SALT in Chester Springs to Stage ‘Once Upon a Mattress’

SALT Performing Arts will present Once Upon a Mattress at SALT Chester Springs. The performance will run Feb. 6–22. 

Opening night on Friday, Feb. 6, will promote dressy attire and champagne, followed by a robust schedule of matinees and evening shows through Feb. 22.

The production features a leading cast including Mary Kate Shields as Princess Winnifred, Ryan Hagan as Prince Dauntless, Janine Weiss as Queen Aggravain, and Todd Hatton as King Sextimus the Silent. 

Director James Wier leads a stylish production with choreographer Stacy Moscotti and music director Sandi Joy Chadwick, featuring high-tech visuals like the SALT 2.0 upgradable 3D video wall. This performance blends comedy, song, and a dynamic cast, enhanced by the 3D video wall and standout set under Wier's direction.

Designed for families and audience members of all ages, this heartwarming adaptation of the fairy tale classic follows the fearless and unconventional Princess Winnifred as she challenges an inflexible royal court and helps a shy prince discover love. The show melds slapstick comedy, appealing songs, and satire.

“Although at first glance this show may seem light-hearted and quirky, it actually has some powerful themes,” said Lauren McComas, SALT's president and artistic director, to MyChesCo. McComas said the cast delivers “better than Broadway voices.”

As part of SALT's decade-long partnership with the Chester County Food Bank, SALT will collect food donations at every performance, with $1 from each ticket sale being donated directly to the food bank.

Tickets are on sale now on the SALT Performing Arts website. The performance schedule is as follows:

SALT Performing Arts is located at 1645 Art School Road in Chester Springs. Officials encourage guests to arrive early due to limited late seating. Accessibility seating is available with advance notice.