Once Upon a Mattress question

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 4:58pm

Hi so my school has picked/voted for Once upon a mattress. I'm familar with Shy and Carol Burnett but can anyone tell me which character is the male lead or male that has the best part? Thanks!

[broadway86]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 5:06pm

Prince Dauntless or (to a lesser extent) Sir Harry.

[Patash]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 5:07pm

Let me guess. By "best part" you really mean "which part is on stage the most" or "has the most lines"?

In my book the BEST male part is the king who only speaks one line at the very end of the play, but must be a master comedian and a master at mime. He often steals the show.

[Fantod]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 5:20pm

The production that I was in when I was younger had an embarrassingly bad king. He makes or breaks a show a lot of times, as well as the queen.

Updated On: 11/14/14 at 05:20 PM

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 5:21pm

I played the king in high school. (I can't sing a note.)

I wouldn't have had it any other way.

And, honestly, of the male singing roles in the show, the ones I'd choose would be either the Minstrel or the Jester. They both get to show off, and you can do a lot of great character work.

Dauntless is a boringly written role, and Harry is... well, a boringly written role, though he has prettier music.

[Feste]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 7:00pm

I played Dauntless in HS... it's a wonderful show for a high school to do.

As for which part is "best" - that's subjective, and based on what you're suited for. Dauntless is the male lead, and a wonderful comedic role, but it wasn't vocally demanding. You need really good singers for the Minstrel, Harry, a decent dancer for the Jester and someone good with mime to play the king. The wizard is great too, and could go to someone who might do a few magic tricks.

So, it's really a good show to showcase what YOU do best, rather than looking for the "best" role.

I'm so glad that High schools are still doing this. Good luck and have fun!!









Updated On: 11/14/14 at 07:00 PM

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 9:01pm

Well I'm more of a singer who acts. If I'm stronger with my vocals should I go for harry?

[Feste]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 9:23pm

Harry or the Minstrel.


Harry is more a baritone, the Minstrel a tenor. Both have lovely songs in a fun score written by Mary Rodgers who passed away this past June.

Updated On: 11/14/14 at 09:23 PM

[Fantod]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 9:27pm

I'd go for the minstrel if you are confident enough in your singing abilities. You get to sing some lovely songs and show off vocally.

[Feste]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 9:31pm

A lot of the entire show is cut and moved around, including the Minstrel's opening song, but it's Carol Burnett in the role that started her career!

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB1NHb0cKFo



One my fondest high school memories is of performing in this show. I hope it's the same joy for you!






Updated On: 11/14/14 at 09:31 PM

[Feste]

Posted: 11/14/14 at 9:45pm

And here's the playlist for the original cast recording...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYjSoFhZOM8&list=PLCD0848C7C196E991


Synopsis, characters and song list:


http://www.guidetomusicaltheatre.com/shows_o/once_upon_mattress.htm


Updated On: 11/14/14 at 09:45 PM