Once upon a Mattress

Once upon a Mattress (1959), a musical fairy tale by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller (book), Marshall Barer (book, lyrics), Mary Rodgers (music). [ Phoenix Theatre, 460 perf.] Princess Winnifred (Carol Burnett) arrives at the castle as a possible bride for Prince Dauntless the Drab (Joseph Bova) but first must endure a series of tests laid out by the dictatorial Queen Agavain (Jane White). Notable songs: Happily Ever After; In a Little While; Very Soft Shoes; Shy. This tongue‐in‐cheek look at the Princess and the Pea story had its unpretentious charms and was so popular it transferred to Broadway and made Burnett a star. It has remained a favorite in schools and community theatres, though an admirable 1997 revival on Broadway featuring Sarah Jessica Parker failed to show a profit. Mary RODGERS (b. 1931) was born in New York, the daughter of composer Richard Rodgers. She was educated at Mannes College of Music and Wellesley College before contributing songs to Off‐Broadway revues. Rodgers's other theatre scores include Hot Spot (1963), The Mad Show (1966), and some contributions to Working (1978).

Once Upon a Mattress, a musical version of ‘The Princess and the Pea’ fairy tale. The show's title refers to the attempt by Princess Winnifred to prove that she was born of royal blood. If she is a real princess, then a pea placed under the mattress will rob her of sleep. The show was premièred at the Phoenix Theatre, New York, in 1959, enjoying a run of 460 performances. One interesting feature of the show's creation was that it had music by Mary Rodgers, daughter of the legendary Broadway composer Richard Rodgers. The lyrics were by Marshall Barer.

— Tom Higgins