Once upon a mattress audition and show help

[LilMiZBroADwaY23]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 9:10pm

Alright, so I've done most of my research on the show. Listened to some of the music. I just need some help with what part to go out for and such. If you could just give me an overview for the characters, a who's who and such, and maybe some good audition songs.

As of right now, I'm planning on auditioning with a Wicked song... yes, I know. But my school is in the middle of hicksville U.S.A. and I believe there are only three of us that audition with a Broadway song. So I feel that I can audition with anything my heart desires.

My voice type is a very high soprano, but I can belt the hell out of anything. But any good ideas as to what part to audition for? My lower range is pretty decent but my upper range is up to an E above a high soprano C.

So any feedback is welcome. Thanks for your help!
Linzy

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 9:18pm

Then go for Lady Larken if you have a great Soprano range.

And don't do a song from Wicked. It's completely wrogn for the show. Updated On: 9/5/05 at 09:18 PM

[hot_brdwy_diva]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 10:16pm

Here is some Info and a synopsis of the show taken from musicalheaven.com...

Music By: Mary Rodgers Lyrics By: Marshall Barer
Based on: The Princess and the Pea
Opened: May 11, 1959
Theatre: Phoenix Theatre, (New York)
# of Performances: 460


Synopsis
Act I

As the strains of the Overture die down, we see the Minstrel, the narrator of the story. He tells us that "Many Moons Ago" a Princess came to a kingdom to try to win the hand of the fair Prince. Yet the Queen, the fair Prince's mother, had other plans. What if this girl isn't delicate and dainty enough for her sweet baby boy? Needless to say, she had to test her. Why not a tiny pea with twenty mattresses on top? If the girl feels the pea, than a genuine princess she must be. So the famous fairy-tale test begins... we all know how that one ended...however, the Minstrel lets us in on a little secret -- that's just a pretty story -- IT DIDN'T HAPPEN THAT WAY AT ALL!!

Actually, there wasn't only one girl put to the test -- there were thirteen girls. The real kingdom has a blabbermouth Queen and (unfortunately) a mute King. How does the Minstrel know so much? Well, he was there first hand! In the actual story, none of the citizens of the kingdom can get married until the Prince does...and as can be seen by the end of the first scene, the Queen has made her "tests" so difficult that even the most extraordinary princesses can't pass. Man, is there "An Opening for a Princess" here!

Two important characters who have a major reason to be extremely upset are the beautiful Lady Larken and the bold Sir Harry. Unfortunately, Larken and Harry had a rather, shall we say, "intimate moment" a few months back, and a little one is on the way...and the two can't get married until the Prince does! So there's definitely a dilemma here. Larken says she'll run away in order not to jeopardize Sir Harry's power (Sir Harry is the most influential knight in the entire kingdom). Harry tells her that she shouldn't leave, he'll work everything out: "Why should we both suffer the rest of our lives just because YOU had a moment of weakness?" Larken knows that "In a Little While" some wonderful things are going to happen...

Prince Dauntless, the hero of the story, is asking his mother why she won't let him marry. The Queen sets off on one of her vicious monologues that Dauntless has obviously heard at least a thousand times. "Why, I want you to get married...just not to anyone...why, if I were only twenty years younger..." Sir Harry interrupts the Queen. Harry offers to go in search of a true princess in the marshland. The Queen (nervous that her baby might actually get married) says, "No, no, no! We've been through all the eligible girls in all the neighboring kingdoms... we simply have to wait until their little sisters grow up, and that'll take years." However, after pleading from Sir Harry and Prince Dauntless the Queen gives in...it's Sir Harry's sinus, anyway.

