Sutton Foster, Michael Urie to star in ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ on Broadway this summer
The award-winning actors led a two-week revival of the musical at New York City Center earlier this year, and the production will now play the Hudson Theatre.
UPDATE: Michael Urie will star opposite Sutton Foster in Once Upon a Mattress on Broadway.
There’s an opening for a princess (and a prince)! The fairytale musical Once Upon a Mattress will play a limited run on Broadway this summer, with two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster in the starring role opposite Drama Desk Award winner Michael Urie. Performances will run from July 31 to November 30 at the Hudson Theatre, with opening night on August 12.
Directed by Lear deBessonet, this production of Once Upon a Mattress premiered off Broadway in January at New York City Center to critical acclaim. The show was part of Encores!, an annual series of three limited-run musical revivals at the historic venue. The series is dedicated to shows that do not get regularly revived.
Once Upon a Mattress was last on Broadway from 1996-97, with Sarah Jessica Parker playing the lead role of Princess Winnifred. Foster — who just wrapped a run as Mrs. Lovett in the Tony-winning revival of Sweeney Todd — now plays the part in this comedic adaptation of The Princess and the Pea, and Urie plays Prince Dauntless. Both reprise their roles from Encores!
The show takes place in the far-off kingdom led by Queen Aggravain, who is reluctant to give her son, Prince Dauntless, away in marriage. She designs impossible tests for princesses to prove their worth and sends them away when they fail. When Winnifred comes along, she and Dauntless hit it off — but will she be deemed a true princess?
Complete Broadway casting has yet to be announced. The cast of the Encores! production also included Nikki Renée Daniels as Lady Larken, J. Harrison Ghee as the Jester, Harriet Harris as Queen Aggravain, Cheyenne Jackson as Sir Harry, Francis Jue as the Wizard, and David Patrick Kelly as King Sextimus the Silent.
Once Upon a Mattress features music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Barer. Alongside deBessonet, Lorin Latarro choreographs the production, Mary-Mitchell Campbell is music supervisor, Annbritt duChateau is music director, and Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) newly adapted the show.
The creative team also includes set designer David Zinn, costume designer Andrea Hood, lighting designer Justin Townsend, sound designer Kai Harada, orchestrator Bruce Coughlin, and hair and wig designer J. Jared Janas.
Photo credit: Sutton Foster and Michael Urie. (Photos by Jenny Anderson)
Frequently asked questions
What are the songs in Once Upon a Mattress?
Once Upon a Mattress features a fan-favorite score from Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer with crowd-pleasing show tunes including "Sensitivity," "In a Little While," and "Shy."
Who wrote Once Upon a Mattress?
The musical’s book is by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer and features contributions from Emmy winner Amy Sherman-Palladino.
Who directed Once Upon a Mattress?
Lear deBessonet earned a Tony Award nomination for directing the recent revival of Into the Woods; now, she returns to Broadway to direct this production.
Is Once Upon a Mattress appropriate for kids?
Once Upon a Mattress is recommended for anyone ages 5 and up. Note audiences under four years old are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
Is Once Upon a Mattress good?
Once Upon a Mattress is a favorite for audiences of all ages. With its faraway kingdom, sweeping romance, and memorable songs, all packed with nonstop comedy, the show is a musical classic that has stood the test of time. This production soars: it's a New York Times Critic's Pick.
How long is Once Upon a Mattress?
The running time of Once Upon a Mattress is 2hr 15min. Incl. 1 intermission.
Where is Once Upon a Mattress playing?
Once Upon a Mattress is playing at Hudson Theatre. The theatre is located at 141 West 44th Street, New York, 10036.
How do you book tickets for Once Upon a Mattress?
Book tickets for Once Upon a Mattress on New York Theatre Guide.
What's the age requirement for Once Upon a Mattress?
The recommended age for Once Upon a Mattress is Ages 5+..
What is Once Upon a Mattress about?
See Sutton Foster star in the acclaimed revival of the musical Once Upon a Mattress. Michael Urie joins the Broadway legend following the sold-out run of Once Upon a Mattress at New York City Centers.
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