Local actors retell children’s classic on stage

NEGAUNEE — A retelling of a favorite children’s classic is hitting the Vista Theater stage in Negaunee Thursday night.

‘Once Upon a Mattress’ features is a comedic twist on ‘The Princess and the Pea’ by nearly three dozen local actors of all ages. The acting crew says they have been working to groom the show for weeks and that audience members can expect lots of laugh and great energy.

“It’s really new every night, every time we go over it. But at the same time, we keep the good stuff, working it, tweaking it and tightening it because these types of stories rely a lot on timing and we need to make sure we get it just right,” said Aaron Carlson, an actor playing ‘Prince Dauntless.’

The play opens Thursday night, May 18, at 7pm and runs through Saturday at the same time. It will also run Thursday through Saturday next week, with matinees at 2pm this Sunday and next. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for K-12 students and seniors over 62 years old. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at Rare Earth Goods in Ishpeming, Snowbound Books and Gitchee Gumee Cafe and Records in Marquette or online here.