REVIEW KSU's 'Mattress' has no lumps

The kingdom's subjects achieved well-earned 'happily ever after' status.
By GARRY L. CLARK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CHAMPION -- Once upon a time (Friday, to be exact), in the kingdom, er campus, of Kent State University Trumbull Branch, the summer stock theater decided to present a musical fairy tale titled "Once Upon a Mattress." It was a wondrous event that took place in a beautiful castle designed by cast members Michelle Harvey and Erin Hagmaier, whose artistic talent was evident throughout.
The tale
Leading the journey through this tale was a minstrel, Erica Poff, who admitted that there are many variations of this story based on "The Princess and the Pea," but claimed hers was the most truthful.
Living in this castle was Prince Dauntless the Drab (or Jim Brantingham as he is known in daily life) who wished for nothing more than a princess to marry. But alas, the poor prince was the offspring of King Sextimus the Silent (Dave Lynn), who had become mute through a curse only to be broken when "the mouse eats the hawk," and Queen Agravain (Susan Montecalvo), whose determination to see her son remain single was unequaled.
Twelve princesses had tried in vain to pass the Queen's varied tests of their worthiness, but all had failed. The entire kingdom was breathless with anticipation as no one was permitted to marry until Dauntless had done so.
This was of particular concern to Lady Larken, aka Shaina Vencel, and her intended Sir Harry, better known as Frank McCauley, since they were intent upon a quick wedding as their baby was already on the way.
Kindhearted Harry went in search of a princess for Dauntless, and returned a few weeks later with Princess Winnifred the Woebegone (Ms. Harvey), who confided to the court in song about her shyness in a most comical fashion, dripping wet from having just swum in the moat.
Of course, the Queen had no intentions of allowing such a union and set about to devise another test with the Wizard Brent Whetstone to culminate in the banishment of yet another princess.
Supporting players
Other subjects of the kingdom who were cheering on Winnifred's efforts were Elaine Hulihen, Niko Liakaris, Ms. Hagmaier, Shel Jamisen, Alyssa Connelly, David Munnell, Alanna Mazarik, Angela Elston, Alex May, Annie Miller, Jason Connelly, Bill Hrusovky, Brenden Vencel and the tiniest and fairest of them all, Hannah Waterman, a most charming little princess herself.
Heard but unseen were the merry court musicians Jason M. Fair, Jacqueline Roundtree, Carson Moody, Kayla Mason, Rob Virostek and J.R. Shaw.
Of course, this being a fairy tale and all, a happy ending for all (well, for most) is required so that they can live and joyfully sing "Happily Ever After."
This most auspicious performance will be repeated through Aug. 3, and visitors from all surrounding kingdoms will receive kind hospitality along with a fun evening of musical comedy.