NHS Drama Sets the Stage for ‘Once Upon a Mattress’

NHS Drama’s production of Once Upon a Mattress runs April 11-13 in the NHS auditorium. (Conor Gereg)

WOODBURY – The stage is set for the NHS Drama Club’s adaptation of the 19th-century children’s story Princess and the Pea in the modern production of Once Upon a Mattress.

The show will premiere Thursday evening at 6:00 in the Nonnewaug auditorium, and will also hit the stage Friday and Saturday night at 6:00.

“I’m really excited for the play. I think it’s going to go great,” said Faith Lally, a senior who will be playing the role of Lady Lucille in the production. “It’s a really good play, [and] a comedy. Everyone is doing such a good job.”

A comedic take on the 1835 Hans Christian Anderson tale, NHS drama’s production of the storyline features high-energy dance and dialogue that’s sure to engage audiences of all ages. (Conor Gereg)

Talan Wilkas, another senior who plays the character Lady Larken, added that the cast has “really cemented” the performance, and is excited to take it to the stage for opening night.

“I think it’s going to be a really good production. It’s my last one, and [the cast is] putting in a lot of work. I’m excited,” Wilkas said.

The cast performed a roughly half-hour teaser of the musical for the student body today, which was met with high praise by all. Campbell Bologna, who plays the Jester, said that it was a huge confidence-booster for the whole cast.

“A lot of people at first weren’t too hyped about it, but today came around and everyone got super excited because it’s also opening night for us,” she said. “So everyone’s energy was super high, and the nerves got shaken out of everyone for tonight for sure. A lot of happy faces, definitely.”

Tickets for Once Upon a Mattress can be purchased online here, or at the on-campus box office.

About the Contributors

Gianna Lodice '24, Junior Editor

Gianna Lodice is a senior at Nonnewaug and a first-year reporter for the NHS Chief Advocate, now serving as a junior editor. A three-season athlete, Gianna is captain of the soccer, indoor track, and outdoor track teams, a testament to her passion for sports. She is also serving as the president of Nonnewaug’s National Honor Society for this year, and she is a member of the agriscience program. After high school, Gianna aspires to run track at her dream college (wherever that is) and potentially major in history on her route to law school. She is excited to write about things that interest her and have new experiences.

Layla Coppola '24, Reporter

Layla Coppola is a senior at Nonnewaug High School and is a sports reporter for the NHS Chief Advocate. She is an athlete and captain of the varsity girls soccer team. She is a first-year journalism student and enjoys writing about all kinds of news relating to sports. She will be committing to a college for soccer in the fall of this year. She is considering a career in finance once she graduates from the class of 2024.