Three weeks pass and the entire kingdom is about to believe that Harry has failed when suddenly...there's commotion...there's a girl in the main chamber who is soaking wet! She explains she swam the moat...she was so anxious! Besides, her friend Sir Harry told her that there was an opening for a princess--so, viola. Despite her whimsical nature, she confesses that she's horribly "Shy". Well, the Queen refuses to let any "moat-swimmer" marry her baby. The new princess is about to leave when Dauntless intervenes. He really likes her...she swam the moat! Suddenly, Harry runs in (a bit too late--the new princess has already belted one number and is quickly approaching her second) informing everyone that this "moat-swimmer" is a true princess: Princess Winnifred the Woebegone...he has the papers to prove it! Dauntless begs his mother to give her a test...the Queen tells him that she and the Wizard (her confidante) will put on their thinking caps and that this girl, like all the others, will fail miserably!!

In the next scene we see Lady Larken speaking to the mute King Sextimus. Sadly, the King doesn't have much power because he really can't get a word in edgewise with his blabbermouth wife. Larken leaves after hearing the good news that a princess has been found and that she is to be her lady-in-waiting! The Jester and the Minstrel stroll in as Larken is leaving. The King pantomimes that he's worried. After a bit of pantomime and guessing, the Jester and the Minstrel discover what the King's worried about: poor Larken is pregnant! Well, the Jester and Minstrel can keep secrets...the important question is...can the King?! The King can't talk, but he certainly shows what's on his mind...why, "The Minstrel, The Jester, and I" are a pretty good trio...

The Queen plots with the Wizard (who has helped her on all the previous twelve tests). What this girl needs is a test for..."Sensitivity". Exactly what, though? The Wizard suggests table manners, but the Queen doesn't think that's hard enough...she ends up yelling at the Wizard. She eventually apologizes...she's a bit grumpy because her back hurts from that old lumpy mattress she sleeps on..."I could feel any lump even if it were small as a pea..." THAT'S THE ANSWER! A pea under a mattress! Perfect...well, how about two mattresses, just to be sure...the Wizard suggests five and the Queen tops him twice...ten...NO TWENTY! Wonderful...

Princess Winnifred is being assisted into some new clothing to get out of the wet ones. The King comes in and welcomes the new Princess to the kingdom...and he hopes she gets an "A" on the test! Winnifred gushes, "I certainly like almost both your parents, Dauntless!" The Jester tells the Princess that the King is mute because a witch cast a spell on him before Prince Dauntless was born...it said, "King Sextimus will never talk until the mouse devours the hawk." Whatever that means...As the King leaves, Winnifred confides that living on land is certainly different than "The Swamps of Home."

After Winnifred tries on a couple of new outfits, Dauntless and Winnifred's ladies-in-waiting leave. Winnifred doesn't seem to enjoy her new outfit...after a bit of modeling she decides some grapes might add a special touch...unfortunately, she knocks over a vase and spills water all over the floor. At this moment, Larken rushes in..."Just look at this mess! What will my gentle Princess think of me?" Larken has no idea that her "gentle Princess" is the one scrubbing the floor! As Larken continues to order what she thinks is a chambermaid around, Sir Harry rushes in...and for some strange reason he's bowing to the chambermaid! Winnifred decides this is her cue to exit and Larken and Harry begin the inevitable fight..."How could you mistake the Princess for a chambermaid?!" Larken and Harry bitterly part.

As the next scene starts, we see the Queen and the Wizard still plotting...just to be sure that Princess "what's-her-name" has no trouble sleeping, the Wizard is preparing a sleeping potion and some heavy incense. However, there needs to be something to really make her want to hit the hay...an official ball! But what's tiring enough? Well, of course the Queen knows: "The Spanish Panic." It's all the rage in Venice--and absolutely exhausting!

As the lights come up on the next scene, we see a courtyard with tents. King Sextimus is eagerly chasing a girl around the stage...but, alas, he fails to catch her...the Jester and the Minstrel walk on to see his defeat...suddenly the trio hear the sound of footsteps...IT'S THE QUEEN!! They rush behind the tents until the Queen passes...just as they think it's safe to come back out, more footsteps are heard...only this time it's Lady Larken...and she looks like she's going to be out camping for a while. She breaks down into tears...she's leaving the kingdom! Well, the trio certainly wouldn't allow a lady to leave without helping her. Perhaps "Normandy" would be a nice place...it sounds so wonderful.

