If the world was going to be divided into musical fairy tale camps with one side being team Into the Woods and the other being team Once Upon a Mattress I would definitely be on the latter. While both have their assets I find Mattress to be such a delightful take on the genre, and I always jump at the chance I have to see and review a production of it. The latest is being put on by the good folks over at The Empress Theatre in Magna and it’s an enchanting night of community theatre.

The key to making any production of Mattress work is the comedic timing of the cast. At the Empress this is led by the over-the-top antics of Amy Hallett as the conniving Queen Aggravain. I love comedic performances dripping with disdain and she embodies that here. Josh Starr is also a lot of fun as the mute King Sextimus.

Nora Miller and Jonas Stone have terrific chemistry as Lady Larken and Sir Harry and I enjoyed their singing voices in songs like “In a Little While” and “Yesterday I Loved You.”

It’s always fun when a couple in real life can play one on stage and that’s what we get with Sam Fraser and Beck Fraser as our two leads Prince Dauntless and Princess Winnifred respectively. I particularly liked Beck’s sexy confidence that she brings to songs like “Shy” and “Happily Ever After.”

The stage at the Empress is an unusual one but director Adam Cannon has used it to its full capacity having the action happen on both levels and into the aisles. He also brings in creative elements like an aerialist performer on a hoop (Abigail Shelley) and lively ensemble choreography (Lorelai Byers and Michelle Moore.) I love how the backdrop of the stage is the mattresses stretching from the bottom floor all the way to the top where Princess Winnifred’s bed is. It works so well for the space in telling the story!

Naturally there were a few little hiccups on opening night mostly with the sound microphones but the cast worked around any such snafus. Once Upon a Mattress would make for a great night of theater for the whole family. It’s funny, romantic, and it’s not one we see performed much in this area. Take advantage of it being at the Empress when you have the chance. It is playing through August 2nd and tickets can be purchased here.

Once Upon a Mattress has music by Mary Rodgers and lyrics by Marshall Barer and a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Barer. (The new revival on Broadway last year has book by Amy Sherman-Palladino of Gilmore Girls fame.

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