Reed Middle School’s “ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” A Medievil Delight

Contributed by Nora Feldman, Youth Arts Editor 

The award-winning Walter Reed Middle School Music Department is presenting  “ONCE UPON A MATTRESS,” Wednesday, February 16^th and Thursday, February 17^th, 2005, at 7:00 PM, in the Walter Reed Middle School Auditorium. 

“ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” with music by Mary Rogers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer is a musical adaptation of the beloved fairy tale “THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA.” 

“ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” is a rollicking, romantic, hilarious tale about a potential princess who is deemed dainty enough to be worthy of marriage to a prince because a single pea placed beneath 20 mattresses is enough to disturb her slumber.  Side-splitting shenanigans ensue in this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance. 

The Reed production of “ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” is being produced by Yolanda Gardea and is under the direction of Danielle Gordon, with vocal direction by Janice Kueppers, orchestra conducted by Stephen McDonough, and choreography by Danielle Moreale.  Costumes are executed by Cindy Lewis; sets by Jesse Rogers and Mike Harrington with Lighting Design by David Kanoy and Mike Harrington. 

In Spring 2004, Walter Reed Middle School sent 25 students to San Francisco to compete in the state music competition for middle schools and high schools in orchestra, band and choir.  Reed Middle School’s music program won top scores at the state competition.  This was the first time that all three groups won the prestigious honor over competing high schools. 

Tickets for “ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Proceeds go to funding the Walter Reed Music Department. 

Walter Reed Middle School is located at 4525 Irvine Avenue in North Hollywood.