Tony Award nominee and Cincinnati favorite Pamela Myers returns to the local stage in Jersey Productions' presentation of "Once Upon a Mattress," running through Dec. 19 in the Jarson-Kaplan Theater at the Aronoff Center for the Arts.
Myers grew up singing in Cleves, Ohio, and went on to graduate with a BFA from the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music, as the first graduate of the Musical Theatre Program.
Within weeks of her graduation Myers was auditioning in New York and landed her first job in the last original revue "Weigh In-Way Out." She then was cast in Stephen Sondheim’s "Company" which earned her a Tony Award nomination. Also in New York, she’s appeared in "The Selling of the President," "Snoopy" (creating the role of Peppermint Patty) and "Into the Woods."
Myers lived in California for 15 years where she was seen on a variety of TV shows including "Sha Na Na," "Major Dad," "Happy Days," "Starsky and Hutch" and "Alice." Regionally she’s played Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd," Mama Rose in "Gypsy," Dot in "Sunday in the Park with George" and Annie in "Annie Get Your Gun."
As a soloist she finds performing “Another 100 People” with the Cincinnati Pops and the Boston Pops Orchestras “particularly thrilling.”
In Cincinnati she’s recently been seen in productions of "The Full Monty" (CCM) & "bare: The Musical" (Know Theatre).
“We are ecstatic to have Pam joining us for this production of Once Upon a Mattress.” said Jersey's managing director Kelly Martin. “We’ve wanted to work with her for a while and the role of Queen Aggravain seemed the perfect opportunity. She’s already making us laugh in rehearsal!”
About the show
If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and the Pea," you may be in for a walloping 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 and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again.
"'Once Upon a Mattress' is a family-friendly show that is perfect for the holidays," Martin said. "We have assembled a great cast and creative team for our fourth annual holiday production. December is the perfect time of year to spend a night with your family and friends in downtown Cincinnati. There are many activities happening all over the city and we hope that live theatre will make people's lists for the season! Everyone loves a 'happily ever after' story!"
"This production will bring back the joy of bedtime stories and bring the audience back to their childhood. By adding a children's chorus we will create an atmosphere on stage that makes the story come alive with wonder and imagination." said director Ellie Mooney. "We have a very fun theatrical design planned and executed by an amazing staff and I am excited to work with such a talented group of performers."
This year will mark Jersey Productions' second year at the Aronoff Center for the Arts as a resident company.
Cast:
Kaitlin Becker (Princess Winnifred)
Max Monnig (Prince Dauntless)
Kirk Keevert (King Sextimus)
Elizabeth Worley (Lady Larken)
Bryant Smith (Sir Harry)
Ernie Rowland (Wizard)
Travis Custer (Minstrel)
Jesse Stout (Jester)
Ensemble: Deborah Ball, Jamie Bradley, Rebecca Braun, Dana Burck, Melissa Campbell, Joshua Couch, Michelle Guiot, Alexa Hartsfield, Julia Kempf, Jacqueline Mapes, Brianna Quinn, Maria Ramos, Victoria Shields, Megan Urz, and Xander Wells.
Production Team
Ellie Mooney - Director/Choreographer
Kelly Martin - Musical Director
Doug Borntrager - Production Manager
Clifton Chaddick - Scenic Designer
Josh Mansker - Lighting Designer
Helena Victor - Costume Designer
Brittanie Sicker - Stage Manager
- Performances: Saturday, December 12 – 8:00 pm; Sunday, December 13 – 3:00 pm; Thursday, December 17 – 2:00 pm; Friday, December 18 – 8:00 pm; Saturday, December 19 – 8:00 pm
- Single Tickets: Tickets for each show ($25-$20) are available in person at the Aronoff Center's
- Box Office, by phone at 513-621-ARTS (2787) or online at www.cincinnatiarts.org.
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