It was in April 1976 that the young and handsome Tom Width made his Swift Creek Mill Playhouse debut as Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, the hilarious musical version of the classic story, The Princess and the Pea. Thirty-two years later, almost to the day, Swift Creek Mill Theatre will once again present Once Upon a Mattress. Only this time around, the mature (but every bit as handsome) Tom Width is sitting in his now familiar director's seat.Well, let me clarify. He's the Artistic Director for the theatre. But he's also the director, set designer, production manager, technical director, master carpenter, sometimes choreographer, and all-around heavy-lifter for 5 mainstage shows, four children's shows, and at least one bonus show every season. He also teaches the summer camp, and every now and then dons his actor's cap as well. But I digress.
To celebrate Tom's 32 year anniversary (not really - I just made that up), Swift Creek Mill Theatre will be presenting Once Upon a Mattress once again. This time the cast is headed up by Richmond's musical theatre sweetheart, Audra Honaker, as the not-so-delicate Princess Winifred, her real-life boyfriend and Mill star, Brett Ambler as Prince Dauntless, and Joy Williams as Queen Aggravain. Also included in this super-talented cast are Jason Marks, Katrinah Lewis, Matt Polson, Durron Tyre, Michael Hawke, Derek Phipps, Liz Blake, Taylor Baltimore, Audrey Snyder, David Janosik, Lucas Hall, Amy Kaeberle, and Steve Travers.
The official opening night for Once Upon a Mattress is April 5, with preview performances on April 3 and 4. For more information visit our website: www.swiftcreekmill.com/mattress
As a side note, I played Princess #12 in the 1992 Dogwood Dell production. I'll be paying close attention to Liz Blake to see if she has stolen any of my bits.
Robyn O'Neill
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