The musical Once Upon a Mattress is the Hanover Little Theatre’s first production of its 78th season and led by Director Ashley Gerhardt and Assistant Director Debbie Williams. The comedic musical will be on stage 7:30 p.m., Sept. 11-12 and 17-19 and 2 p.m., Sept. 13 and 20.
Tickets are on sale to the general public NOW. The single ticket price is $22 for adults and $20 for seniors (65+) and students with no fees for tickets printed at home or bought at the door. There will be a $2 charge for all phone orders and a $1 charge for any tickets delivered through the mail.
In addition to buying tickets online, the HLT box office will be available for in-person purchases prior to opening night:
- Saturdays, Aug. 29 and Sept. 5, 10 a.m.–noon
- Sundays, Aug. 30 and Sept. 6, noon–2 p.m.
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. 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 Princess and the Pea is by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic.
ON STAGE
This musical features Mia Coulbourne as Princess Winnifred the Woebegone; J’aime Elizabeth as Queen Aggravain; Justin Rosenberger as Prince Dauntless; Michael Baker as King Sextimus the Silent; Richie Dobson as Sir Harry; Allisa Baker as Lady Larken; Paul Norfolk as the Minstrel; Andy Griesacker as the Wizard / Ensemble; Quinton Laughman as Sir Studley / Ensemble; Ashley Clouse as the Jester; Jess Haag as the Nightingale of Smarkand / Ensemble; Vanessa Baker, Ensemble; and Amara Barreto, Ensemble.
BEHIND THE SCENES
The musical’s crew includes Director/Choreographer Ashley Gerhardt and Assistant Director Deborah Williams; Music Director Tyrus Mataban; Stage Manager Vigil Dewhurst; Costumers Linda Fink and Ashley Gerhardt; Prop Mistress Carmella Champ; Set Designers Jamie Gerhardt, Vigil Dewhurst, and Andy Griesacker; Light Designers Bob McCleary and Jamie Gerhardt; and Sound Designer Lexi Seidenstricker.
NONPROFIT PARTNER
Remember that HLT will donate $2 for each ticket sold to the Saturday, Sept. 12 performance to Re-Source York, a nonprofit operating retail stores to sell donated building supplies and home furnishings. We will also accept donations from patrons at each performance.
SEASON SPONSORS
J.A. Myers Homes and The Eichelberger Performing Arts Center are our 2026-27 Season Sponsors. THANKS!
For questions, email info@hanoverlittletheatre.com or call 717-637-5297.
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.