MusicalTheatreAudition.net
Your Ad Here
Musical Theatre Discussion BoardMusical Theatre Performing TipsMusical Theatre Audition SongsMusical Theatre Gift ShopMusical Theatre BlogMusical Theatre ShowsAudition Postings
Home Gift Center

Discuss this show in the MTA Forum

Once Upon A Mattress The Musical

Music by Mary Rodgers
Lyrics by Marshall Barer, Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer

Recommended Resources

Plot Summary

List of Characters in Once Upon A Mattress

Once Upon A Mattress Sheet Music (Vocal Selections)

Once Upon A Mattress Vocal Score

Once Upon A Mattress Original Broadway Cast Recording

Once Upon A Mattress 2005 TV Film Version

Carol Burnett & Joe Bova - Once Upon a Mattress Download Once Upon A Mattress Cast Album  

A slightly more involved "true story" version of "The Princess and the Pea", set to music.


Princess Winifred's songs are great audition picks for females with a limited range and/or limited vocal capacity. They are low in difficulty, high energy, and feature personality and acting ability. However, "Shy" is very overdone and should be avoided.

Audition Preparation Suggestions for
Once Upon A Mattress

In general, the music in Once Upon A Mattress is not difficult, although it is certainly very pleasant to listen to, and the success of the show relies heavy on the personalities of the performers.

This is a fun, fast paced, lighthearted show so for most roles an uptempo audition song is best.

It would be considered an asset for the performer playing the role of the Jester to be able to juggle. He should also be able to soft shoe. It would also be considered an asset for the performer playing the role of the Wizard to have experience in magic and/or slight of hand.

The amount of dancing will depend on the individual production, but most shows will require at least basic dance skills for their performers.

Minstrel (Tenor, instrument?, 18 - 40)
the narrator of the story who also blends into the scenes. Charismatic & all knowing - as a narrator should be.
Prince Dauntless (Baritone, 20 - 35)
Meek prince. Tied to his mommy's apron strings. A kind man who is well-liked by his kingdom.
Princess Winnifred the Woebegone (Mezzo, physical comedy, 17 - 35)
A kind, bold, bawdy, ungainly princess. Carol Burnett type.
Lady Larken (Soprano, 17 - 28)
beautiful, and pregnant - engenue type who is deeply in love with Sir Harry
Sir Harry (Tenor, 20 - 30)
the most bold, handsome, and influential knight in the kingdom - and he knows it. He is desperate to find Dauntless a wife so he & Lady Larken can marry.
Queen Agravain (Mezzo/Alto, 50+)
fast-talking, overbearing, dominant mother and wife who periodically sets off on vicious monologues
King Sextimus (mute, must have miming ability, 50+)
Cannot speak due to a curse. Expresses everything physically, and so pantomime and wonderful facial expressions are a must.
Jester (Tenor/Baritone, soft-shoe, comic, 17 - 40)
The mintrel's partner in crime -
Wizard (Baritone, slight-of-hand, 40+)
a brown-nosing weazel - the Queen's confidente. He will be loyal to whoever has the power.
Nightingale of Samarkand (Very high soprano or whistling role)
Jester Shadow
Chorus of Lords & Ladies (all ages & voice types)
singing, dancing, and some spoken lines

Once Upon A Mattress Links - Related Websites

Audition Preparation Materials

List of Songs in Once Upon A Mattress (Click the song title to download digital sheet music)

  • Many Moons Ago (Minstrel & Chorus)
  • An Opening For a Princess (Chorus)
  • In a Little While (Lady Larken & Harry)
  • Shy (Winnifred)
  • The Ministrel, The Jester and I 
  • Sensitivity (Queen & Wizard)
  • The Swamps of Home (Winnifred & ladies)
  • Normandy (Jester, Minstrel, Lady Larken)
  • Spanish Panic (Ensemble)
  • Song of Love (Dauntless)
  • Quiet (Queen)
  • Happily Ever After (Winifred)
  • Man To Man Talk (Dauntless & King Sextimus)
  • Very Soft Shoes (Jester)
  • Three O'clock In The Morning
  • Yesterday I Loved You (Harry)
  • Nightingale Lullaby (Nightingale of Samarkand)

Receive audition tips in your mailbox! Become a member of MTA and receive our e-mail newsletter.

Applause For This Website ©2012 E-Mail The Webmaster