And they lived happily ever after…A Recap of “Once Upon A Mattress”

Princess Winnifred felt the pea under the mattress and passed the princess test so she and Prince Dauntless can get married. Dauntless stood up to his mom so now she can’t talk but the King finally can. Sir Harry and Lady Larkin are getting married and having a baby, and everyone lived happily ever after. And that’s what you missed on…

Princess Winnifred is played by Carla Astudillo in Encore Stage & Studio’s “Once Upon A Mattress” (2014)[/caption]Last weekend was the the final performance of Encore’s summer musical Once Upon A Mattress (a Broadway musical version of the classic story of the Princess and the Pea), bringing in over 1,600 audience members! There has been no shortage of fancy dance moves, quirky princesses, and pesky peas this summer, but if you missed any of the fun, Carla Astudillo–our very own Princess Winnifred–can fill you in.

Carla is a college student and has worked at Encore for the past 3 seasons, including at our Encore summer camps this year. For more information on Carla–when she’s not playing Princess Winnifred–check out her Front Row feature from last year. Here’s what she had to say about the role of Fred, and her summer at Encore:

Encore: How did you enjoy the role of Princess Fred?

Carla: I absolutely loved playing Winnifred. It is so refreshing to play a princess who is wild and free.

E: Do you and Fred have any similarities/differences?

C: Fred and I definitely have a lot in common. We both love nature and where we come from, are loud, and love making people laugh. It was fun and challenging to play someone that I felt such a strong connection with.

E: This was your third summer with Encore, what made you return?

C: I love Encore so much. It really comes down to the community. The people here are so kind, and I have made lifelong friendships. Aside from the great people, Encore offers a fun and educational theatrical experience. I cannot imagine a summer without Encore.

E: What was your favorite scene in the show or moment this summer at Encore?

C: It’s pretty difficult to pick just one, and I cherish every scene where I get to interact with the ensemble, but my favorite scene (song) in the show was probably Happily Ever After. It was always a challenge, and I loved hearing how different audiences reacted to it each night.

E: If you can describe Encore in one word, what would it be and why?

C: Community. Encore has created such a tight knit, yet all-inclusive community, and I cannot express enough how happy I am each time I walk into a rehearsal/performance. These people have become my family, and I am so grateful to be a part of this community.

We had a great time working with Carla and the entire Once Upon A Mattress cast and crew this summer. Congratulations to each and every one of them on their fantastic performance! If you weren’t able to come see Once Upon A Mattress last weekend, never fear! Encore isn’t going anywhere. Our next production, The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow, opens on November 7, 2014. We have a great 2014/2015 season lined up, so be sure to get your discount ticket bundles this season and sign up for our e-newsletter for updates on everything we have in store this season.