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The musical is open to VMS students in grades 6, 7 & 8 by audition. Musical rehearsals are held outside of school.
The musical is open to VMS students in grades 6, 7 & 8 by audition. Musical rehearsals are held outside of school.
Students must log in to their @marion-isd.org account to view the Resources page.
Students must log in to their @marion-isd.org account to view the Resources page.
Think you know the classic story of The Princess and the Pea? Think again! This hilarious, high-energy musical takes the old tale and gives it a massive comedic twist.
In a royal kingdom long ago, nobody is allowed to get married until the sweet, mama's-boy Prince Dauntless finds a wife. The problem? His overbearing, loud-mouthed mother, Queen Aggravain, has sabotaged every single princess candidate with impossible tests!
Just when everyone loses hope, in swims Princess Winnifred the Woebegone! She isn't your typical delicate, tiara-wearing royalty—she’s a loud, energetic, and awesome princess straight from the swamp who isn't afraid to speak her mind or climb castle walls.
To win the Prince's hand and save the kingdom's romance, Winnifred will have to survive the Queen's ultimate, rigged "Sensitivity Test"—sleeping on a stack of 20 mattresses with a tiny, hidden pea at the bottom.
Why You’ll Love Being Part of This Show:
Why You’ll Love Being Part of This Show:
Unforgettable Characters: From a king who communicates entirely through hilarious charades, to a sneaky wizard, to a castle full of annoyed knights and ladies.
Show-Stopping Music: Packed with catchy, energetic songs and vibrant dance numbers that give everyone a chance to shine.
A Great Message: A heartwarming and funny story about being unapologetically yourself, standing up to bullies, and finding where you belong.
Whether you want to belt out a solo on stage, bring the laughs with physical comedy, or help build our medieval castle behind the scenes, there is a place for everyone in this spectacular show.
Auditions: Sept. 1-3, 2026
Grades 6-8
Performances: December 4-5, 2026
Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition — Cast List
The Royalty
The Royalty
Princess Winnifred: A totally unique, loud, and awesome princess who grew up in a swamp. She isn't afraid to get dirty, she swims across moats, and she speaks her mind. She has huge energy, great comedic timing, and needs a strong singing voice.
Prince Dauntless: A sweet but completely mama's-boy prince. He wants to get married, but his mother controls his whole life. He starts off a bit timid but finds his courage and stands up for himself once he falls for Winnifred.
Queen Aggravain: The ultimate bully mom and the real boss of the kingdom. She is loud, talks constantly, and makes up impossible rules so her son can never get married. This is a fantastic, over-the-top villain role for a great comedic actor.
The Silent King: Prince Dauntless’s dad. Because of a magical curse, he can't speak a single word! This is an amazingly funny role because the actor has to use goofy facial expressions, charades, and physical comedy to communicate.
The Court Helpers & Storytellers
The Court Helpers & Storytellers
The Minstrel: The narrator of the show who sings directly to the audience and helps tell the story. They are clever, friendly, and team up with the Jester and King to look out for the people of the kingdom.
The Jester: The King's best friend and sidekick. This character is energetic, witty, and gets to do a lot of fun physical comedy.
The Wizard: The Queen's sneaky helper who uses cheap stage tricks to help the Queen cheat the princesses on their tests.
The People of the Kingdom & Noble Court
The People of the Kingdom & Noble Court
Lady Larken: A beautiful, sweet lady-in-waiting who is deeply in love with Sir Harry. She is gentle and kind, but she’s also in a huge rush to get married.
Sir Harry: A brave, noble, and slightly dramatic knight. He takes himself very seriously and goes on a dangerous journey to find a princess, mostly because he wants to look like a hero.
Princess No. 12: A very eager princess who opens the show. She tries her best but fails the Queen's ridiculously hard history test.
Lady Lucille, Lady Rowena, and Lady Beatrice: The Queen's anxious ladies-in-waiting. They are desperate for Prince Dauntless to find a wife because the Queen ruled that nobody else in the kingdom can get married until the Prince does!
Sir Studley and Sir Harold: Two funny, energetic knights who help bring life and comedy to the castle court.
Ladies and Knights of the Kingdom (The Ensemble): The citizens of the castle. Because of the Queen's "no marriage" rule, everyone in the ensemble is annoyed, frustrated, and cheering like crazy for Winnifred to pass the test. This group gets to do lots of fun singing and dancing!
Audition Information
Audition Information
Audition Materials HERE
Audition Materials HERE
Auditions: Sept. 2026
Auditions: Sept. 2026
*Choose one script and one song from the audition materials. Bring your signed contract to your audition.
Sign up for an audition time in the choir room.
Sign up for an audition time in the choir room.
Tech Crew Application: TBA
Tech Crew Application: TBA
Applications Due TBA
Cast Materials HERE
Cast Materials HERE
Performances
Performances
Friday, December 4, 2026
Friday, December 4, 2026
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Saturday, December 5, 2026
MHS Performing Arts Center, 7:30PM
MHS Performing Arts Center, 7:30PM
Tickets
Tickets
$5.00 - General Admission
$5.00 - General Admission
VMS Musical Tickets
VMS Musical Tickets
VMS Presents:
VMS Presents:
Friday, December 4 & Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 7:30pm
Friday, December 4 & Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 7:30pm
Marion High School Performing Arts Center
Marion High School Performing Arts Center
Musical Ticket Ordering Instructions
Musical Ticket Ordering Instructions
Tickets will be available starting on Nov. 13, 2026.
Tickets will be available starting on Nov. 13, 2026.
Your receipt is your ticket to show at the door and there will be a list at the door of those who purchased tickets prior to Dec. 4 at 3:00 pm.
Your receipt is your ticket to show at the door and there will be a list at the door of those who purchased tickets prior to Dec. 4 at 3:00 pm.
Seating is general admission and doors will open at 7:00pm.
Seating is general admission and doors will open at 7:00pm.
Tickets will only be sold online.
Tickets will only be sold online.
Tickets are $5.00 each for all ages.
Tickets are $5.00 each for all ages.
These instructions will be available at the door for anyone who arrives without a ticket.
These instructions will be available at the door for anyone who arrives without a ticket.
Questions: kscherbring@marion-isd.org
Questions: kscherbring@marion-isd.org
Prop Sign Up
Prop Sign Up
Past VMS Shows
Past VMS Shows
2025-2026 Frozen Jr.
2024-2025 Cinderella Youth Edition
2023-2024 Pirates of Penzance Jr.
2022-2023 High School Musical Jr.
2021-2022 Mary Poppins Jr.
2020-2021 Shrek Jr.
2019-2020 Willy Wonka Jr.
2018-2019 The Wizard of Oz YPE
2017-2018 The Little Mermaid Jr.
2016-2017 Cinderella G2K
2015-2016 Annie Jr.
2014-2015 State Fair G2K
2013-2014 Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.
2012-2013 Seussical Jr.
2011-2012 Once Upon A Mattress G2K
2010-2011 Mulan Jr.
2009-2010 Alice in Wonderland Jr.
2008-2009 The Music Man Jr.
2007-2008 Pirates of Penzance Jr.
2006-2007 Aladdin Jr.
2005-2006 Annie Jr.
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