Audiences who come out to see Martensville High School Choir’s staging of Once Upon a Mattress at 7:00 pm on Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23, and at 2:00 pm on Sunday, Nov. 24, can expect to see and hear engaging performances and wonderful singing from a cast of twenty student performers from Martensville High School choir.
“The cast and crew of close to twenty-five people began preparing for the production in September with early morning practices as well as rehearsals after school. Set preparation happened over the summer so that we were ready to go once school began,” explained the musical’s director, teacher Mary Lou Beck.
Given time constraints, some students had the responsibility of each cast member sharing two major roles. Samantha Graham and Isabelle Thomas both shared the role of the plucky Princess Winnifred as well as the role of the Jester. Rylie Coller and Jack Strunk shared the roles of Prince Dauntless and Sir Harry.
On what she learned from acting in this year’s musical, Isabelle Thomas commented, “I learned not to be embarrassed when performing on the stage because it is just that – acting!”
On his most memorable moment from the musical, Jack Strunk observed, “My most memorable moment was at the very beginning during auditions. I realized that I could challenge myself and learn new music that I had not prepared for.”
Being part of such a major production has certainly helped students in their character development. Students developed confidence in communicating before an audience as well as enhanced their teamwork and active listening skills. Reflecting on his experience, Chael Olson says that what he will take away from his participation in the MHS musical is his new-found vocal and stage performing skills as well his new friendships.
The stage crew worked many hours to develop their skills in stage lighting and sound. The light and sound crew consisted of Zuhkayda Tarala, Eerik Kojola, Alisha Antoski, and Zoe Anderson. Raylai Lint provided support with the stage props. Parent volunteer Jody Coller played a major leadership role as part of the stage crew.
During the week of Nov. 19-22, the cast and crew had the opportunity to stage the entertaining and fast-paced musical for students from Martensville High School as well as for grade 8 students from Venture Heights Elementary.
Public performances are at 7:00 pm on Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23, and at 2:00 pm on Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Martensville High School Theatre. Tickets are $13.00 for adults; $10.00 for students; and preschoolers are free. Tickets are available at the school’s main office. Admission price includes an assortment of delicious desserts prepared by the MHS Commercial Cooking 20 class under the direction of teacher Kathryn Kulchar and served in the school’s foyer before the show.
