by Kate Crofts
Daily Lobo
Once upon a time there was a trite, dreary musical. One day, a talented theater ensemble found the musical, breathed energy and life into it and magically transformed the farce into an entertaining performance.
An air of professionalism was evident in Rodey Theatre this weekend, as the performers from UNM's Department of Theatre and Dance took to the stage while kicking off their fall season. The performance of Mary Rodgers' and Marshall Barer's "Once Upon a Mattress" spoke volumes of the department's standards. Pitches were perfect, costumes were dazzling, timing was impeccable and the choreography perfectly captured the mood and music of each song.
The troupe's only downfall was its choice of a musical.
A common theatrical saying asserts there are no small parts, only small actors. A revamping of this phrase is applicable to the department's new musical, "Once Upon a Mattress."
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There are no bad actors, only bad plays.
"Once Upon a Mattress" is an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairytale, "The Princess and the Pea." The show's history is impressive. It opened nearly 50 years ago on Broadway under the direction of the legendary George Abbot. The debut run lasted 460 performances starring Carol Burnett and Joseph Bova. In 1997 Sarah Jessica Parker starred in the Broadway revival.
With a musical of this supposed caliber, why did members seem overqualified for their roles? Operatic voices suffocated in choppy, shoddy lyricism. Actors of comedic brilliance were reduced to pantomime, scoring cheap laughs off banal, sexual innuendo.
This musical is not written for a talented musical cast. It's a slapstick comedy written for actors who will rely on those laughs, and not their own talent, for the production's success. It is a risk-aversive theatrical choice. Perhaps this is the reason: John Marshall of the Educational Theatre Association said "Once Upon a Mattress" is the fourth most-performed musical in American high schools.
Director Terry Davis explained his reasons for choosing the show.
"'Mattress' became the most feasible choice because of its ensemble structure, its comic nature and its name recognition," Davis said.
Like many other directors in educational institutions, Davis bet on a sure thing. He should have bet on his cast.
Leading actress AndrÇa Rasc¢n was outstanding in her role as Princess Winifred. Energizing the stage, Rasc¢n delivered melody, comedy and life to Rodey Theatre. Rasc¢n outshone her script, scoring genuine laughs from predictable jokes, airily singing erratic melodies and observing the comedic nature of the songs without sacrificing her perfect pitch.
In his role as the mute King Sextimus, Ed Chavez had audience members chuckling. Chavez stole scenes with his uninhibited movement, animated expressions and vibrant presence.
Cast members were nothing if not entertaining, but there is only so much you can do with a mute, sex-crazed king.
UNM is endowed with many gifted thespians and dancers. Give them a play befitting their talents and we will all live happily ever after.
"Once Upon a Mattress" will be performed Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
