MARIETTA — The musical comedy Once Upon A Mattress, based on the fairy tale classic “The Princess and the Pea”, will open on July 13 at the Friederich Theater in the Hermann Fine Arts Center, 500 Butler Street, Marietta, Ohio. This fractured fairy tale is a very funny show that the whole family will enjoy. Performances are presented by Theatre de Jeunesse, a local theatre arts program, with a cast of Mid-Ohio Valley young adults. Nominated for 3 Tony Awards for Best Actress, Best Musical, and Best Musical Revival, this favorite was the Broadway debut of Carol Burnett portraying Princess Winnifred, and the 1996 revival starred Sarah Jessica Parker.

If you thought you knew the story of “The Princess and The Pea,” you may be in for a delightful surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken’s love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn’t the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again.

Performance dates are Fridays and Saturdays July 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 8:00 p.m. with matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday July 15 and July 22. Sign language interpretation will be provided for the Saturday, July 14 performance. Ticket prices are $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for senior citizens aged 60 and above and students through college. Opening night special is a “buy one get one free” ticket offer, and dinner and a show specials are available at several area restaurants. The restaurant list and specials can be found on the website at www.tdej.org. For more information, reserved seating reservations, or special accommodation requests, please call the Box Office at (740) 376-4678 or send an email to theatredejeunesse@yahoo.com.