‘Once Upon a Mattress’ cast prepares for opening night this week
by Areli Hernandez Romero
The cast and crew of “Once Upon a Mattress” is excited to announce their grand opening night, which is Nov. 1. With the support of directors, cast, and crew members, they anticipate taking over the stage and bringing life to their roles.
Show dates are also performed Nov. 2, Nov. 3, Nov. 7, and Nov. 8.
Graphic by Areli Hernandez Romero.
All photos by Areli Hernandez Romero and Abygail Lawson.
Before rehearsal, cast members convene in a circle and discuss their concerns before performing on Oct 20. Senior Nola Wheatley feels encouraged through the strong relationship of the cast. “I really like when the cast gets together and has a bond. I know that before opening night everyone will be nervous and I like that we can rely on each other. I’m excited to see us be able to do that.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.Wheatley expresses great passion and confidence while performing on Oct 20. Wheatley, who plays Winnifred, enjoys the unique presence of her character as it reflects who she is. “I like that she’s loud and energetic. It’s fun because I’m also loud and energetic.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. Junior Cruz Martinez looks to his left and prepares for his upcoming scene on Oct 20. Martinez is excited to perform on stage along with junior Presley Inzer. “I have fun songs and duets with Inzer. My whole character is really full of himself and likes to show off —He thinks he’s the best in the world, it’s funny.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. Director Derrick Ledbetter stands beside senior Finn Matzek and guides him through his upcoming scene on Oct 20. Photo by Areli Hernandez.Matzek and senior Jackson Fried break into their characters on Oct 20. “Once Upon a Mattress” opens this weekend. Photo by Areli Hernandez. The group ensemble hold their scripts, glance over to their right, and jump straight into action on Oct 20. Photo by Areli Hernandez.Stage manager and junior Tristen Cooley helps fix a backdrop pole that will be used in opening night and more of “Once Upon A Mattress.” Opening night is on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. Photo by Aby Lawson. Ledbetter along with senior Sarah Proctor smile while the cast performs their choreography on Oct 20. With opening night approaching, Proctor has goals and plans after her performance. “I’m looking forward to having all my lines memorized. Definitely more dancing; more partner dances. I’m really excited to see the turn out for opening night and going out to eat with my friends afterwards.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.Ledbetter and Proctor direct the cast during their dance routine on Oct 20. Inzer, who plays Lady Larken, looks forward to the costumes, the orchestra, and doing her makeup before the show because, “ It’s something you can never feel with the same people in the same cast ever again.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. Sophomore Parker Grubbs and Wheatley sit down on stage and go over their scene on Oct 20. Photo by Areli Hernandez.A group of cast members eagerly smile while striking a heart pose on Oct 20. Wheatley recalls memories of her previous years in the arts and the impact it has created. “It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s a great opportunity and also sad to see all my people go. It makes me really think about my seniors that I had when I was a freshman here. You just really reflect on that, it’s different.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.
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