many others whose behind‑the‑scenes support strengthened every aspect of the production.
It was also shared that Missoula Children’s Theatre will return to Gouverneur this summer to lead a weeklong youth theatre camp of Peter and Wendy, running July 27 to August 1, 2026 and will be hosted by the Gouverneur Recreation Department in cooperation with the Gouverneur Central School District. Registration opens May 1, and advanced registration is required. For details, families may contact Recreation Director Casey Canell at 315‑287‑0524. To learn more about the Gouverneur CSD, visit www.gcsk12.org.