We now see the lights come up on The Great Hall. The Ball is in full swing now. "The Spanish Panic" is blaring--and this time it's faster than ever! At the end of the dance, all the dancers collapse except Winnifred--she's ready for another go! Perhaps the Queen's scheme isn't working as planned...

At the end of the Ball, Winnifred tells Dauntless that Winnifred is too formal... she'd prefer to be called by her nickname. Dauntless asks, "Winnie?" She replies, "Fred." Dauntless gushes... what a wonderful name! Dauntless sings the "Song of Love". In fact, the whole kingdom loves Princess Fred! "He's in love with a girl named F-R-E-D Fred!" Perhaps the Prince will get married after all...

ACT II

At the end of the Entr'acte, we see the King, the Jester, the Minstrel, and Larken (disguised a boy) trying to sneak out of the palace. Suddenly, Larken sneezes. Immediately the Queen screams, "QUIET!!!" Princess "what's-her-name" is going to have a good night's sleep and she'll scream the palace down until there's silence for her! The trio (plus the new addition of Larken) sneak away unnoticed. As sheets, pillows, and mattresses are prepared, commotion ensues. There's something fishy going on in the corridors... suddenly the Queen catches the trio... but who's the boy? The Minstrel tells the Queen that he and "Lancelot" were just leaving ... STOP! The Queen demands to know why Larken is leaving...at this moment Harry walks in with another lady...harsh words from both sides are shouted until the Queen (who obviously has the most powerful lungs in the kingdom) tells them both to shut up. She orders Larken upstairs to help "what's-her-name" prepare for bed...and she then banishes the Minstrel from the kingdom! After a bit of commotion over this, she screams QUIET!!!!!!!

As the next scene starts, we see Dauntless and Fred eagerly studying for the test which they think is tomorrow. Oh, medieval history is a pain! Prince Waldere ... the dragon Fafner ... it's all too much for Fred. Suddenly a boy enters the chamber... why, it's Larken! After an explanation from Larken, Fred suggests that Larken go apologize to Harry -- he's a real gentleman--and he loves Larken very much... Larken is pleased ... in fact, she tells the Princess that if her baby's a girl, she'll name her Fred! Dauntless asks, "What if it's a boy?" After this question, Fred decides that Dauntless needs to go to bed... she'll have to tackle the history alone...as Fred says good night, Dauntless leans over a gives Fred a kiss on the cheek... She then begins to read the history book... oh, shucks, if Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel can live "Happily Ever After," then why can't she? Fred might not know her history, but she does know her fairy-tales...all the famous heroines have to be married to have a happy ending ... if only she can pass this test!

Suddenly we see Harry dragging the Minstrel out of the kingdom against the arguments of the Jester and the King...the Minstrel is trying to get Harry to let him see the Wizard -- he's the only one who knows what the test is ... if the trio knows what the test is, they can tell Fred so that she can be prepared for it. Harry thinks it over and eventually agrees. The King volunteers to visit the Wizard, but the Jester feels it might be a bit too dangerous for him ... Suddenly, Dauntless walks on ... perfect! The Jester suggests that now might be a good time for the King to have a "Man to Man Talk" about "things" since Dauntless might be getting married soon...the Jester, Harry, and the Minstrel leave the father and son alone. Dauntless wants to know what getting married is for...if only the King could talk...it's hard to understand the birds and the bees in pantomime! After a lot of dancing around the stage, the King decides to take the easy way out: he pantomimes "stork." Dauntless is disappointed until... WAIT A MINUTE! He gets it! Wow! It's very interesting! The King beams with pride -- his boy is growing up!

