Here’s a peek at Hanover Little Theatre’s 2026-27 season with auditions for the musical Once Upon a Mattress at 7 p.m., June 16 and June 17 with callbacks (if needed) June 18. The performances of this show, directed by Ashley Gerhardt, will be Sept. 11-13 and 17-20; individual tickets go on sale Aug. 8.
Auditioners should come to our playhouse at 360 Blooming Grove Road, Hanover, prepared to sing a short selection from a song in the style of the show. It is also acceptable to sing a song from the show or character that you are auditioning for. An accompanist will be provided; please bring the appropriate sheet music. A short dance/movement combination will be taught and performed. Sides from the show may be read at auditions. If auditioning for the role of King Sextimus the Silent, a side including pantomime only will be used for this character.
Auditioners also will fill out an audition form and provide a list of scheduling conflicts. (Rehearsal schedules will be created based on cast availability.)
BEHIND THE SCENES
The members of this musical’s creative team includes Director/Choreographer Ashley Gerhardt, Music Director Tyrus Mataban, Assistant Director Deborah Williams, and Stage Manager Vigil Dewhurst.
ROLES
PRINCESS WINNIFRED THE WOEBEGONE, A3 – Db5 (belty mezzo), presenting female — A strong, boisterous, and gregarious young lady from the swamplands who must undertake the Queen’s test to marry.
PRINCE DAUNTLESS, A2 – E4 (classical baritone), presenting male — The Queen’s son who is prevented from marrying any potential prospect by the Queen’s impossible and unfair tests.
QUEEN AGGRAVAIN, A3 – B4 (classical alto), presenting female — As the woman who really runs the country, she is commanding, composed, and protective of her son.
THE JESTER, Db3 – Ab4 (tenor), presenting male or female — A humorous component of the King’s court, and the King’s friend and confidant.
THE MINSTREL, D3 – Ab4 (classical tenor), presenting male or female — A compelling narrator who is taken with Lady Larken.
KING SEXTIMUS THE SILENT, presenting male (does not sing) — Using pantomime/slapstick to communicate, he is silent due to a curse. While kind and caring, he’s a little lecherous
LADY LARKEN, Db4 – Ab5 (classical soprano), presenting female — A strong-willed woman who wants to marry Sir Harry, to whom she is pregnant.
SIR HARRY, C3 – G4, presenting male — Full of romantic machismo, he is unable to marry Lady Larken until Prince Dauntless finds a bride.
THE WIZARD, baritone, presenting male or female — They are a servant to the queen and full of ego.
NIGHTINGALE OF SMARKAND, B3 – G5, presenting female or male — They sing Princess Winnifred to sleep with a beautiful soprano voice.
SUPPORTING CAST, including various Ladies in Waiting, Soldiers, Knights, Musicians, and cameos such as Sir Studley, Princess #12, etc., which will require six to eight performers, potentially playing multiple characters.
SYNOPSIS
Long ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couple could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a bride, but none of the multitude of princess candidates could pass the Queen’s tests until Winnifred the Woebegone. Still, will Winnifred be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince, and help Lady Larken and Sir Harry make it to the altar? This rollicking spin on the class tale The Princess and the Pea is by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic.
Once Upon a Mattress is presented at HLT through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals with music by Mary Rodgers; book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer; and lyrics by Marshall Barer.
For questions, email info@hanoverlittletheatre.com or call 717-637-5297.