Once Upon a Mattress October 8, 2011

The UALR Department of Theatre Arts and Dance will open its 2011-2012 season with the musical comedy, “Once Upon a Mattress” Thursday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 9 at University Theatre in the Center for the Performing Arts.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday and on Friday at 7 p.m.. Matinee performances will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $7 general admission and $5 for students. For tickets, call the theatre box office at 501-569-3456 or via e-mail at kethomas@ualr.edu.

Composed by Mary Rodgers with lyrics by Marshall Barer, and Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer “Once Upon an Mattress” is based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, “The Princess and the Pea.”

“This is the first musical the department has staged since adding dance to its menu,” Raphael said. “The orchestra pit of the University Theatre has been opened and refurbished. “Once Upon a Mattress” promises to be a lavish and unique production.”

Production credits include director and choreographer Rhythm L. McCarthy; designers William Marshall, Yslan Hicks, Jim Spencer and Karen Harris. Musical director is Michael Heavner, Joseph Stafford is technical director and Sara Lyon is lighting director.