As Sir Harry keeps watch, the Jester and the Minstrel enter the Wizard's chamber. The Minstrel confides that he's a great fan of the Wizard (who happened to be a great performer many years ago). In fact, that's why the Minstrel went in to show business in the first place: the inspiration the Wizard gave him! Why, they even belong to the same performer's guild! As the Minstrel chats with the Wizard, the Jester looks around for any hint of the test. The Wizard begins performing some pretty simple (if not cheesy) magician tricks ... he produces a bouquet of flowers ... suddenly in the fun, the Wizard decides to let in on the secret: the test is for... sensitivity... well, that didn't help very much ... the Minstrel tries to talk the rest out of him, but the Wizard feels uncomfortable with the Jester around. The Jester agrees to leave, but only if he can keep the flowers--they remind him of the good old days when his own father was in show business. When the Jester leaves, the Minstrel and the Wizard decide to go have a little drink and chat some more...

As the lights come up on the next scene, we see the Jester looking very "un-jesterly." He's remembering his father's old act... his dad was debonair in his "Very Soft Shoes." Why, those were the good old days...

Harry is pacing the corridor, still keeping watch...suddenly Larken walks on...Larken begins to apologize...and she doesn't blame him if he's changed... Harry agrees in a way he has... "Yesterday I Loved You," but I love you even more today ... Larken and Harry are back together!

In the next scene, the Queen is counting mattresses...17, 18, 19 and 20...oh, and one small pea...now, what's missing...oh, yes...the girl, where is she? Suddenly, Fred walks in with some ladies-in-waiting. The ladies began to administer the Wizard's sleeping potions and incense...however, they seem to be taking effect on the ladies more than Winnifred...what this girl needs is a lullaby...needless to the say, the Queen has thought of everything...bring on the Nightingale of Samarkand ["Nightingale Lullaby"]. Wonderful...at least one person will get a good night's sleep...Fred climbs the ladder to the top of the twenty mattresses...but she can't get comfortable...she tries many different positions until she finally screams for the bird to shut up! She tells everyone good night and begins to try a few more positions until she finally gives up...she needs some sheep! "1...2...3...4..."

The next morning arrives, and Dauntless is getting all dressed up for the test. His mother tells him the test is already over...she put a pea under twenty mattresses and "what's-her-name" looked absolutely exhausted. Dauntless whimpers, "And she slept?" The Queen replies that she doesn't know, but the girl looked absolutely wretched and old enough to be...well, never mind that...

In the next scene we see a large hall with all the citizens of the kingdom gathered to hear the results of the test...everyone wants Princess Fred to pass...everyone except..."Good morning, Your Majesty" the people chime as the Queen enters...the Queen is about to savor her thirteenth victory when suddenly...Fred walks in... "37,426 .... 37,427 ... 37,428 ... " The Queen asks, "37,428 what?" Fred replies, "Sheep! What do you stuff your mattresses with -- jousting equipment?!" The Queen stutters, "You didn't sleep?!" Fred tells her nope... Dauntless nearly faints! Fred has passed! Fred wants to know what she's passed and Dauntless explains ... Fred thinks it's a nice story, but she'd rather sleep... the banquet table looks comfortable enough ... Dauntless decides to take her up to her room ... however, the Queen won't stand it ... Fred may have passed but she's never liked anyone with those shifty eyes and ... suddenly Dauntless can't take anymore: "SHUT UP!!" Suddenly the Queen isn't making noise anymore -- but her jaw is still flapping as usual ... wait a minute ... it's the curse! The mouse devoured the hawk! So that means ... the King can talk ... and does he have a lot to say! Now, he's the one giving the orders around here, and the Queen can start following them by doing a little jumping across the stage ...

