Young Co. stretches for 'Mattress' shows
Published on February 7th, 2007
STONEHAM, MA - Anyone up for the familiar song-and-dance numbers and timeless storylines synonymous with a Broadway-style musical?
That's exactly the question that Stoneham Theatre's Young co. is asking with their production of 'Once Upon a Mattress' which will have two different casts feature the act 2 (students in grades 6-9) and act 3 performers (students in grades 10-12) on Feb. 9-11 at the Stoneham square's jewel-like theatre.
The production features 31 local child actors from 14 area towns, including many from the town of Stoneham - including Prince Dauntless (played by Stoneham resident and budding thespian Andrew Barbato) and the jester (comically captured by Allison Russell). Both Barbato and Russell have been involved in the Stoneham Theatre's Resident Youth Ensemble (RYE) and credit the theatre's teaching program for fostering their love and higher aspirations in the performing arts.
"I owe everything to the Stoneham Theatre and the training I've received here," said Barbato, a student at Stoneham High School. "For me, it's taken acting from something that I liked to do in my spare time and turned it into the passion of my life - something I want to major in when I get to college and something I want to do professionally for the rest of my life.
"The RYE program and the Young Co. have basically showed me what I want to do with the rest of my life," added Barbato. "They've given me the training and confidence needed to go into auditions in Boston and compete for all kinds of acting roles...it's hard to put into words what that's meant to me." The entire Stoneham contingent in "Mattress" includes Sarah Arrington (Lady Lucille), Kyle Arrington (Ensemble), Andrew Barbato (Sir Harry), Emily DiPietro (Nightingale), Michael Gill (Ensemble), Ali Kadoura (Ensemble), Kelly Landers (Lady Larkin), Allison Russell (Jester), Theo Yeomelakis (Ensemble).
"Once Upon A Mattress" is directed by Caitlin Lowans, with Musical Direction by John Howrey along with music by Mary Rodgers, daughter of Richard Rodgers, Once Upon A Mattress is a rollicking spin on the classic tales of royal courtship.
Queen Aggravain, the control-freak mother of Prince Dauntless, sabotages the efforts of every young princess who hopes to marry her son -- and no one else can settle down until he does. Along comes Winnifred, who turns the kingdom on its head with her goofy charm, sets Dauntless's heart aflame, and poses a serious threat to Aggravain's plans. Mattress first premiered on Broadway in 1959 starring Carol Burnett in the role that made her famous and has been entertaining audiences with its colorful characters and fun music ever since.
"It's a basic retelling of the Princess and the Pea fairy tale, so it's something that I think a lot of audience members will be familiar with and a story that a lot of people really enjoy," said Russell. "We have a set piece with 20 mattresses on wheels that we bring on and off the stage, and it's been really fun to watch the show come alive over the last few weeks.
"I play the jester, so I have a jester hat that lights up and I really get to have a lot of fun with my lines and my time on stage," added Russell.
For Barbato, the leading man role is something a little left of center from his more familiar comedic background - but it's something that Lowans has enjoyed challenging her young actor with.
"I've been here for four years now working with the kids in the Young co. and RYE, and I can't tell you how enjoyable it is to watch the kids improve and their confidence soar," said Lowans. "Andrew is someone that's very talented comedically and has really found a niche with the roles he's played in the past, but I really thought it was time for him to stretch his acting muscles and really try the leading man-role out. He's doing a fabulous job with it."
Allison Russell (The Jester) is a junior and a regular on the Stoneham Theatre stage. Favorite roles with the young co. include Hope Caldwell in Urinetown and, with the mainstage, Sally Simpson in Tommy! A member of the Resident Youth Ensemble and trainee to Dance Theatre I at En Masse!, Allison sends much love to family and friends.
Andrew Barbato (Sir Harry), last seen as Hot Blades Harry in Urinetown and Robert in The Rimers of Eldritch with our Resident Youth Ensemble, has performed in For Ellen (Boston Theatre Marathon), Shadowlands, The Who_s Tommy, Pal Joey (Stoneham Theatre), Cinderella (NSMT) Lord of the Flies, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Wheelock Family Theatre). He thanks his friends and family for their beautiful love and support.
Once Upon A Mattress performances are Thursday February 8 at 7:30pm, Friday February 9 at 7:30PM, Saturday February 10 at 3pm and 7:30pm and Sunday February 11 at 3pm. Special School Matinee Friday February 9 at 10am. Tickets for the young co. show are $14. Stoneham Theatre is located at 395 Main Street, Stoneham. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday 1pm to 6pm. For tickets and information visit or call the Stoneham Theatre Box Office 781-279-2200 or purchase online at www.stonehamtheatre.org
Some material from the Stoneham Theatre press release was used in this report.
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