Urg... I don't understand this character...

[brdwaybaby17]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 10:09pm

I am playing Winnifred in Once Upon A Mattress, which I think is a scattered show to begin with, but I just don't get her. I have been trying to work on her characterization... and I can't put my finger on her. Has anyone ever played her, or have any tips? Anything would be good at the moment... I look like a fool when I try to do the scenes... oh bother... Thanks!

[BroadwayMonkey]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 10:12pm

Yeah, Winnifred is a pretty random character. She's very bubbly, independent, and this odd cross b/w masculine and feminine. Just try to be realllllly energetic.

[brdwaybaby17]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 10:16pm

That's what this whole gosh darn show is... I hate it... like we couldn't have done something intelligent. Although, my friend and I really wanna do Zombie Prom... lol At least that's funny.

[BroadwayMonkey]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 10:35pm

Well, congrats on getting Fred!

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 10:41pm

Don't sound so disappointed! I would kill to play Fred! :) It's really a great role and so much fun. I guess just think tomboy in a dress. Something like that.

[brdwaybaby17]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 11:07pm

lol Thanks, but I just... there are some characters I play well... and others, not so much. I'm much more of a dramatic person... but somehow I always get the dumb comedic role... like last year I was Miss Hannigan... I was awful.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 11:16pm

If you feel so awkward during rehearslas, youo can always step down and let a more enthusiastic actress play the part.

[Jon]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 11:28pm

Think "Ellen Degeneres forced to wear a ball gown".

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 11:29pm

Good description!

[BroadwayMonkey]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 11:57pm

Jon- NICE. That's genius.

[tthomas76]

Posted: 10/16/04 at 5:12am

Oh, that would be great to see Ellen play Winnie! LOL Thanks for the laugh! I would totally love to see that... :)

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 10/16/04 at 8:11am

Brdwy...

Princess Winifred in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS is a "clown" role... NO LAYERS to dig through! :)

Just relax and have fun with the part! The more relaxed you get, the more fun you and the audience will have!

Maybe pretend you're a teenager and back at a slumber party, and thinking up some silly ways to entertain your friends!

Just be crazy and WHACKY! "Fred" is a "foolproof" part and you won't FAIL! I would NOT listen to Carol Burnett's OBC CD because you need to develop your OWN style for the part!

So, remember, RELAX, FUN, and WHACKY!!!

BREAK A LEG on Opening Night! And remember, you WILL live "Happily Ever After"!


Warmest Regards,


Mary_Ethel

Updated On: 10/16/04 at 08:11 AM

[robbiej]

Posted: 10/16/04 at 10:36am

Remember, this is a girl who insists she's shy, but belts the hell out of it. It's in that duality the character lies.

Was that too grad school of an explanation?

[Craig]

Posted: 10/16/04 at 10:46am

I would have thought that you can pick up the CD and figure out what Fred is all about. Consider her an ugly duckling who's really a swan to those that get past her being an unconventional "princess".

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 10/16/04 at 11:18am

Well, still don't think listening to the OBC is a good idea... Carol Burnett has a very UNIQUE style and hard to imitate.

I think Bdwy... would do MUCH BETTER if she found her OWN interpretation of role.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 10/16/04 at 12:30pm

I always saw her as a really big puppy who is much bigger than she thinks.Think of a big St. Bernard who just wants to sit in your lap. She just wants to be loved and loves everybody and is always confused when people don't like her.

[brdwaybaby17]

Posted: 10/16/04 at 5:03pm

lol Thanks guys... those were great suggestions... well most of them (Dollypop).

[brdwaybaby17]

Posted: 10/20/04 at 8:47pm

I got her down guys! And if I might say so, I think she is quite the character now... I say I don't think she's manic depressive... just plain manic... What's that mote full of? Pixi Sticks!