According to director Johnathan Holmes, 32 students are set to take the stage, along with eight stage crew students and 10 Greater Altoona Career and Technology cosmetology students helping with hair and make-up.

Inspired by the 1835 fairytale “Princess and the Pea,” the musical comedy “Once Upon a Mattress” takes place inside a kingdom that banned marriage until Queen Aggravain’s son, Prince Dauntless the Drab, finds a bride. The quest is harder than it seems, as each of Dauntless’ interested suitresses must undergo intensive tests created by Queen Aggravain. When Sir Henry and Lady Larken must hide their pregnancy, Henry finds a shy swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, to marry Dauntless.

Holmes, stage manager Kim Holmes, and last year’s cast of “The Addams Family” decided on “Once Upon A Mattress” for its spring musical.

“When deciding this show, there aren’t a lot of high schools that have done this,” he said. “It’s a little older, but it’s hilarious.”

The cast of Tyrone Area High School’s production of “Once Upon a Mattress.” Courtesy photo

Rather than relying on the production’s bright and flashy colors, Holmes said he’s taking a historical approach, as the story takes place during the 15th century.

Holmes said he’s trying to build an in-house costume department as well, which is why they purchased and hand-made their costumes this year.

Auditions were held on Nov. 19 and 20, he said.

Due to Holmes’ recent diagnosis of a rare blood disorder, POEMS syndrome, he hasn’t taught classes since Jan. 12, and he won’t return to the classroom this school year.

However, students and staff adapted to schedule changes and continued to practice, putting on the show in the face of adversity.

The cast of Tyrone Area High School’s production of “Once Upon a Mattress" rehearse at the school. Courtesy photo

“These kids have been amazing and truly resilient,” Holmes said. “They adapted to the situation and still brought together a great show.”

Cast

Elijah Richardson is Minstrel; Hailey Lowery, Queen Aggravain; Dakota Miller, King Sextimus the Silent; Reilly Rawlings, Prince Dauntless; Braylinne Shaw, Princess Winnifred; Ryleigh Holmes, Sir Harry; Caydence Dickson, Lady Larken; Peyton Riggleman, Jester; Marshall George, Wizard; Clark Tuskovich, Sir Studley; Grace Graham, Sir Luce; Layne Day, Sir Cumference; Ella

Narehood, Lady Lucille; Ryleigh Dillon, Lady Rowena; Gabriella Bruder, Lady Merrill; Hannah Narehood, Lady H and Jenna Watson is Lady Maybelle.

The ensemble includes Mia Eger, Emery Cole, Katelyn Wilson, Harper Storm, Regina Strom, Arbor Myers, Maggie Montgomery, Harmony Dickson, Peyton Wray, Brystlee Shaw and Anna Robinson.

Crew

Directors – Jonathan and Kim Holmes

Stage manager – Kim Holmes

Assistant stage manager – Carlie Nowlin

Music director – Gabriella Petrarca

Choreographer – Abigail Christine

Set design – Eric Feather and Kermit Foor IV

Audio/video/lighting design – Bill Hartsock

Hair and make-up – Greater Altoona Career and Technology Cosmetology

Set construction – John Eaken, Troy Christine, Paul Christine, Arthur Fogleman, Jes Fogleman and Cooper Fogleman

Student tickets – Kaytee Eckley and Amanda Raup

Box office and cast party – Tyrone Area Drama Club parents

If you go

What: Tyrone Area High School presents “Once Upon A Mattress”

When: 7 p.m. March 27 and 28

Where: Tyrone Area High School

Tickets: General admission $10 available now at the high school main office and lobby before each performance