"Working on Once Upon A Mattress for the Transport Group has really been a full circle experience for me, as it was the very first musical I was ever in as a child (I was a very, very fat Sir Harry)," says the actor. "One of Mary Rodgers' last wishes before she passed away was that this version of the show have a full production, starring the iconic John Epperson aka 'Lypsinka' and the genius Jackie Hoffman."
"It’s a chance for New York to see a re-imagined version of this beloved musical comedy, helmed by the incredible Jack Cummings III and choreographer Scott Rink, with all new orchestrations by Frank Galgano. For more behind the scenes photos and videos, please follow HRHerdlicka on Twitter and Instagram."
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The production is helmed by Transport Group artistic director Jack Cummings III, with an official opening night slated for Dec. 13. In the whimsical comedy Once Upon a Mattress, the ungainly and brash Winnifred competes for the affections of Prince Dauntless. The only thing standing between them, in this raucous twist on "The Princess and the Pea," is his domineering mother the Queen. Performances continue through Jan. 3, 2016.
The musical features music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and a book by Barer, Jay Thompson and Dean Fuller.
The cast also includes Jessica Fontana as Lady Larken, David Greenspan as The King, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka as The Minstrel, Cory Lingner as The Jester, Zak Resnick as Sir Harry, Jay Rogers as The Wizard and Jason SweetTooth Williams as Prince Dauntless with Vivienne Cleary, Richard Costa, Michael De Souza, Tim Dolan, Jack Donahue, Amy Griffin, Sarah Killough, Kristen Michelle, Ali Reed and Doug Shapiro.
Once Upon a Mattress features live drawings by Ken Fallin. The scenic design is by Sandra Goldmark, with costume design by Kathryn Rohe, lighting design by Drama Desk nominee R. Lee Kennedy and sound design by Walter Trarbach. The production also features musical staging and choreography by Scott Rink, musical direction by Matt Castle and arrangements and new orchestrations by Frank Galgano and Matt Castle. Casting is by Nora Brennan Casting.
Tickets, which start at $45, may be purchased by visiting Transportgroup.org or by phoning (866) 811-4111. For complete schedule and more information, visit TransportGroup.org.
