YMTC proudly presents ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Talented young performers offer fractured fairy tale fun for the whole family!
BERKELEY, CA (December 18, 2009) --- Youth Musical Theater Company (YMTC) will put on six performances of the Broadway classic ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, in Berkeley's landmark Julia Morgan Young People's Performing Arts Center.
Performance details: February 20, 26, and 27 at 7:30 pm, February 21 and 27 at 2 pm and February 28 at 3 pm
Julia Morgan Young People's Performing Arts Center, 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley
$20 - general, $15 - senior (65 and over), $10 - youth (22 and under) All seats are reserved
Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets beginning January 1 1-800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com
ABOUT THE SHOW: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS opened on Broadway in 1959, marking the Broadway debut of stage and TV legend Carol Burnett, who originated the role of Princess Winnifred. A hilarious musical spoof of the The Princess and the Pea, it's full of delightful, snappy music by Mary Rodgers, wonderfully witty lyrics by Marshall Barer, and big, fun dance numbers. It takes place in a mythical kingdom where, due to an unhappy curse, King Sextimus is unable to speak. Meanwhile, Queen Aggravian has taken over control of the kingdom; she has decreed that only the princess who can pass her test may marry her son, Prince Dauntless. Furthermore, no one else in the kingdom may marry until the Prince does. Luckily, Princess Winnifred the Woebegone (a most unlikely heroine) appears and instantly catches the attention of Prince Dauntless. With a little help from her newfound friends, she passes the Queen's test, the curse on the king is broken, and all's well that ends well.
YMTC shows attract a broad audience to their professional quality productions; the group is a magnet for exceptional young performers from all over the Bay Area. This production of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS brings together talented students from Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hayward, San Rafael, and Canyon. Known for the skill of its actors/singers and beautifully designed and crafted sets, costumes, props, and full orchestra, YMTC showcases talented teens, many of whom go on to some of the best college theater programs in the country.
ABOUT YMTC: Based in Berkeley, CA, Youth Musical Theater Company is dedicated to training the next generation of theater artists and engaged citizens by creating an exceptional theater experience for performers and audiences alike. For over ten years, YMTC has been providing talented, passionate young people, grades 7 through college, with the opportunity to study and perform under the guidance of professional musicians, choreographers, and theater artists. Past productions include LA Chorus Line (Fall 2009), Les Miserables (Summer 2009), Fiddler on the Roof (Fall 2008), Into the Woods (Summer 2008), Man of La Mancha (Fall 2008), Guys & Dolls (Fall 2007), Cabaret (Summer 2007), and Sweeney Todd (Fall 2006). YMTC also offers musical theater training workshops throughout the year, including its after school Pocket Broadway Workshop from January through March, week-long Summer Workshops, and Weekend Intensives for advanced students. For more information visit: www.ymtcberkeley.org
"YMTC is by far the best theater bargain in the Bay Area. We're proud to support your mission and talented young people who bring such enjoyment to our community." - Alan and Barbara W., Concord
". . .attending your productions is akin to a night on Broadway. We are transported into a true theater experience, and forget that these are teenagers doing their stuff. What you do with these kids is nothing short of miraculous. . . . It is pure bliss to be in the audience." - Jill S., Berkeley
"[YMTC's] production of Fiddler on the Roof was a classic presentation . . . that would impress even a Broadway aficionado. The acting was superb!" - Debra Costner, Bay Area Business Woman
YMTC is supported in part by the Civic Arts Commission, the Bill Graham Foundation, and the Alameda Arts Commission. ONCE UPON A MATTRESS is presented through special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
