Once Upon A Mattress

Music filled Weller Hall auditorium when the theatre department of Concordia staged “Once Upon a Mattress.” The musical told the tale of a too-possessive queen who created impossible tests of worthiness for her son’s hand in marriage. Written by Jay Thompson, Marshal Baerer and Dean Fuller, with music by Mary Rogers and lyrics by Marshall Barer, the musical was a spoof of “The Princess and the Pea,” full of colorful costumes, energetic dance numbers and a lesson for parents and children alike.

“Besides the humor, I chose this show because it offers more than 20 roles for the talented singers and actors currently studying at Concordia,” said Mira Wiegmann, professor of theatre arts and director of the show. “The musical also allows the students and me to work with other faculty directors of the instrument and vocal work as well as a professional choreographer and set designer.”

Kurt von Kampen, associate professor of music, and Andrew Schultz, assistant professor of music, worked with the chorus and the orchestra. Dory von Kampen trained the soloists and small vocal ensembles. Local dance instructor Janet Jerger choreographed dance sequences and the set was designed by adjunct professor Robert Olson. Students took on roles ranging from sound and lighting design to seamstresses, house management and publicity. “Nearly 100 students worked on the production. They not only learned theatrical techniques, but practical problem-solving and teamwork skills that will enhance their ability to work with others,” says Wiegmann.

The cast and crew of “Once Upon a Mattress”:

• Timm Heath (Minstrel)
• Danielle Bruns (Princess Winifred)
• Chris Ramstad (Prince Dauntless the Drab)
• Elaine Filter (Queen Aggravain)
• Rick Backhus (King Sextimus:
• Josh Brose (Jester:
• Brent Bejot (Sir Harry:
• Chelsea Durk (Lady Larken)
• Aaron Wagner (Wizard)
• Ashley Panwitz (Lady Rowena)
• Liz Mueller (Lady Merrill)
• Katie Krause (Lady Lucile)
• Melanie Maxson (Lady Mabelle)
• Jillian Behmlander (Lady Beatrice)
• Andrew Schultz (Sir Studley)
• Jason Swan (Sir Luce)
• John Epperson (1st Knight)
• Justin Metcalf (2nd Knight)
• Phil Adcock (3rd Knight)
• Ana Salas (Nightingale of Samarakind)
• Melissa Fick (Princess No. 12)
• Katie Browne (Emily)
• Tiffany Glenn (Kitchen Wench)

Orchestra:

• Violin: Ann Stevenson
• Viola: Anneliese Ploetz
• String Bass: Peter Nord
• Flute: Amanda Crumrine
• Oboe: Karin Strom
• Clarinet: Katie Bailey
• Bass Clarinet: Linda Steinbrueck
• Trumpet 1: Audrey Herrmann
• Trumpet 2: Micah Korb
• Horn: Jeremy Staub
• Trombone: MaryLou Andrews
• Piano: Heidi Greimann
• Keyboard: Mark Kanitz
• Percussion: Joshua Miesner
• Percussion: Andrew Rosse

Production Staff:

• Director: Mira Wiegmann
• Student Assistant to the Director: Todd Lancaster
• Set Design: Robert Olson
• Lighting Design: Jon Ross
• Sound Design: Roy Carlson
• Costume Design: Mira Wiegmann
• Vocal Director: Kurt von Kampen
• Vocal Director: Dory von Kampen
• Instrumental Director: Andrew Schultz
• Choreographer: Janet Jerger
• House Manager: Sarah Anderson
• Poster & Program Design: Tonya Boenisch
• Lead Set Technician: Luke Weidner
• Asst. Set Technician: Andrew Schultz
• Set Crew: Margaret Ruehle, Sarah Andrews, Chris Heins , Matt Wait , Zach Gunzelman , Nikki King , Nathan Neugebauer , Adam Hengeveld , Brad Rogers, Josh Brose , Sarah McClelland , Ashley Panwitz , Kyle Strecker , Jon Laufer , Jesse Gaunt , Ben Carson, Rebecca Resner , Ana Salas , Justin Koopman , Kristina Oria , Christa Dunker , Heidi Graham
• Properties: Heidi Bartlett and Bethany Maddick
• Lead Lighting Technician: Jon Ross
• Asst. Lighting Technician: Justin Koopman
• Lead Costume and Hairstyling Technician: Heidi Graham
• Asst. Costume and Hairstyling Technician: Priscilla Pietz
• Properties crew: Sarah Andrews , Allie Egger , Stephanie Christensen , Jennifer Kettler , Lindsey Himmelberg , Caley Gerth , Matt Wait , Karla Stahlecker