Once Upon a Mattress

Cabrillo Music Theatre has been producing some of the strongest and most entertaining shows in Ventura County for many years. The company’s consistency and endurance is second only to the quality of performers on stage. The company continually draws full houses and consistently put forth a deeply enjoyable final product. Their current production of Once Upon a Mattress is no exception.

This well known fairytale has been a favorite of children and adults alike for many years. The show’s successful runs both on Broadway and internationally have kept it relevant and made it one of the most widely produced musicals on the planet. The story follows the lovable Princess Winnifred (Bets Malone) as she moves about her royal life in search of happiness, love, and self realization. Her musical dealings with those she comes in contact with, including mama’s boy Prince Dauntless (Scott Reardon) and the narrating Minstrel (Danny Gurwin), are filled with fun and the light-hearted mirth that keeps audiences coming back to this well known classic.

The show boasts a strong ensemble cast that presents a fast-paced and hilarious melodic story of misadventure. The onstage orchestra becomes a part of the action at times and adds to the atmosphere of carefree storytelling that is the heart of this Cabrillo offering. Malone is without a doubt the heart of the show but Gurwin and Reardon deliver comedy on demand with perfect timing and character. Tracy Lore as Queen Aggravain plays the domineering mother role to the hilt, as does the talented David Newcomer as King Sextimus. Compelling in song and dialogue, the show reaches its highest point atop the twenty fluff-filled mattresses on which the title of the show is based. The staging of the scene had the audience gasping and laughing as the distressed and sleepless Winnifred tosses and turns close to edge of her lofty place of rest. Additional comedy and plot points are skillfully contributed by Noelle Marion, Isaac James, Timothy Stokel, and David Gilchrist to further emphasis the depth of talent on stage at the beautiful Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

The direction by Richard Israel is spot on and brilliantly accented by Cheryl Baxter’s eye-catching choreography. The musical direction fills the space with harmonies and the set and costumes are a perfect fit. With all of those elements working in harmony, the cast thrives with the support they are given and keeps the large house in laughter throughout. Following the commanding lead of the enthralling Malone, this show propels itself forward and takes you on a ride worth every penny. Cabrillo’s Once Upon a Mattress is a fairytale that you really shouldn’t miss.

Once Upon A Mattress runs until May 1st, at the Thousand Oaks Civic arts Plaza http://www.toaks.org/cap/tickets/events/event.asp?eventID=1695