Once Upon a Mattress

Great news!!! FINALLY someone is doing one of my all-time favourite musicals... Apparently Nic Carr [she who used to be Nic Oxley :-) ] is doing Mary Rodger's "Once Upon a Mattress" at Roleystone in July. I love this show... the only thing I hate about it is the fact that I am a baritone and not a 'Can Belto' so I can't go for the lead, who I reckon is one of the best and funniest roles in Musical Theatre... I mean the role was written for Carol Burnett for Gods' Sake!!! [Belter's take note!] Now I just hope that some good people actually audition for it so that when I finally get to see it I won't be let down. Especially as I believe it may actually be the WA premiere!!! I'm sure that audition notices will be on here soon so keep your eye out! [I think I'm going to go for the king so I don't actually have to sing anything ;-) ]

Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

YAY!!!!!! This is one of my favourite shows also. I totally fell in love with this show while working on it overseas. The music is fun and the lead female is any belters dream role. She is fun and feisty. It is a real triple threat role. I will certainly be heading up to Roleystone for the audtions. And not only was the lead originally written for Carol Burnett, but the recording I have has Sarah Jessica Parker as Winifred and Jane Krakowski as Larkin. Lady Larkin is also a fabulous character, not a girly Soprano like many roles are. There are also heaps of roles for guys too. The minstrel, Jester and the King being my favourites. Considering the King doesn't speak or sing he still has alot to do - including a trio and a duet (come to the reading to find out how that works) Anyone who enjoys working on a fun musical with heaps to do for all cast members should make the effort to head up for the reading on 25th Feb and the auditions on 2/3 March. I hope to see heaps of people turn out for this WA premier of one of the most fun shows I have worked on. Kristen

But the question is: Is this the WA premiere?! I have NEVER heard of any one doing this musical in Perth before... Even though the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organisation themselves describe it as one of their most popular musicals! Has anyone seen the TV version with Tracy Ullman and Carol Burnett? Has it even reached our shores yet? I really hope Roleystone get lots of people auditioning for this one because the script alone is hilarious and I am sure it is going to be very well done. On another note... its good to see companies going out and doing more new musicals (well... new as in not done in perth before) Am really looking forward to the auditions as this is a show I have been waiting YEARS to do!!!

No the TV version has not reached our shores as yet. The only way to get a copy is from Amazon.

Yeah, it is a fantastic show - "Shy" is a real show-stopper, although there are plenty of other great numbers as well. I've never seen Carol Burnett do it, but she must have been incredible! Perfect role, and no wonder... I played the Queen years ago in Canada, but haven't seen it done here in Oz... 'bout time someone did it! :-) L