Cast of “Once Upon a Mattress” during rehearsal. Photo courtesy of the Jewish Community Center.
A local theater is bringing a classic tale to life.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg’s community theater program is set to take the stage next weekend for a production of “Once Upon a Mattress,” the organization’s first all-ages performance in years.
The Jewish Community Center’s Ellie Goldenberg Theater Program will perform “Once Upon a Mattress,” a retelling of the “Princess and the Pea,” at Theatre Harrisburg’s Krevsky Production Center on May 8, 10 and 11.
“I am overjoyed to be able to present the first ‘all-ages’ theater production our program has offered in a decade,” said Macy Box, director/producer of the production and program director. “It’s a big ask to come sing and dance before your community–these performers have chosen to do this anyway.”
Box explained that she sees this show as a way for adults to “activate creativity” and spark their excitement for play, things that can often get lost in the transition from childhood to adulthood. For some of the actors, the show is a way to return to a former passion and, for others, a way to try something new, she said.
Performer Matt Maisel, who plays Prince Dauntless, hadn’t participated in a theater production since high school.
“The moment I auditioned, all the memories of why I love musicals came flooding back. The ability to bring emotions out of an audience, whether through laughter or tears, is so powerful,” Maisel said. “Since the last time I was on stage, I’ve started a family, and now I get to show this passion of mine to my wife and kids who have never seen it before. It’s very rewarding.”
For more information on the Harrisburg JCC’s Ellie Goldenberg Theater Program and for tickets to “Once Upon A Mattress,” visit their website.
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