Once Upon a Mattress Revival: The Legacy and Latest Trends

From Broadway Legend to Revival : The Legacy of " Once Upon a Mattress"

New York City has always been a breeding ground for stars , and in 1959 , a legend was born with the opening of " Once Upon a Mattress . " Written by Mary Rodgers , daughter of Broadway composer Richard Rodgers , the show starred a newcomer named Carol Burnett as Princess Winnifred . Burnett 's rags - to - riches story added depth to her portrayal of a princess on a pile of royal mattresses , highlighting her natural talent for the role.

Burnett 's hard work ethic , juggling " Mattress " and her regular CBS network gig on " The Garry Moore Show , " paid off handsomely , earning her more than 00 a week . Her dedication to her craft was evident , even when she accidentally fell asleep during a matinee performance . Despite her humble beginnings , Burnett 's success paved the way for future stars to shine on Broadway.

Fast forward to 2024 , and " Once Upon a Mattress " is set to return to Broadway with two - time Tony - winner Sutton Foster taking on the lead role . Foster , known for her comedic chops and versatility , is excited to bring Princess Winnifred to life once again . The torch is passed from one princess to another , with Burnett herself praising Foster 's interpretation of the character.

A Broadway Revival : Bringing " Once Upon a Mattress " Back to Life

The revival of " Once Upon a Mattress " comes to Broadway from New York City Center Encores ! , with previews already underway at the Hudson Theatre . The star - studded cast includes Sutton Foster reprising her role as Princess Winnifred , alongside Michael Urie as Prince Dauntless and Ana Gasteyer as Queen Aggravain . The limited run is set to continue through November 30 , promising a magical and comedic retelling of the classic fairy tale.

Directed by Lear deBessonet , the revival features a talented ensemble cast , with familiar faces returning from the Encores ! production earlier this year . The creative team , led by choreographer Lorin Latarro and scenic designer David Zinn , has worked tirelessly to bring the beloved musical back to life on the Main Stem.

The Broadway bow of " Once Upon a Mattress " promises to be a delightful and whimsical experience for audiences of all ages . With a blend of humor , heart , and unforgettable performances , the revival is poised to capture the magic of the original production while adding a fresh twist for modern theatergoers . Get ready to embark on a journey of laughter , love , and happily - ever - afters with " Once Upon a Mattress " on Broadway.