Suddenly, the bed is revealed and Dauntless helps Winnifred climb it ... as the chorus performs the Finale, the Minstrel and the Jester reveal various items they'd stuffed under the top mattress (including Fred's early guess of jousting equipment!). After all the objects are taken out...Princess Fred settles down ... but, ouch... there's still something bugging her ... Dauntless seems to know what it is ... he reaches down and takes out the pea from the bottom mattress. A genuine princess is exceedingly rare! A happily ever after is in order ... but first, Fred decides it's time to sleep... *

* Synopsis by Tim Whittemore


Song List


ACT ONE

Overture
Many moons ago
An Opening For A Princess
In A Little While
In A Little While Reprise
Shy
Fanfare
The Ministrel, The Jester and I
Sensitivity
The Swamps of Home
Fight-Fight
Spanish panic
Tents
Normandy
Spanish PL NO. 2
Song of love
ACT TWO

Entr'acte
Opening - Act II
Happily ever after
Man to man talk
Very soft shoes
Three O'clock In The Morning
Yesterday I loved you
Nightingale Lullaby
Wizard
Finale
Bows And Exit Music

Cast List

Joseph Bova, Carol Burnett, Allen Case, Jack Gilford, Anne Jones, Matt Mattox, Harry Snow & Jane White.

[Sporti2005]

Posted: 9/6/05 at 11:25am

if you're a high soprano, go for lady larken. it's a fun part, and you get to do "normandy" which is the best number in the show!!!

i played lady larken, and we auditioned with pieces from the show, but you might consider using "what good would the moon be" from street scene or "if i loved you" -- something to show off your high notes.

please don't do a song from wicked. here's why: not only is it bad to get in the habit of using wicked songs for auditions (if you're going to be auditioning for things, why not pick a song you can use other than this one time??), my fair lady is right -- WICKED IS COMPLETELY WRONG FOR THIS SHOW. wicked is seriously more pop than musical theatre, and if you're auditioning for lady larken, you're auditioning for a part with a relatively legit sound. even if you're auditioning for princess winifred, that's a CHEST belt role, NOT a pop-belt role AT ALL.

bottom line - yes, wicked is fun and all that jazz...just please reserve yourself to singing it in your room, your car, your head, anything but at an audition.

[LilMiZBroADwaY23]

Posted: 9/6/05 at 4:39pm

After listening to some of the songs, I've decided to try out for Lady Larken. I appreciate everyone's advice, and will definitley now be doing a different audition song. ((The beauty is from Piazza maybe? I've got a very short time period... sorry))

Anymore audition songs selections are welcome, but just remember I have a very short time slot so somethign I can learn quickly.

Thank you guys so much, and you all have definitley helped me.

Z

[hot_brdwy_diva]

Posted: 9/6/05 at 6:48pm

www.hamienet.com/cat1.html - try downloading some midis maybe to practice with. I know If I Loved you is there, and I know that they have songs from street scene but I'm not sure which ones. Good luck and let us know!

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 6:12pm

Lady Larkin is a great choice, although I'm sure you could have pulled off Winnifred too.

Anyways, I would suggest Soon From A Little Night Music, but it might be too hard for you to get a hold of. Sporti2005, is right about My Fair Lady being a good show for songs(especially if your from Hicksville, I doubt you have to worry about having something that no one else will have). My Fair Lady might be easier to find too. But if you do use it, don't use "Wouldn't it be Loverly." "I Could Have Danced All Night" would be a better choice. This song has been done so many times though, I hear it all the time at auditions and get sick of it, but I think you'll be safe :)

[BroadwayNick]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 10:26pm

Thanks! My high school is doing this too and that synopsis helped a lot!

Nick

[LilMiZBroADwaY23]

Posted: 9/16/05 at 3:07pm

Well, I didn't get the part I wanted, but I guess I was cast as the Wizard... which they're going to change into a Witch or sorcoress or something.

Thanks for all the advice, but I had to leave early from auditions so I think that definitley affected the role I received. Oh well, I get to sing and act!

Linzy

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 12:55am

Congratulations! The Wizard is still a role :) plus it's bigger that chorus! You actually speak more than you sing. There is a great bit of dialogue in the beginning with Princess 12 and a speaking part in the Sensitivity song, and there is a part when the Jester and Minstel come to visit the wizard. It's a good part!